In protest of the latest ward demarcation in Delta State’s Warri Federal Constituency, hundreds of Ijaw demonstrators marched to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The demonstrators, who were composed of young people and elders from the villages of Gbaramatu, Egbema, Diebiri, and Isaba, claimed they were in Abuja to express their support for INEC’s demarcation process, which they characterised as just and consistent with a ruling by the Supreme Court.
The protesters, holding placards, praised INEC for what they described as a transparent procedure, claiming that it signified the end of the Ijaw people’s years-long political marginalisation in the constituency.
David Reje, a representative of the Ijaw kingdoms, stated during the demonstration that the exercise was carried out after appropriate consultation with the Itsekiri, Urhobo, and Ijaw ethnic groups.
He said that by consulting with community leaders and traditional rulers prior to completing the demarcation, INEC had carried out its job.
Reje refuted allegations that stakeholders were not consulted by the commission, pointing out that many meetings were conducted in Warri and Asaba prior to the announcement of the new structure.
The representative noted, “Why we have come here is to appreciate you, to thank you for the good work you have done since 2022, after the Supreme Court judgment. You never jettisoned the judgment.
“Today, we have left our Egypt of political slavery to our promised land of political emancipation and political identity and dignity. Nobody will dictate a candidate for us, for councilors.
“Today, we have got our freedom. We have been set to make the world to know that the people who they termed minority are the true majority, which has been confirmed, which has been revealed to the whole world. The majority has come on board. The majority has come on the stream.”
Prof. Abdullahi Zuru and Malam Mohammed Haruna, the INEC National Commissioners, welcomed the demonstrators. Zuru commended the gathering for their peaceful behaviour and reassured them of the commission’s dedication to openness and the rule of law during his remarks.
“We want to thank you most sincerely for coming here as one of the major stakeholders in this discussion. Thank you for appreciating what the Commission has done so far.
“We want to assure you as a Commission, we are dedicated to doing what is right as far as democracy in Nigeria is concerned. And God willing, we will ensure that democracy at the end of the day is what decides everything that we do,” he said.
New wards are distributed among the three local governments in the Warri Federal Constituency by the delineation report, which was delivered in Asaba on April 5.
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There are presently eight Itsekiri wards and ten Ijaw wards in Warri North. There are 19 wards in Warri South-West: 5 for Itsekiri and 14 for Ijaw. Ijaw three, Itsekiri eight, and Urhobo nine share the twenty wards that make up Warri South.
In response to public concerns about the planned ward demarcation in the Warri Federal Constituency, INEC clarified on Thursday that no final decision has been taken.
Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, provided the explanation in a statement on Thursday.
In response to the public’s response, the commission stressed that the draft is not final and asked interested parties to provide their feedback for additional consideration.
Throughout the demarcation process, the commission reiterated its dedication to justice, equity, the rule of law, and inclusive discourse.
“Meanwhile, we appeal to all stakeholders in the constituency to refrain from engaging in any activity that could threaten the peace and security of the area. The Commission will continue to operate based on fairness, equity, the rule of law and in full consultation with all stakeholders,” the statement added.
