IJAW, URHOBO LEADERS DEMAND IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OF WARRI DELINEATION REPORT

 

IJAW, URHOBO LEADERS DEMAND IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OF WARRI DELINEATION REPORT

By Delta Event TV News

Warri, Delta State — Leaders of the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in Warri Federal Constituency have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately implement its final report on the Supreme Court-ordered fresh delineation of the constituency, warning against any attempt to delay or alter the process.

Speaking during a press conference on Monday, prominent Ijaw leader, Chief Wellington Gbenekama, expressed concern over what he described as a threat to democracy and the rule of law following the delay in implementing the delineation report.

Chief Gbenekama recalled that on May 20, 2026, INEC presented its final report on the delineation exercise to stakeholders in Asaba, Delta State. The report was presented by INEC National Commissioner, Abdulrazaq Tukur Yusuf, on behalf of the Commission and was declared final for immediate implementation.

According to him, 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 political representation within the federal constituency.

He noted that 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 begin primary elections for the newly created constituencies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The leaders alleged that the delay was due to external interference from the Presidency, describing such actions as unconstitutional and contrary to the independence granted to INEC under the 1999 Constitution.

They maintained that the Supreme Court judgment on the delineation matter remains final and binding on all authorities and institutions, warning that any attempt to halt its implementation undermines democratic governance and the rule of law.

The groups also dismissed claims that security concerns necessitated a suspension of the implementation process, arguing that security issues should be addressed by relevant agencies without obstructing the execution of a lawful court judgment.

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

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

Oweikpodo described the Ijaw people as original inhabitants of Warri and rejected narratives aimed at diminishing their historical presence and political rights in the area. He cautioned against actions capable of reigniting tensions in the region, recalling the Warri crises of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

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

He emphasized that no ethnic group was excluded from the delineation exercise and urged all stakeholders to maintain peace while respecting the rule of law.

Similarly, Chief Felix Okumagba called on all ethnic nationalities in Warri Federal Constituency to embrace 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 released.

According to him, disagreements over the outcome of the exercise should not result in tension, stressing 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. They warned that any alteration of the final report could pose a threat to peace, stability, and democratic progress in Warri Federal Constituency.