By THE controversy surrounding ward delineation in the Warri Federal Constituency took a new turn on Thursday as members of the Ijaw ethnic nationality staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
They demanded the implementation of INEC’s own recommendation concerning the enforcement of the Supreme Court judgment on the delineation of wards.
The Ijaw delegation was led by Chief David Reje and Pastor Arko Samuel.
This is coming a day after the Itsekiri Nation shut down a crude oil facility producing 28,000 barrels per day in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
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This action was taken in protest against the proposed ward delineation.
The Itsekiri people are calling for INEC to withdraw its current proposal, asserting that any delineation must reflect the historical and legitimate names of communities within Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North Local Government Areas.
Further findings indicate that INEC, in a statement issued on Thursday, clarified that it had not reached a conclusive decision regarding the delineation exercise.
The Commission emphasised that consultations were still underway, aiming to reach an amicable resolution acceptable to all involved parties.
Addressing journalists at INEC’s headquarters, Chief David Reje, spokesperson for the Ijaws of Warri Federal Constituency, expressed satisfaction with the report submitted by INEC, even though it has yet to be implemented.
He commended the inclusiveness of the Commission’s consultations, which involved the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups.
Reje described the process as an eye-opener and a pivotal moment for the political emancipation of the Ijaw people in the constituency.
He cautioned INEC not to succumb to what he termed intimidation tactics from the Itsekiri.
“You engaged all stakeholders and ethnic groups. You conducted fieldwork, not just boardroom discussions, and developed a well-informed proposal.
“We appreciate your efforts to implement the Supreme Court’s judgement.
“For once, our votes will count. The Itsekiri will no longer dictate whom we should vote for.
“We, the Ijaws, are the majority, and this marks our political awakening. We are equal stakeholders and do not seek to marginalise anyone.
“This is the hour of liberation for Ijaws in Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South-West.”
Pastor Samuel echoed similar views, voicing disappointment at what he described as a sudden reversal by the Itsekiri, who, according to him, were actively engaged throughout the 17-month consultation process with INEC.
“Our visit today is to thank INEC for its commitment to implementing the Supreme Court ruling.
“We had a peaceful stakeholders’ meeting on 4th April. All ethnic nationalities—Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri—were consulted and participated. INEC did a thorough job. We urge the Commission to move forward with implementation.”
Receiving the delegation, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdul Zuru, alongside fellow Commissioner Mohammed Haruna, assured the Ijaw leaders of the Commission’s impartiality and adherence to democratic principles.
“We deeply appreciate your visit and your commendation of the Commission’s work. We assure you that INEC remains committed to fairness, justice, and the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria.
“By God’s grace, we will continue to uphold democratic values in every decision we take,” Zuru stated.
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