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HURIWA Hails INEC’s Warri Constituency Delineation

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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.

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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.”

READ ALSO: HURIWA Warns Against Impeachment Plot In Rivers

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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.

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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.

READ ALSO: Tompolo Speaks On Oil Facility Shut Down By Protesting Itsekiri Youths

The association also lauded the peaceful demonstrations held by members of the Ijaw ethnic group in support of the delineation.

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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.

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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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Sanwo-Olu makes U-turn, Unblocks Lawyer Who Sued Him Over Blocking On X

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unblocked human rights lawyer, Festus Ogun, on X after a meeting with him at Lagos House, Marina, on Friday.

The lawyer, who had accused the governor of rights violations, announced the development in a post on his X account on Saturday.

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According to him, Sanwo-Olu personally invited him for a brief meeting to address his complaints.

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unblocked me on X (Twitter). I met briefly with him yesterday at Lagos House Marina, on his invitation, to amicably resolve my complaint of human rights violations. We will continue to hold authorities accountable, regardless. Aluta continua!” Ogun wrote.

READ ALSO:Lawyer Sues Sanwo-Olu For Blocking Him On X

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Tribune Online reports that Ogun had earlier filed a suit against Sanwo-Olu at a Federal High Court in Lagos, accusing him of violating his fundamental rights by blocking him on his verified X account.

In the suit marked FHC/L/CS/1739/25, which he shared on Facebook, the lawyer claimed the governor blocked him over his 2021 “constructive criticisms” and “demand for accountability” on the October 2020 #EndSARS killings.

In 2021, I noticed that the Governor blocked me on his official X handle @jidesanwoolu owing to my constructive criticisms of his policies and demand for accountability in respect of the October 2020 #EndSARS Massacre.”

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READ ALSO:‘Court Of Corruption’ — Obasanjo Knocks INEC Chairman, Judiciary In New Book

Ogun said the action has prevented him from accessing vital government updates and information.

“Blocking me on X has prevented me from accessing public updates and receiving information about policies and governance in Lagos, which constitutes a violation of my right to receive information without interference,” he said.

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In his originating summons, he asked the court to declare the move unconstitutional, arbitrary, and discriminatory.

 

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Tragedy Deepens As Prime Suspect in Taraba Student’s Death Found Dead

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The investigation into the death of Comfort Jimtop, a 100-level Mass Communication student at Taraba State University, has taken a dramatic turn following the discovery of the lifeless body of Emmanuel Kefas, the prime suspect in the case.

Kefas’s body was discovered on Friday in the Tudiri community, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, under unclear circumstances, intensifying public concern and adding a tragic dimension to a case that has already gripped the university community and residents across Taraba State.

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Confirming the development on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, James Lashen, said the police received a report from the village head of Tudiri about the discovery.

READ ALSO:Army Kills Notorious Bandit, Babangida, In Kogi

A lifeless body was found in Tudiri, and a Tecno Android phone was recovered beside it,” Lashen stated.

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Upon charging the phone, investigators found a photograph showing the deceased with the late Comfort Jimtop, suggesting they were in a romantic relationship.”

Lashen added that the body has been taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Jalingo for autopsy. At the same time, efforts are ongoing to officially identify the remains through the suspect’s family.

READ ALSO:Four Feared Killed As Gunmen Attack Burial Ceremony In Anambra

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Police have yet to determine whether Kefas’s death was the result of suicide, homicide, or an accident. Investigations into both deaths are continuing.

Comfort Jimtop’s mysterious death had earlier sparked outrage on campus and across the state, with students and rights groups demanding justice. Kefas was named a prime suspect in the case, which remains open.

This latest development has left many unanswered questions and deepened the grief surrounding the case.

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Students, residents, and civil society groups are closely monitoring the situation, calling on authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and bring clarity to the tragic chain of events.

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Ossiomo, Chinese Impasse: This Is Our Story — Management

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The management of Ossiomo Power Plant has cleared the air on the dispute between its Chinese partners and the circumstances surrounding the shutting down of the power plant early this month.

Representative of Ossiomo management, Engineer Festus Evbuomwan, during an interactive session with customers on the impasse between the two partners, said contrary to the rumour making the rounds, the management of Ossiomo Power Plant had paid over ₦2bn to its Chinese partner — Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology (CCETC) — since the power plant started operation.

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Recall that representative of CCETC who identified himself as Mr. ‘W’ had, during a telephone phone interview two weeks ago, claimed that “instruction to shutdown was because we lost lots of money and did not get any return on investment,” adding that “all the $20m investment was done by us including the distribution lines.”

But Evbuomwan during the interactive session, said the management was not aware of the $20m investment the Chinese partner claimed, just as he disclosed that “when they generate power, we sell and pay them.”

READ ALSO:Edo Govt Denies Shares As Ownership Tussle Rocks Ossiomo Power

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He disclosed that after shutting down the power plant, the Chinese partners came up with a request of ₦185m to be paid to two Chinese not known to the management, stressing that this was declined.

According to him, the Chinese partner, having seen how lucrative the business is, “went to some quarters and raised some issues probably thinking they can manoeuvre us with the help of some big persons, so that they can use their machines to generate power and sideline us but this is not possible.”

The Chinese partners also claimed that they borrowed $20m from their native land to invest, we are not aware of such investment, and we do not know where the money was invested up till now.

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“They have been also saying they have not been receiving anything, but I want to tell you unequivocally that first, the partners run a joint account where their investment is going into. More so, The Chinese partners have received over ₦2bn so far for the power they generate with their machines. When they generate the power, we sell and pay them.”

READ ALSO: Five Years After, Edo Govt Reconnects To BEDC As Ossiomo Shut Down

Engr. Evbuomwan, while apologising to customers for the power outage caused by the dispute between the two partners, said Ossiomo had started power generation though not in full capacity, assuring that power generation would be fully restored soon.

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“We have purchased turbines, and one have started working. They are working on the second one, so, by the time our five turbines start working we will be in full capacity. Even with that, those connected to the government may not be reached immediately. This is because the government bought the poles and contracted the wiring, and we cannot force the government to do our bid. Also, we are making efforts to site 33kva transformer along Airport Road and Lagos Road as soon as possible, so that our customers there will get power.”

He said the Edo State government does not have a stake in the company, just as he appealed to the “government to let us supply power to customers in through their Lines. I want to emphasise that Ossiomo is not completely shut down.”

He further urged the “government to encourage the Nigerian citizens to invest and not to work against local investors.”

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