A Niger Delta youth group has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, as a matter of urgency suspends ongoing INEC wards delineation exercise in the Warri area of Delta South senatorial district to avoid further breakdown of law and order.
The ward delineation, which is currently causing a crisis among the three ethnic groups in the state, Itsekiri, Igaw, and Urhobo in the Warri area, has triggered various protests and shutting down oil facilities for the past two months.
However, the group under the aegis of Isoko Political Youth Leaders of Thought made the call on Monday in Asaba, while addressing journalists.
The Chairman of the group, Daniel Omoraro also called for urgent attention from President Bola Tinubu to maintain peace in the Niger Delta region, to avoid shutting down oil facilities.
He said “Today, we are here to draw the attention of the Nigerian public, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Presidency as well as the office of the National Security Adviser to recent happenings in Warri Metropolis and how it relates to the development of the Niger Delta Region.
“The ward delineation exercise in Warri metropolis has taken a turn that if not suspended or better managed by the Federal government, may result in the breakdown of the sense of peace that has prevailed over the region for some decades.
“The Warri metropolis which houses predominantly Itsekiris, Ijaws, and a small population of Urhobos, is an integral part of the Delta South Senatorial District; which is shared largely by the three ethnic groups: Isoko, Itsekiri, and Ijaws.
“These ethnic nationalities, popularly known as the three I’s, have, beyond their economic romance, enjoyed harmonious political relations over the years.
“As a Pan Isoko political group, it came to us as a surprise that there are deliberate efforts by certain individuals to undermine the long-standing ethnic balance among the three founding nationalities of the district.
“As a group, we see the current political manoeuvrings as aimed at elevating one ethnic group over the others, particularly to gain numerical and strategic advantage ahead of the 2031 elections when the governorship seat of Delta State would have taken a rotational course back to the Delta South Senatorial District.
“We see these moves as attempts to weaken the political position of the Itsekiri blocks, thereby isolating them politically and diminishing their voice in key decisions affecting the region.
“As a pan Isoko political group, we understand that this invariably diminishes our position and stake as Isokos in the grand scheme of things.
“This move is aimed at conquest and Isoko is most affected. If this permutation scales through, the level play field that could give room for Isokos to produce a Governor becomes jeopardised.
“We are already witnessing high tensions and political provocations, particularly in and around Warri and other flashpoints, which could spiral out of control if steps are not taken to restore equity, inclusion, and fairness.
“We respectfully urge President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, as the custodian of Nigeria’s national security interests to closely monitor political activities in Delta South and the broader Niger Delta to forestall any outbreak of ethnic unrest”
The group urged Tinubu to suspend the ongoing INEC wards delineation exercise aimed at destroying the political balance they are enjoying in the district.
