JUSTICE! JUSTICE! AND JUSTICE: HURIWA SUPPORTS IJAWS AND URHOBOS OF WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, BY BEN BINEBAI 

BY BEN BINEBAI

In a resplendent manifestation of solidarity and fealty to the sacrosanct rule of law, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has valiantly thrown its weight behind the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri Federal Constituency, championing the cause of justice and equity in the face of egregious electoral injustices. Like a beacon of hope in a tempestuous sea, HURIWA’s stance shines brightly, illuminating the path to justice and fairness for the marginalised communities.

With unbending dedication to the hallowed principles of truth, justice, and democracy, HURIWA has unequivocally condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) flagrant and illicit attempts to subvert the Supreme Court’s clear and binding judgment on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and units in the constituency. This landmark judgment, delivered on 2 December 2022, was a beacon of hope for the marginalised Ijaw and Urhobo communities, who have long suffered the pangs of historical injustices and electoral irregularities. The Supreme Court’s judgment was a masterstroke of judicial wisdom, crafted to rectify the anomalies of the past and usher in a new era of electoral justice.

HURIWA’s stance is a testament to the group’s unshakeable commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of the downtrodden. By aligning itself with the grievances raised by the Ijaw and Urhobo communities, HURIWA has demonstrated its unrelenting dedication to ensuring that the voices of the marginalised are heard and their rights respected. Like a mighty river that flows ceaselessly to its destination, HURIWA’s advocacy for justice and fairness is unrelenting, unwavering, and unshakeable.

The Supreme Court’s judgment of 2 December 2022, was a landmark decision that ordered INEC to conduct a fresh delineation of all wards and polling units in Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North local government areas. This judgment was a response to long-standing complaints of fictitious wards, inequitable distribution of polling units, and gross irregularities that had tilted the balance of representation against the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people. The judgment was a clarion call to INEC to redeem its mandate and uphold the Constitution, and HURIWA’s support for the judgment is a testament to its commitment to justice and fairness.

HURIWA’s position is clear: INEC’s refusal to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment is not only reckless but also a dangerous signal of institutional lawlessness that undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy. The group’s insistence that any voter registration or electoral process carried out in Warri without fresh delineation is null and void is a principled stance that upholds the rule of law and the Constitution. Like a rock that stands firm against the raging waves, HURIWA’s stance is unwavering, unshakeable, and unrelenting.

As good national voice, HURIWA’s efforts to hold INEC accountable and ensure justice for the Warri Federal Constituency are commendable. Their actions are a beacon of hope for the people of Warri, who have suffered historical injustices and marginalisation. By speaking truth to power and advocating for the implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment, HURIWA is helping to promote democracy, equity, and fairness in Nigeria.

I urge INEC to take HURIWA’s concerns seriously and do the needful by enforcing justice on the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation. The people of Warri deserve fair representation, and it is imperative that their rights are respected and protected. HURIWA’s stance is a reminder that the rule of law and democracy must be upheld, and I commend their efforts in promoting justice and fairness in Nigeria.

PROF BEN BINEBAI, WRITES FROM NIGER DELTA UNIVERSITY, BAYELSA STATE