NIGERIA @65: Concerned Elders And Stakeholders Of Warri Federal Constituency Writes Open Letter To President Tinubu, NSA, INEC Over Delay In Implementation Of Warri Federal Constituency Delineation Report -

By Uche Alvin

To: The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, The National Security Adviser and The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
1/9/2025

Re: Historical, Legal and Constitutional Imperatives for Publishing the Final Ward Delineation Result for Warri Federal Constituency

On this 1st day of October, as our nation marks another anniversary of its independence, we the elders and stakeholders of Warri Federal Constituency speak not in anger alone, but in deep concern for the survival of justice, peace and unity in our homeland. Independence Day is not only a celebration of freedom but a solemn reminder that self-determination, fairness and equity are rights fought for and won.

Sixty-five years after independence, many of our communities still live under a ward structure imposed during colonial administration. This outdated structure denies fair representation, distorts development and keeps alive grievances that have cost lives and property. Archival records from Portuguese explorers such as Duarte Pacheco Pereira to British colonial files like CSO 26/Vol.6/08549 and CO 554/120/5, show clearly who the original communities of these creeks and lands are. These are facts, not myths.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria, in Timinimi v. INEC (SC/CV/1033/2023), has already affirmed the obligation of INEC to correct this injustice. Sections 14, 42 and 153 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee equality, fair representation and the independence of INEC. Ward delineation is the foundation of credible elections; to postpone or manipulate it is to disenfranchise entire communities and betray the Constitution.

Everyone knows, openly and quietly that the present skewed ward structure was designed decades ago to favour a minority at the expense of the majority communities. Everyone knows it has been used to twist representation, funding and development. Everyone knows the final delineation will reveal the true numbers and correct the imbalance. That is why some are desperate to stall it. But the truth cannot be hidden forever.

Our Collective Demand

As elders and stakeholders, we urge the Federal Government, the National Security Adviser and INEC to:

Honour the Supreme Court judgment and publish the final ward delineation result without further delay.

Halt Continuous Voter Registration in any ward struck out by the Court until the lawful structure is restored.

Act transparently and decisively to prevent the mistakes that ignited the 1997 Warri crisis from repeating themselves.

Our Collective Warning

We remain peace-loving and law-abiding. But patience is not weakness. If lawful orders are ignored, frustration will deepen. We will continue to defend our rights with lawful action, coordinated civic mobilisation and national and international exposure if necessary. Justice delayed is justice denied.

Let this Independence Day be remembered not only as a day of parades but as the moment when Nigeria upheld its Constitution, respected its own courts and protected its citizens from another cycle of violence.

Yours faithfully,

Chief, Tiemopere Joshua
(President)

Chief, Ebikeme T. Godstime
(Secretary)

Concerned Elders and Stakeholders of Warri Federal Constituency

Cc:

The Delta State Government

The National Assembly

Chief Justice of Nigeria

International Observers

Media Houses