Ijaw, Uhrobo Lead Call for Immediate Implementation of Warri Delineation Report

Ijaw, Uhrobo Lead Call for Immediate Implementation of Warri Delineation Report

By Daily.

Warri, Delta State — Ijaw and Urhobo leaders in Warri Federal Constituency have expressed concern over what they described as a threat to democracy and the rule of law following the delay by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in implementing its final report on the Supreme Court-ordered fresh delineation of the constituency.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, prominent Ijaw leader, Chief Gbenekama, recalled that INEC on May 20, 2026, presented its final report on the delineation exercise to stakeholders in Asaba, Delta State. According to him, the report, presented by INEC National Commissioner Abdulrazaq Tukur Yusuf on behalf of the Commission, was declared final and slated for immediate implementation.

Chief Gbenekama noted that the report created 20 Registration Areas/Electoral Wards across Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, while also establishing two additional state constituencies in Warri North and Warri South-West to enhance representation for residents of the federal constituency.

He said the Ijaw and Urhobo people were surprised that more than a week after the report's presentation, implementation had yet to commence despite INEC's assurance that political parties would immediately begin primaries for the newly created constituencies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The groups alleged that the delay was the result of external interference from the Presidency, a development they described as unconstitutional and contrary to the independence granted INEC under the 1999 Constitution.

According to the protesters, any attempt to halt the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment undermines the rule of law and democratic governance. They maintained that the Supreme Court's judgment on the delineation matter is final and binding on all authorities and institutions.

The groups further rejected claims that security concerns necessitated a suspension of the implementation process, arguing that such concerns should be addressed by security agencies without obstructing the execution of a lawful court judgment.

Chief Gbenekama warned against altering any aspect of the final delineation report, insisting that the document presented to stakeholders must remain intact and serve as the basis for all future electoral activities within the constituency.

Also speaking, Alaowei Denbo Oweikpodo stressed that time was running out for the implementation of the delineation exercise, noting that the judgment was obtained years ago and should have been applied before now. He argued that several legal challenges filed against the process had been resolved in court, making further delays unnecessary.

Oweikpodo described the Ijaw people as original inhabitants of Warri and rejected narratives seeking to diminish their historical presence and political rights in the area. He cautioned against actions capable of reigniting tensions in the region, referencing the Warri crisis of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

On his part, Chief John Edgar Eranvor appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the INEC Chairman and the National Security Adviser to allow INEC complete the implementation of its final report without interference.

He said no ethnic group had been excluded from the delineation exercise and urged all stakeholders to embrace peace while respecting the rule of law.

Similarly, Chief Felix Okumagba called on all ethnic nationalities in Warri Federal Constituency to maintain peace and support the electoral process. He noted that representatives of the Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri ethnic groups participated in the fieldwork conducted by INEC and were given opportunities to submit observations before the final report was issued.

According to him, disagreements over the outcome should not lead to tension, emphasizing that all parties must respect the Commission's decision and allow the process to move forward.

The leaders concluded by urging INEC to immediately commence implementation of the delineation report and direct political parties to conduct primaries for the newly created constituencies, warning that any alteration of the final report could threaten peace and stability in the Warri Federal Constituency.