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Nigeria News (Standard)

Ijaw, Urhobo Leaders Approve Tinubu-Backed Ward Adjustment in Warri, Warn INEC Against Further Changes

Stakeholders accept presidential intervention on Warri constituency boundaries, urge electoral commission to maintain status quo for peace

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Stakeholders accept presidential intervention on Warri constituency boundaries, urge electoral commission to maintain status quo for peace

Ijaw and Urhobo leaders in Delta State have formally accepted the ward delineation adjustment in Warri Federal Constituency, following a presidential-backed resolution. The agreement was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Monday, 15 June 2026. The groups, however, warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to carry out further changes to the boundaries without broad consultation.

The acceptance comes after months of agitation and disagreement over ward boundaries in Warri South Local Government Area. Community representatives from both Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups confirmed that they would abide by the adjustment recommended by the presidency. According to those present at the meeting, stakeholders agreed that maintaining peace and stability in the oil-rich region was paramount.

Boundary disputes have historically caused tension in Warri, a key economic hub in Delta South Senatorial District. The recent delineation exercise by INEC sparked protests among some communities who felt marginalised by the proposed boundaries. The presidency’s intervention aimed to resolve these long-standing grievances and ensure equitable representation for all groups within the federal constituency.

Speaking after the meeting, Ijaw and Urhobo leaders expressed relief at the outcome but issued a strong warning to INEC. “We will not accept any further changes or manipulation of boundaries except as agreed under this resolution,” one stakeholder said. The leaders urged INEC to respect the consensus achieved through presidential mediation and avoid actions that could reignite communal tensions.

INEC is now expected to implement the agreed delineation ahead of forthcoming elections in Delta State. Political analysts say adherence to this agreement will be critical for maintaining peace and stability in Warri Federal Constituency, especially given its strategic importance to Nigeria’s oil sector.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887751-warri-delineation-ijaw-urhobo-accept-tinubu-backed-ward-adjustment-warn-inec-against-further-changes.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Simy Nwankwo Returns to Nigeria After Prolific Season in Saudi Arabia

Super Eagles striker set for homecoming following impressive goal-scoring run in Saudi Pro League

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June 15, 2026

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Super Eagles striker set for homecoming following impressive goal-scoring run in Saudi Pro League

Super Eagles forward Simy Nwankwo is expected back in Nigeria after a successful football season in Saudi Arabia, sources confirmed on Monday. The striker, who has been plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League, is returning home following a campaign marked by remarkable scoring form.

Nwankwo’s return comes after completing his commitments with his Saudi club, where he registered a standout performance throughout the just-concluded season. While details of his next move remain unannounced, his arrival in Nigeria has generated anticipation among local fans and observers of the national team.

The experienced striker has been a regular feature for the Super Eagles, contributing to Nigeria’s recent international fixtures. His prolific run abroad underlines the growing impact of Nigerian players in Middle Eastern leagues, a trend that continues to draw attention from football stakeholders at home and abroad.

Though neither Nwankwo nor officials from the Nigeria Football Federation have issued a formal statement regarding his return or future plans, expectations are high that he may be involved in upcoming national assignments. Supporters hope his form will boost the Super Eagles’ attacking options ahead of continental qualifiers and major tournaments.

Nwankwo’s homecoming is seen as an opportunity for both player and country to reassess prospects as he remains one of Nigeria’s most consistent strikers on the international scene.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/887776-nigerian-international-simy-nwankwo-set-for-homecoming-after-prolific-saudi-season.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Rivers Police Begin Statewide Clampdown on Vehicles With Obscured Number Plates

Commissioner of Police orders immediate enforcement as IGP Disu targets rising security threats linked to unidentified vehicles

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June 15, 2026

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Commissioner of Police orders immediate enforcement as IGP Disu targets rising security threats linked to unidentified vehicles

The Rivers State Police Command has commenced a major enforcement operation against vehicles with covered, defaced, unauthorised or missing number plates across the state, effective Monday, 15 June 2026. The crackdown follows a directive from Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at curbing criminal activities by ensuring all vehicles on public roads are easily identifiable.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the operation is being coordinated by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju. All Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers in Rivers have been directed to begin immediate implementation of the order. The police warned that vehicles found with covered or non-standard number plates risk being impounded and their owners prosecuted under existing laws.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns about the use of obscured number plates by individuals seeking to evade law enforcement or engage in unlawful acts within Rivers State and neighbouring South-South states. Authorities believe that proper vehicle identification is essential for effective policing and crime prevention in the region.

“This exercise forms part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to improve security surveillance and deny criminals opportunity to conceal their identities while operating,” Kaborlo said in the statement. The command stressed that no vehicle would be exempted from the checks, and called on residents to cooperate with officers during the period of heightened enforcement.

The police assured that normal traffic flow would be maintained as much as possible, but urged motorists to regularise their vehicle documentation immediately. As at press time, opposition parties and civil society groups had not issued formal statements on the measure.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/rivers-police-launch-crackdown-on-obscured-number-plates/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

IMF Urges Abuja to Extend VAT to Petrol, Propose Telecom Tax Amid Rising Inflation

Federal Government yet to adopt recommendations as Nigerians raise concerns over cost of living and subsidy removal fallout

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June 15, 2026

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Federal Government yet to adopt recommendations as Nigerians raise concerns over cost of living and subsidy removal fallout

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised the Federal Government in Abuja to introduce new taxes on fuel and telecommunications services as part of measures to boost revenue, according to its latest economic assessment released this week. The proposals, which include extending Value Added Tax (VAT) to petrol and imposing excise duties on mobile calls and data, have sparked debate nationwide as at Friday.

According to the IMF’s report, Nigeria’s government revenue remains among the lowest globally relative to GDP. The global lender recommended several steps: applying VAT on petrol and other petroleum products, introducing excise taxes on telecom services such as calls and data, gradually increasing VAT rates over time, and reducing certain tax exemptions and customs waivers. The IMF said these measures would help fund critical sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education while reducing government borrowing.

The recommendations come at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with high inflation, rising food prices, and reduced purchasing power following the removal of fuel subsidy and recent currency reforms. Any new tax on fuel is expected to drive up transportation costs for both commuters and businesses across states like Lagos, Kano, Rivers, and beyond. Experts warn this could lead to a further spike in prices of essential goods due to higher logistics costs.

Millions also depend on mobile phones for communication, business, and education. Additional excise duties on telecom services could increase the cost of airtime, voice calls, SMS, and data plans—an issue that has drawn concern from civil society groups and economists alike. Dr. Aisha Yusuf of the Nigerian Economic Society said during a phone interview that “any new tax regime must consider the current hardship faced by ordinary citizens before implementation.” As at Friday evening, the Federal Ministry of Finance had not issued an official statement on whether it would adopt any of the IMF’s advice.

While the IMF recommendations remain non-binding advice for now—the final decision rests with the Federal Government and National Assembly—public debate continues amid fears that such measures may worsen living conditions for many Nigerians already affected by economic reforms. Whether policymakers will adopt all or part of these proposals remains uncertain.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/imf-nigeria-tax-recommendations-fuel-telecom-2026061511165832725

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