In a powerful joint press conference held on Wednesday, leaders of the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately conclude the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units as ordered by the Supreme Court, warning that no electoral activity should proceed without it. The press briefing, which included representatives from Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, strongly commended INEC for adhering to the Supreme Court's directives. The leaders lauded the field report confirming that the Ijaws are the majority in Warri North and South-West LGAs, while the Urhobos hold majority in Warri South. However, they raised alarm over alleged attempts by the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality to frustrate the process through multiple court actions and agitation for the use of a now-defunct voter register, which the Ijaw and Urhobo leaders insist violates the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022. They warned against succumbing to such “blackmail,” affirming that population and physical realities, not outdated registers, must guide the delineation. More gravely, the conference addressed a disturbing development: the reported arrest of individuals, including a serving British Army officer, linked to a plot to import arms and destabilize the region. The Ijaw and Urhobo groups commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for foiling the plan, which they claimed was aimed at preventing the delineation from proceeding. They demanded swift investigation and prosecution of all involved, regardless of status, and called for national attention to what they described as a “terrorist plot” with potential implications for regional peace and Nigeria’s oil economy. The leaders also condemned alleged Itsekiri-led disruptions to oil operations, attacks on INEC, and inflammatory press statements by external groups. They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to resist any pressure to undermine the Supreme Court’s order, warning that past interference in Warri’s political structure led to violent conflict and must not be repeated. The statement was signed by key Ijaw and Urhobo representatives, including Hon. Denbo-Denbofa Oweikpodor, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, Chief John Eranvor, and Chief Westham Adehor, among others. Read the full press statement below: IJAWS AND URHOBOS OF WARRI April 30, 2025 JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE IJAWS AND URHOBOS OF WARRI ON THE REPORT OF THE FIELD WORK ON THE FRESH DELINEATION OF ELECTORAL WARDS AND POLLING UNITS, AND THREATS TO PEACE AND SECURITY IN THE WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY OF DELTA STATE, THIS 30TH DAY OF APRIL, 2025. Gentlemen of the press, this joint press conference was called by the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State consisting of Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West Local Government Areas to state our joint position on the report of the fieldwork on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units as ordered by the Supreme Court and recent report of threat to peace and security arising from the fresh delineation. COMMENDATION AND CALL ON INEC TO CONCLUDE THE FRESH DELINEATION BEFORE ANY FUTURE ELECTORAL ACTIVITY IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUPREME COURT ORDER The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the steps taken so far towards complying with the Supreme Court order on fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State. We note that, in a bid to frustrate the implementation of the Supreme Court order, the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality filed multiple suits in different Divisions of the Federal High Court of Nigeria. However, INEC has demonstrated its commitment and respect for the rule of law by taking necessary steps to comply with the Supreme Court order on the fresh delineation. In this respect, we welcome the release of the report of the fieldwork on the fresh delineation by INEC. We further note that, the report of the fieldwork by INEC confirms the obvious fact on ground, which is that, the Ijaws constitute the majority population in Warri North and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, while the Urhobos constitute the majority population in Warri South Local Government Area. We commend INEC for standing by the truth and justice. We therefore call on INEC to complete the process of the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency and release its final decision without further delay. It is the position of the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri that, there should not be any electoral activity including registration of voters in the Warri Federal Constituency without completion of the fresh delineation as ordered by the Supreme Court. Our position is predicated on the ground that, without completion of the fresh delineation exercise, there are no existing electoral wards and polling units upon which any electoral activity can be predicated upon, including registration of voters. OUR POSITION ON THE ITSEKIRI CALL FOR THE USE OF VOTERS REGISTER TO CARRY OUT THE FRESH DELINEATION The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri note the agitation of the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality against the report of the field work on the basis that, the register of voters which existed before the Supreme Court ordered fresh delineation ought to be used as a basis to carry out the fresh delineation. We equivocally oppose the agitation for the use of non-existent register of voters as basis to carry out the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. The agitation is against the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Electoral Act, 2022, the INEC Guidelines dated the 21st day of March, 2024 and the essence of the fieldwork on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. The primary consideration for the delineation of electoral wards and polling units is the population quota/number of inhabitants and other physical consideration of the areas concerned. Furthermore, it is our position that, based on the Supreme Court order on fresh delineation of wards and polling units, there is no longer any existing register of voters in the Warri Federal Constituency upon which any activity can be predicated upon. We therefore urge INEC to stick to the law and its Guidelines and not to succumb to the Itsekiri blackmail and misleading agitations to rely on register of voters. The field work carried out by INEC and other existing public records clearly revealed the majority population status of the Ijaws and Urhobos in Warri North, Warri South West and Warri South LGAs respectively. Furthermore, the register of voters was not one of the items considered during the field work on the fresh delineation. Also, the Itsekiris have not complained that any of their communities or settlements was omitted in the report of the fieldwork presented by INEC. It therefore means that, the Itsekiri voter register based agitation against the INEC field work report is baseless and lacks any legal foundation. THREAT TO PEACE IN THE WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY OF DELTA STATE AND NIGER DELTA REGION The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri were shocked by the report of the arrest of persons, including a serving British Army Officer for illegally bringing in arms to instigate unrest in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State, so as to truncate the Supreme Court ordered fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. A Traditional Ruler in the Warri Federal Constituency and its close aides were allegedly involved and the said persons have not denied the report several days thereafter. We note that, the Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri were the primary target of those behind this dastardly act of stockpiling of arms. We therefore, commend the proactive efforts of the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) and sister security forces that carried out the covet operations leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri call for detailed investigation and prosecution of the those behind this act of terrorism, irrespective of the position and class of the persons involved. We demand that, under no circumstances should this matter be swept under the carpet considering its grave implications on regional and national security. The office of the National Security Adviser is called upon to be transparent in the investigation and prosecution of the culprits. We demand that the Nigerian people, especially the people and residents of Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State deserve to have an official reaction from the government of Nigeria on the issue of illegal stockpiling of arms to instigate crisis in Warri. ITSEKIRI ATTEMPT TO INSTIGATE CRISIS AND BLACKMAIL INEC AND GOVERNMENT The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri note the desperate attempts by the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality to blackmail the Nigerian government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to carry out the delineation on their terms and trying to instigate crisis in Warri. The Itsekiris have done this through attempt to disrupt oil and gas operations in some parts of Delta State, persistent media attacks on INEC and instigating some Yoruba Groups to issue reckless press statements. The Ijaws and Urhobos call on the Nigerian government to consider the attempt to disrupt oil and gas operations as a result of compliance with the order of the Supreme Court as an act of terrorism and bring the perpetrators to justice. We state that, Nigeria is not a Banana Republic where the orders of the Supreme Court would be obeyed at the pleasure and on the conditions of an ethnic group. All persons and authorities including the Federal Government is bound by the orders of the Supreme Court on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. Therefore, any attempt to frustrate the implementation of the judgment by attempting to attack national assets should be regarded as a threat to national security and the perpetrators brought to justice. We condemn the reckless statement issued by some purported Pan Yoruba Groups where they threatened the peace and security of the Niger Delta region as a result of the Supreme Court ordered delineation. We are aware that all these threats are the desperate actions of some Itsekiri leaders and should be ignored by the government. We also call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu not to allow its office to be blackmailed by the Itsekiris in their desperate attempt to truncate the Supreme Court ordered delineation. Any attempt to frustrate the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on the fresh delineation is a direct invitation to anarchy by whoever that is involved. The Presidency must distant itself from any such act and allow INEC to carry out its functions in line with section 160 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as an independent agency of the federal government. The Federal Government should be reminded that the relocation of the Headquarters of Warri South West Local Government Area from Ogbe-Ijoh to Ogidigben, which was instigated by the Itsekiris led to the fratricidal war in Warri from 1997 to 2003 which snowballed into the Niger Delta crisis. Therefore, we warn against any attempt to change the Ijaw and Urhobo majority status in Warri North, Warri South West and Warri South Local Government Areas, respectively as revealed by the INEC report of its field work on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. SIGNED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE IJAWS AND URHOBOS OF WARRI: IJAW: HON. DENBO-DENBOFA OWEIKPODOR COMRADE SHERIFF MULADE HON. (CHIEF) ARTHUR AKPODUBAKAYE JOEL BISINA, PhD COMRADE EMMANUEL IGETEI URHOBO: CHIEF JOHN ERANVOR CHIEF WESTHAM ADEHOR, JP OLOROGUN VICTOR OKUMAGBA, JP HON. MARK IKPURI

Acting on a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force has reinstated the issuance of tinted glass permits nationwide. The announcement was made on Wednesday in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi. According to Adejobi, the decision addresses growing public concerns and complaints about the harassment of vehicle owners with factory-fitted tinted windows by law enforcement officers. “The Nigeria Police Force, under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has reactivated the issuance of Tinted Glass Permits (TGP) nationwide through a secure and user-friendly digital platform available at https://possap.gov.ng. “This initiative comes in response to widespread public complaints about the harassment of motorists over the use of tinted windows and reflects the need for a clear, transparent, and accountable process for regularising factory-fitted tinted glass on vehicles”, the statement partly read. Highlighting the prevalence of modern vehicles designed with tinted windows for comfort and aesthetics, the police emphasised the importance of having a formal system to regulate usage. “With modern automobiles increasingly manufactured with tinted windows, it has become essential to provide a standardised system that accommodates legitimate use while ensuring public safety. “Tinted vehicles have often been exploited for criminal purposes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, ‘one-chance’ scams, and other forms of banditry”, Adejobi explained. According to the statement, the abuse of tinted windows by criminals creates operational challenges for law enforcement and compromises national security. “Their use hampers police visibility and impedes effective law enforcement, thereby contributing to public insecurity. “The reactivation of the permit system is a strategic move to identify lawful users such as individuals with medical requirements or members of the security community while preventing misuse for criminal activities”, he stated. He noted that the reintroduced system is also expected to help the police enhance investigations and improve overall security architecture in Nigeria. He also added that to ensure authenticity and ease of access, the new platform features digital permits equipped with QR codes and a rapid processing window. “It is expected to enhance police investigative capabilities and strengthen national security efforts. Applicants can now process their permits online, with identity verification integrated through the National Identification Number (NIN) and Tax Identification Number (TIN), alongside biometric capture and background checks. “The system also features QR-coded digital permits, with a streamlined processing timeline of 72 hours. To ensure a smooth transition, a 30-day grace period has been approved, effective from May 1st, 2025, within which motorists are expected to comply”, he added. In addition, he explained that law enforcement will begin active implementation after the grace period, and the police warn that officers who misuse the enforcement process will be sanctioned. “Enforcement will commence at the end of this period. Officers found engaging in unprofessional conduct, such as extortion or harassment, in the course of enforcement will be decisively dealt with in accordance with extant disciplinary procedures”, he said. The Inspector-General reassured the public of the Force’s commitment to modern policing anchored on transparency, accountability, and public cooperation. “The Inspector-General of Police reiterates the Force’s commitment to a technologically driven and citizen-focused policing strategy. “He urges the public to embrace the initiative in the interest of safer roads, enhanced public trust, and a more secure Nigeria”, the statement concluded.

The Federal Government has declared Thursday a public holiday in celebration of this year’s Workers’ Day, observed annually on May 1. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. He praised Nigerian workers for their dedication and sacrifices, acknowledging their vital role in the nation’s development both locally and internationally. Tunji-Ojo also emphasized the importance of peace in fostering industrialization and economic progress, urging workers to embrace innovation and enhance productivity. “There is dignity in labor; the dedication and commitment to the work we do is vital to nation-building. “This administration is fully committed to the security of life and property of every citizen and foreigner in the country. “While wishing workers a happy celebration, the Honourable Minister urged Nigerians to keep hope alive as the present administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda he has promised,” the statement read.

Popular Lagos socialite Emeka Okonkwo, better known as E-Money, was reportedly released on Tuesday evening following several hours of questioning by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was arrested on Monday night at his residence in the Omole area of Lagos and taken to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. Sources within the commission revealed that his arrest was linked to allegations of Naira abuse and the defacing of foreign currencies, particularly for spraying U.S. dollars in a manner that violates the Foreign Exchange Act. An EFCC official confirmed, “On Monday night, we arrested E-Money for Naira abuse and defacing foreign currencies. Specifically, he was alleged to have sprayed U.S. dollars, which is against the Foreign Exchange Act. He was arrested at his Omole, Lagos residence. Preliminary investigations are ongoing, and he will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.” Following his release on Tuesday evening, E-Money took to his Instagram handle, @iam_emoney1, to express gratitude and reassure his followers. Posing regally in his home, he wrote: “No tension, everywhere good, I see all your love and support. God bless you all.” A background track in the video featured the gospel song, “Thank you for saving me, thank you my Lord.” Fellow socialite Pascal Okechukwu, known as Cubana Chief Priest, also celebrated the development on Instagram. On his handle @Cubana_ChiefPriest, he posted: “My brother don fall out, To God be the glory.”

The Federal Government on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA), labeling it a “waste of resources.” This decision comes amid complaints from past beneficiaries who accused the government of abandonment. The BEA Programme, rooted in diplomatic partnerships, had enabled Nigerian students to pursue studies in countries like China, Russia, Algeria, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, and Serbia. The government recently clarified that all outstanding allowances for Nigerian scholars under the scheme had been settled through December 2024. During a courtesy visit by the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Alausa revealed that the government plans to redirect the funds toward local scholarship initiatives to reach a broader population of students nationwide. “2024, when I assumed office, I was asked to approve N650 million for 60 students going to Morocco under the BEA programme. I refused. It’s not fair to Nigerian students. “I reviewed the courses—some students went to Algeria, a French-speaking country, to study English, Psychology, and Sociology—courses we teach better in Nigeria. “By the end of 2024, all outstanding scholarships will be cleared. The 2025 scholarships are pending due to the budget appropriation process. They will be paid in the coming months. However, we will not continue the programme beyond 2025,” the minister said. Alausa criticised the lack of academic monitoring, noting that the government covers free annual travel for scholars without tracking their performance. “In 2025 alone, the government planned to spend N9 billion on just 1,200 students. It’s unjust to spend such a huge amount sending students abroad to study courses available locally while millions of Nigerian students receive no support,” he stated. He added, “We have evaluated every course these 1,200 students are studying abroad—every single one is available in Nigerian universities. We are cancelling the BEA. It is not the best use of public funds. “That money will now be used to fund local scholarships and support more students.” The minister assured all that current BEA beneficiaries would be allowed to complete their programmes, but no new admissions would be accepted under the arrangement from 2025 onward.

The Federal Government has introduced tougher regulations to improve safety on Nigeria’s waterways, mandating the use of life jackets and the gradual removal of unsafe wooden boats. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, revealed this during a marine safety stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House Multipurpose Hall in Minna, Niger State. “The safety of lives on our waterways must be prioritised,” Oyetola said. “Henceforth, the use of life jackets is compulsory, and unsafe, rickety boats must be completely phased out. It is a collective responsibility to safeguard our marine transport system.” During the event, the Minister distributed 3,500 life jackets to stakeholders across 12 states as part of efforts to promote a culture of safety. The meeting brought together key players in the sector, including boat operators, passengers, riverside community leaders, and water marshals from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). Accompanied by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oritola, and the Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, Oyetola said that while the ministry carries out routine dredging of inland waterways, its ability to extend coverage remains limited due to budgetary constraints. “Our ministry is responsible for dredging over 853 square kilometres of inland water reservoirs,” he said. “Unfortunately, we are faced with funding limitations which hamper full-scale operations.” Addressing the issue of the dormant Baro Port in Niger State, the Minister attributed its continued non-functionality to infrastructural gaps. “Baro Port has remained largely inaccessible due to the absence of functional access roads, nearly seven years after it was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari,” he stated. “Infrastructure must go hand-in-hand with marine development for such assets to serve their purpose.”

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has issued a six-week deadline for all businesses operating in Nigeria to comply with the registration requirements under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020. In a circular released on Tuesday in Abuja, the Commission warned that appropriate actions would be taken against any defaulters after the deadline expires. “This includes legal action against any company, limited liability partnership, limited partnership or business name found operating without registration or under a name different from its registered identity. “It is a criminal offence under Section 863 of CAMA to carry on business in Nigeria without proper registration or to use a name or acronym other than that under which the entity is legally registered,” it said. The statement noted that Section 729 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) requires all registered entities to clearly display their registered name and number at every business location. This information must also appear on all official documents, including letterheads, signage, marketing, and publicity materials. Additionally, the Commission highlighted that Section 862(1) of the Act prescribes severe penalties for individuals who knowingly provide false information in any document submitted under the Act, including up to two years’ imprisonment and a daily fine for each day the violation persists. Consequently, the CAC urged all business owners to promptly regularise their operations, warning that failure to comply would attract decisive enforcement actions.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday reiterated its call for constitutional amendments to enable Nigerians in the Diaspora and specific groups within the country to vote in future elections. In addition to broadening voter access, INEC is also pushing for reforms aimed at modernizing the voter identification process. These recommendations are part of a detailed proposal presented by the commission to enhance the legal framework guiding Nigeria’s electoral system. The submission, titled “Issues and Contentions in the Electoral Legal Framework: An Overview from INEC’s Submission,” highlights key legislative areas in need of reform. INEC proposed amending sections of the 1999 Constitution to allow for early voting, special voting, out-of-country voting, Diaspora voting, and voting by inmates. The commission explained that these changes would promote inclusivity by allowing eligible Nigerians abroad, those incarcerated, or those performing essential duties during elections to fully exercise their voting rights. “Amend Sections 12 and 45 of the EA 2022 to provide for early/special and related forms of voting. Make provisions to enable the introduction of early/ special voting to cater for eligible voters on essential services, election personnel as well as voters under incarceration, those in the Diaspora and out-of-country voting for eligible voting Nigerians outside the country during elections by introducing a new subsection 12 (2) as well as the amendment of Section 45,” INEC stated. Additionally, INEC suggested modernising the voter identification process by allowing electronically downloadable voter cards or alternative forms of ID approved by the commission. “Review Sections 47 (1) and 16 (1, 2 & 4) on the design, printing, control, issuance and use of PVCs to allow for the introduction of electronically downloadable voters’ card of any other form of ID acceptable to the commission,” the report noted. INEC also recommended the establishment of two new institutions; an Electoral Offences Commission to investigate and prosecute electoral crimes, and a Political Party Regulatory Agency to oversee internal party operations and ensure compliance with legal standards. “Review the Legal Framework to establish (a) an Electoral Offences Commission and (b) Political Party Regulatory Agency. “This would require the amendment of Sections 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 90(4), 144 and 145 of EA 2022. These provisions border on the powers of the Commission to register/deregister, monitor and regulate political parties be now transferred to the Political Party Regulatory Agency,” the commission added. Further recommendations include giving INEC the authority to appoint and discipline Heads of State and FCT Offices, who serve as State Directors of Elections. The commission argued that this would strengthen administrative control and improve election management across all tiers.

The Federal Government has announced plans to settle the outstanding five-month arrears of the N35,000 wage award for its workers. According to a statement issued in Abuja by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), the government had previously disbursed five months of the wage award in instalments. The remaining arrears will also be paid in monthly instalments of N35,000 over five months. Although President Bola Tinubu approved a new national minimum wage of N70,000 in July last year, implementation for federal workers has been delayed due to funding challenges. The OAGF confirmed that the first instalment of the outstanding wage award arrears will be paid after the April 2025 salary. “The wage award arrears would not be paid with the April 2025 salary; it will come immediately after the salary is paid”, the OAGF said. The Office reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to fully implement all policies and agreements regarding staff remuneration and welfare to enhance productivity and efficiency.

On Monday, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Apo, dismissed an application by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, seeking to reclaim a sprawling estate of 753 duplexes and apartments in Abuja that had already been forfeited to the federal government. Presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, affirmed the final forfeiture of the property located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone CO9, Lokogoma District, covering 150,462.84 square metres. According to the Waffi TV, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier obtained both interim and final forfeiture orders on the estate, which was initially recovered from an unidentified former top government official, though many have linked the property to Emefiele. Emefiele, represented by his counsel Adeyinka Kotoye, SAN, filed a motion as an interested party, requesting an extension of time to challenge the forfeiture orders issued on December 2 and 24, 2024. He argued that the entire forfeiture process occurred without his awareness, claiming that the EFCC had published the interim forfeiture notice in an obscure section of *The Punch* newspaper, making it hard for him to respond in time. The former CBN governor also stated that he was simultaneously facing three separate criminal trials in Abuja and Lagos during the period, making it nearly impossible to become aware of the publication. Furthermore, he accused the EFCC of deliberately hiding the forfeiture proceedings from him, despite ongoing interactions with the agency regarding other legal matters.