{"id":4777,"date":"2025-09-02T16:49:20","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T16:49:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/09\/02\/re-itsekiri-press-conference-calling-for-probe-of-inec-over-supreme-court-ordered-delineation-in-warri-federal-constituency-is-baseless-contemptuous-an-insult-to-the-constitution\/"},"modified":"2025-09-02T16:51:20","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T16:51:20","slug":"re-itsekiri-press-conference-calling-for-probe-of-inec-over-supreme-court-ordered-delineation-in-warri-federal-constituency-is-baseless-contemptuous-an-insult-to-the-constitution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/09\/02\/re-itsekiri-press-conference-calling-for-probe-of-inec-over-supreme-court-ordered-delineation-in-warri-federal-constituency-is-baseless-contemptuous-an-insult-to-the-constitution\/","title":{"rendered":"Re: Itsekiri Press Conference Calling For Probe Of INEC Over Supreme Court Ordered Delineation In Warri Federal Constituency Is Baseless, Contemptuous, An Insult To The Constitution"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Esther David<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

OPEN REBUTTAL LETTER TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND INEC<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RE: ITSEKIRI PRESS CONFERENCE CALLING FOR PROBE INTO INEC\u2019S SUPREME COURT\u2013ORDERED DELINEATION IS BASELESS, CONTEMPTUOUS AND A DIRECT INSULT TO THE CONSTITUTION<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From: Concerned Ijaw & Urhobo Stakeholders of Warri Federal Constituency
Date: [2\/9\/2025]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Introduction: Lies Cannot Override Law<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    On September 1, 2025, certain Itsekiri chiefs, under the guise of defending democracy, convened a press conference in Warri. They brazenly dismissed the INEC fieldwork on ward and polling unit delineation as \u201cfraudulent\u201d and demanded a probe of INEC officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Let it be known: this charade is nothing but propaganda dressed in deceit. It is a desperate, last\u2013minute attempt to overturn the Supreme Court\u2019s binding judgment in SC\/143\/2016 – Hon. George Timinimi & Ors v. INEC. The highest court in the land gave a clear directive: INEC must conduct a fresh delineation in Warri Federal Constituency. INEC has done exactly that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Itsekiri cannot, by mere press conferences, overturn the authority of the Supreme Court of Nigeria or the sovereignty of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. The Naked Fear of the Itsekiri<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Their anger is not about democracy. It is about fear:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Fear of Demographics: From the 2006 census, INEC voter registers (2011\u20132023), and colonial intelligence reports, the truth is unshakable: the Ijaw and Urhobo overwhelmingly outnumber the Itsekiri across Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North. INEC\u2019s delineation finally reflects this reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Fear of History\u2019s Verdict: From Duarte Pacheco Pereira\u2019s 1485 testimony to the Warri Intelligence Reports of 1932 and 1938, the record is clear: the Ijaw and Urhobo are the true ancestral owners of the Warri territories. The 1952 fraud \u2014 when the colonial government deceitfully transformed the title Olu of Itsekiri into Olu of Warri, has collapsed under the weight of truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Fear of Justice: For decades, the apartheid ward structure, 6 wards for Itsekiri, 4 for Ijaw and none for Urhobo, denied justice. It was never democracy; it was oppression. INEC\u2019s delineation has buried this illegitimacy and their cries today are nothing but the lamentation of dethroned privilege.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Their \u201cpetition\u201d is, in fact, a confession of defeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. The Constitution and the Supreme Court Are Supreme<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        To allege that INEC exceeded its mandate is pure falsehood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Section 287(1) of the Constitution declares:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        “The decisions of the Supreme Court shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        INEC\u2019s action is obedience to the Constitution. The Itsekiri press call is contempt, an attempt to incite rebellion against judicial authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Furthermore, Sections 112\u2013115 of the Constitution empower INEC to delineate wards in line with population, contiguity and community interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        And under the Electoral Act 2022, Section 40(2), INEC must establish polling units and allot voters accordingly. This is precisely what INEC has done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The Constitution speaks. The Supreme Court speaks. INEC obeys. Who are the Itsekiri to say otherwise?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. History Has Already Spoken<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Contrary to their cries of \u201cphantom communities,\u201d history bears witness:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1485: Duarte Pacheco Pereira identified the Ijaw (Ogbe-Ijoh and Gbaramatu) as inhabitants of Escravos\/Warri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1716 Dutch Records: Testified to Ijaw naval dominance in the Warri axis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1928 Warri Township Assessment Report (CSO 26\/Vol.6\/08549): Declared Ogbe-Ijoh as the original landowners of modern Warri Township.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1932 Warri Intelligence Report (CSO 26\/08549): Warned the colonial government against Itsekiri\u2019s fraudulent claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1952 Olu Title Fraud: Chief Mukoro Mowoe thundered in protest: \u201cThis is a travesty to turn landlords into tenants in their ancestral home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Thus, it is not INEC creating ghosts; it is the Itsekiri trying to erase the living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. Judicial Consistency Across Nigeria<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            INEC has always implemented Supreme Court directives nationwide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Ebonyi (2007 \u2013 INEC v. Musa Anagha Nwaigwe)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Kano (2013 \u2013 INEC v. Musa)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Anambra (2015 \u2013 Hon. Uche Ekwunife v. INEC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Kaduna (2019 \u2013 INEC v. Dangana)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Why then should Warri be an exception? Selective obedience is injustice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            1. Representation Is a Right, Not a Gift<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              The Itsekiri boast of \u201callowing\u201d Ijaw sons to serve as deputy governor and speaker. This is arrogance and falsehood. Representation is not a handout from a minority group. It is the birthright of majority populations under a democracy. The Constitution guarantees equality; it does not bow to the generosity of the Itsekiri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              1. Our Irrevocable Stand<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                We, the stakeholders of Warri Federal Constituency, declare:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                No Final Ward Delineation, No Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The apartheid structure of the past is dead and buried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The new delineation reflects truth, history, law and population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                1. Conclusion: The Time for Delay Has Ended<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  We therefore call on the Federal Government to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  1. Direct INEC to immediately announce the final ward delineation result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  2. Reject the Itsekiri\u2019s baseless and contemptuous propaganda.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  3. Commend INEC for acting constitutionally, courageously and professionally.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                    Enough of lies. Enough of intimidation. Enough of delay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    The Constitution is not a suggestion, it is binding. The Supreme Court is not advice, it is final. INEC has acted; now the Federal Government must enforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    ANNOUNCE THE FINAL WARD DELINEATION RESULT FOR WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY NOW.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Signed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Chief, Timothy Ovie
                    (President)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Chief, Ebikeme T. Godstime
                    (Secretary)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Concerned Ijaw & Urhobo Stakeholders of Warri Federal Constituency<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Cc:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    The Governor of Delta State<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    National Assembly<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    National Security Adviser<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    International Community<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Media<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                    By Esther David OPEN REBUTTAL LETTER TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND INEC RE: ITSEKIRI PRESS…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4778,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[15],"tags":[1423,1422,1421],"class_list":["post-4777","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-an-insult-to-the-constitution","tag-contemptuous","tag-re-itsekiri-press-conference-calling-for-probe-of-inec-over-supreme-court-ordered-delineation-in-warri-federal-constituency-is-baseless"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img_2328-2-1.jpg?fit=899%2C836&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":4767,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/09\/01\/re-the-fraudulent-petition-of-the-itsekiris-against-the-supreme-court-ordered-delineation-in-warri-federal-constituency\/","url_meta":{"origin":4777,"position":0},"title":"Re: The Fraudulent Petition Of The Itsekiris Against The Supreme Court Ordered Delineation In Warri Federal Constituency","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"September 1, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Esther David OPEN REBUTTAL LETTER TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, INEC AND ALL NIGERIANS RE: THE FRAUDULENT ITSEKIRI PETITION AGAINST THE SUPREME COURT\u2013ORDERED DELINEATION IN WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY From: Concerned Ijaw & Urhobo Stakeholders of Warri Federal Consituency[1\/9\/2025] Introduction We have read with utter shock the baseless petition by certain\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img_2306-1.jpg?fit=600%2C337&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img_2306-1.jpg?fit=600%2C337&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img_2306-1.jpg?fit=600%2C337&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4775,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/09\/01\/itsekiri-propaganda-cannot-override-the-supreme-court-order-inec-must-announce-the-final-delineation-result-now___ijaw-urhobo-coalition-group\/","url_meta":{"origin":4777,"position":1},"title":"Itsekiri Propaganda Cannot Override The Supreme Court Order, INEC Must Announce The Final Delineation Result Now___Ijaw, Urhobo Coalition Group","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"September 1, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin OPEN REBUTTAL TO ITSEKIRI NATION\u2019S FALSE PETITION RE: WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, ITSEKIRI PROPAGANDA CANNOT OVERRIDE THE SUPREME COURT. INEC MUST ANNOUNCE THE FINAL DELINEATION RESULT NOW From: Concerned Ijaw & Urhobo Stakeholders of Warri Federal ConstituencyDate: [1\/9\/2025] Introduction: Itsekiri Desperation, Not Justice We have read with disgust\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0325-3-1.jpg?fit=569%2C762&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0325-3-1.jpg?fit=569%2C762&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0325-3-1.jpg?fit=569%2C762&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4768,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/09\/01\/this-tactical-delay-must-stop-announce-the-final-ward-delineation-report-for-warri-federal-constituency-now___group-blasts-inec\/","url_meta":{"origin":4777,"position":2},"title":"This Tactical Delay Must Stop: Announce The Final Ward Delineation Report For Warri Federal Constituency Now___Group Blasts INEC","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"September 1, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Esther David OPEN LETTER TO INEC AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA RE: THIS TACTICAL DELAY MUST STOP: ANNOUNCE THE FINAL WARD DELINEATION RESULT FOR WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY NOW From: Concerned Ijaw & Urhobo Stakeholders of Warri Federal ConstituencyDate: [1\/9\/2025] When Truth is Delayed, Falsehood is Empowered We write\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0238-1.jpg?fit=935%2C578&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0238-1.jpg?fit=935%2C578&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0238-1.jpg?fit=935%2C578&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0238-1.jpg?fit=935%2C578&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4747,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/08\/26\/just-in-group-raises-alert-over-warri-federal-constituency-delineation-says-inecs-delay-in-implementing-final-delineation-report-fueling-violence-ethnic-conflict-in-warri\/","url_meta":{"origin":4777,"position":3},"title":"JUST IN: Group Raises Alert Over Warri Federal Constituency Delineation, Says INEC\u2019s Delay In Implementing Final Delineation Report Fueling Violence, Ethnic Conflict In Warri","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"August 26, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin AN OPEN LETTER TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, SECURITY AGENCIES, AND INEC From: Concerned Stakeholders of Warri Federal ConstituencyDate: [25\/8\/2025] SUBJECT: INEC\u2019S DELAY IS FUELING FRAUD AND VIOLENCE - ANNOUNCE THE FINAL WARD DELINEATION NOW INTRODUCTION: WHEN HISTORY SPEAKS, INEC MUST LISTEN We write with burning anger and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_2167-1.jpg?fit=493%2C329&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4581,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/08\/06\/re-inec-is-playing-with-the-friggile-peace-the-danger-of-delaying-ward-delineation-in-warri-federal-constituency\/","url_meta":{"origin":4777,"position":4},"title":"RE: INEC IS PLAYING WITH THE FRAGILE PEACE\u2014 THE DANGER OF DELAYING WARD DELINEATION IN WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"August 6, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Esther David URGENT SOS PETITION TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, INEC, AND THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY RE: INEC IS PLAYING WITH THE FRIGGILE PEACE\u2014 THE DANGER OF DELAYING WARD DELINEATION IN WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY From: Ijaw Stakeholders of Warri Federal ConstituencyDate: August 6, 2025 To: President of the Federal Republic of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_1723-1.jpg?fit=244%2C207&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4742,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/08\/26\/warri-delineation-inecs-refusal-to-implement-the-supreme-court-ordered-delineation-report-is-a-threat-to-national-security___says-ijaw-stakeholders-of-warri-federal-constituency\/","url_meta":{"origin":4777,"position":5},"title":"WARRI DELINEATION: INEC\u2019s Refusal To Implement The Supreme Court Ordered Delineation Report Is A Threat To National Security___Says Ijaw Stakeholders Of Warri Federal Constituency","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"August 26, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Esther David OPEN LETTER TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER (NSA), SECURITY AGENCIES, AND ALL NIGERIANS OF GOOD CONSCIENCE From: Ijaw Stakeholders of Warri Federal ConstituencyDate: [25\/8\/25] SUBJECT: THE LOOMING CALAMITY IN WARRI: INEC\u2019S REFUSAL TO PUBLISH THE SUPREME COURT\u2013ORDERED FINAL DELINEATION RESULT IS A THREAT TO\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_2165-1.jpg?fit=948%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_2165-1.jpg?fit=948%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_2165-1.jpg?fit=948%2C628&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_2165-1.jpg?fit=948%2C628&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pfDfBE-1f3","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4777","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4777"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4777\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4779,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4777\/revisions\/4779"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4778"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}