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HURIWA Hails INEC’s Warri Constituency Delineation

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for its exemplary conduct in the recent delineation of wards and polling units within the Warri Federal Constituency, covering Warri South, Warri West, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas in Delta State.
Describing the delineation exercise as “a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic evolution,” HURIWA hailed INEC’s strict adherence to the rule of law and constitutionalism, especially in implementing the Supreme Court judgment delivered on December 2, 2022.
In a statement signed by HURIWA National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, and made available to PUNCH Online on Thursday, said the judgment had mandated a fresh and credible delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency to reflect the true demographic realities and political representation of the area.
HURIWA said, “The Independent National Electoral Commission has not only complied with the letter and spirit of the Supreme Court ruling but has demonstrated genuine fidelity to democratic values by ensuring that this delineation process was inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the diversity in Warri Federal Constituency.”
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HURIWA particularly praised INEC for involving traditional rulers, community leaders, and representatives of the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw ethnic nationalities in the presentation of the delineation report.
This deliberate engagement, the association said, affirms INEC’s recognition of grassroots legitimacy and its growing responsiveness to the aspirations of all Nigerian citizens, especially those historically sidelined in political arrangements.
According to HURIWA, the allocation of 10 wards to the Ijaw people in Warri North, as well as equitable representation across other ethnic nationalities, is a courageous step toward dismantling entrenched marginalisation.
“The courage shown by INEC in correcting historical imbalances in political representation is commendable and exemplary. It sets a new benchmark for the conduct of boundary reviews and delineation exercises in Nigeria. For the first time in decades, communities in Warri Federal Constituency can breathe a collective sigh of relief, knowing that their votes will count equally, and their identities will no longer be suppressed under arbitrary administrative designs,” HURIWA stated.
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The association also lauded the peaceful demonstrations held by members of the Ijaw ethnic group in support of the delineation.
HURIWA said the peaceful nature of the protests signals a maturing democratic ethos among the Nigerian electorate, one which is marked not by violence or confrontation, but by constructive engagement and lawful expression.
“We salute the Ijaw people for their civilised demonstration of support for INEC. This is a beautiful example of democratic activism anchored in peace and principle. It contrasts sharply with the culture of political thuggery and voter suppression that we often see during election cycles,” HURIWA added.
While praising INEC’s boldness and professionalism, HURIWA urged the Commission to remain vigilant in safeguarding the gains of this process.
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The group warned against any attempts by political actors to subvert the outcomes of the delineation through backdoor manoeuvres, intimidation, or misinformation campaigns.
“We are aware of elements that may seek to undermine this great stride by INEC for selfish political reasons. We urge the Commission to stand firm. The integrity of this process must be protected at all costs,” the group warned.
HURIWA also called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and other law enforcement agencies to provide security for INEC officials and the communities affected.
“INEC must be allowed to perform its constitutional duties without fear, interference, or political pressure. We urge the security agencies to support INEC in maintaining peace and order in Delta State.
“This delineation is a triumph of justice over manipulation, of fairness over suppression. It gives hope to marginalised communities all over Nigeria that change is possible within the framework of the rule of law. We applaud INEC for doing the right thing. This is the pathway to a stronger, fairer Nigeria,” HURIWA concluded.
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VIDEO: Why I’ve Never Tried Convincing My Christian Wife To Convert To Islam — Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained why he has never attempted to convince his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, to convert to Islam, stressing his belief in love, religious freedom, and mutual respect among people of different faiths.
Speaking on Saturday at the funeral service of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwada, Tinubu said his marriage to a Christian pastor has never created any conflict in their home.
The president, who arrived in Jos, Plateau State around 2 p.m. for the ceremony at the COCIN headquarters church, said he inherited Islam from his family and has always upheld the principle of freedom of religion.
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He noted that both he and the First Lady serve the same God and would ultimately be answerable to Him, adding that what matters most are people’s deeds, character, and love for others.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance and peaceful coexistence, emphasising that hate should never have a place in the country.
He also prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Lydia Yilwada and asked God to grant comfort and blessings to those she left behind.
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He said, “Hate is not an option for us. Love is what you preach, that we should love one another.
“Nobody, nobody determines what God has ordained. God’s ordained action and his promises are what matter. I inherited Islam from my family. I didn’t change. But my wife is a pastor. She prays for me.
“No conflict. And I never did at any single time try to convince her or convert her. I believe in the freedom of religion.
“We are praying to the same God. We are answerable to the same almighty God. We will answer to him. We will account to him. Our deeds, our character, our love for our fellow beings are what are important.
“May the almighty accept the soul of Lydia and give all that she left behind blessings and glory, so we say, may her soul rest in peace.”
News
UK Police Quiz Six After Fatal Synagogue Attack

Six people arrested on suspicion of “terrorism”-linked offences after a fatal car-ramming and knife attack on a UK synagogue remained in police custody on Saturday, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged people not to take part in pro-Palestinian protests.
Two people were killed and three others seriously wounded in Thursday’s attack in northwestern Manchester on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
Police shot dead the assailant, Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old UK citizen of Syrian descent, within minutes of the alarm being raised.
Three men and three women are in custody.
The attack has heightened fear among Britain’s Jewish community.
Police said they were patrolling places of worship across the city “with a particular focus on providing a high-visibility presence within our Jewish communities”.
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The attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in north Manchester was one of the worst antisemitic incidents in Europe since the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel led by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.
The Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive on the Gaza Strip has killed at least 66,288 Palestinians, also mostly civilians, according to health ministry figures in the occupied territory that the United Nations considers reliable.
The Gaza conflict has inflamed passions in Britain, with frequent pro-Palestinian rallies in cities that some critics allege have stoked antisemitism.
A “global movement for Gaza UK” protest went ahead in London late on Thursday, with police making 40 arrests.
London’s Metropolitan Police asked organisers delay another planned demonstration backing the banned Palestine Action group later on Saturday.
However, organisers Defend Our Juries rejected the calls.
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A spokesman said the group “stood in solidarity” with the Jewish community over the attack.
– Accidental shooting –
Starmer urged protesters not to join the pro-Palestinian rally.
“I urge anyone thinking about protesting this weekend to recognise and respect the grief of British Jews. This is a moment of mourning. It is not a time to stoke tension and cause further pain,” he said on X.
During the attack, Shamie was seen “with a big knife, banging his knife into the glass, trying to get through”, synagogue chairman of trustees Alan Levy, who helped barricade the doors, told ITV News.
“The heroes of the congregation who saw what was happening then came to the doors because he was trying to break the doors down to get in,” he added.
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A UK police watchdog, meanwhile, said it would look at the police shooting of Shamie.
The probe would also look at the shooting of a second victim who suffered a fatal gunshot and a third person who was shot but survived.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said there was no evidence anyone other than police used firearms at the scene.
“Our independent investigation will look at the circumstances surrounding the fatal police shooting of Jihad Al-Shamie,” it said in a statement.
“A post mortem has today (Friday) concluded another man who died at the scene suffered a fatal gunshot wound.”
IOPC investigations are standard practice in situations where the use of force by police may have resulted in the death of a member of the public.
News
Edo Inaugurates Committee On Drug Abuse, Healthy Living

Edo State Government has inaugurated Drug Control Committee for the state and local governments, aimed at curbing the menace of drug abuse in the state.
Inaugurating the committee, Governor Monday Okpehbolo said the committee was not only saddled with the responsibility of curbing the menace of illicit substances, but to promote healthier living across communities in the state.
Represented by his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Okpebholo described the initiative as “a vital step in our unwavering commitment to stopping the menace of drug trafficking and substance use among youths.”
The governor, who bemoaned the rising tide of drug dependency and its impact on society, pointed out that the committee’s creation aligns with the national drug master plan and represents a bold stride toward protecting Edo future generations.
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On his part, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, represented by ACGN, Fidelis Cocodia, Zonal Commander, Zone 13, emphasised grassroots interventions, awareness campaigns, and support systems as the backbone of the fight against drug abuse.
Edo State commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju disclosed that while national drug use prevalence stands at 14.4 percent, Edo state surpasses the average at 15 percent.
He noted that the state is one of the hardest-hit states in the country, warning that the trend has fueled crime and heightened youth vulnerability.
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The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole pledged to make Edo a model in drug control through rehabilitation, youth enlightenment, and second-chance opportunities for recovering addicts.
Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, described drug abuse as a pandemic, noting that “you hardly see a crime without drugs being involved.”
She added that women’s empathy and influence must be harnessed in the campaign against drug abuse.
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