From Ben Dunno, Warri

Indigenes of Ijaw and Urhobo extractions in the Warri Federal Constituency have warned against deliberate attempt by the Itsekiri ethnic group, influential individuals or institutions to manipulate the fresh delineation exercise of electoral wards and polling units ordered by the Supreme Court in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the communities, Mr. Monday Keme, Principal Secretary to His Royal Majesty Mon Bene III, the Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijaw Warri Kingdom, described recent moves by some Itsekiri leaders as dangerous, divisive, and disrespectful to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The Supreme Court, in its ruling on December 2, 2022, had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to carry out a fresh delineation of all electoral wards and polling units in Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South West local government areas.

The ruling stated that no future election could be held in the area unless the delineation exercise was completed.

According to Keme, “Any further delay by INEC in completing this process risks leaving the Warri Federal Constituency without legal electoral structures by 2027, which could disrupt elections across Delta South and the entire state.”

He accused some Itsekiri elites of attempting to circumvent the court order by pressuring the Presidency through familial and ethnic ties, especially targeting the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

“It is highly inappropriate for the Itsekiri to drag the First Lady into local political matters because of her maternal connections. This is a crude attempt at ethnic baiting,” Keme said.

“The President and his wife are national figures and must not be swayed by such manipulative tactics.”

He recalled that during the prolonged legal battle that began in 2011, Ijaws did not pressure then-President Goodluck Jonathan, despite his Ijaw heritage.

“We respected the institutions of the state. We expect the same now,” he added.

Keme further alleged that Itsekiri leaders were working through powerful individuals like Mrs. Daisy Danjuma to influence the National Security Adviser (NSA) and undermine INEC’s delineation process. He warned that such interference could destabilize the already fragile peace in the Niger Delta.

“We see the moves to politicize and frustrate the implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment as anti-democratic. We cannot fold our arms while our rights are trampled on again,” he said.

Addressing the ongoing fieldwork by INEC, the communities expressed satisfaction with the process, asserting that it reflects the true demographic composition of the federal constituency.

According to them, the Itsekiris are a minority group within the area, with fewer than 10,000 people, yet have already been generously allocated 21 wards across the three LGAs.”INEC has been more than fair. Any further attempt to distort the process is injustice in motion,” Keme stressed.

He also reacted to threats from some Itsekiri groups to shut down oil production facilities in Ogidigben, saying, “The Ijaw and Urhobo host over 30 oil facilities and can shut them all down in a day, but we have chosen peace. We should not be provoked.”

The communities also expressed reservations over an invitation from the NSA’s office to a roundtable meeting involving the Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri groups, warning that the process must be free from bias.

“We hope the NSA is not being used as a tool to favour one ethnic group. That would be a betrayal of trust,” Keme said, referencing alleged remarks by Chief Ayiri Emami claiming closeness to the NSA.

In a startling claim, Keme further accused the Olu of Warri of aiding a known Itsekiri gun runner, Micah Polo—a former British soldier—who was allegedly caught with over 57 assault rifles. “Security agencies must show that no one is above the law, including traditional rulers,” he said.

In conclusion, the Ijaw and Urhobo communities called for full respect for the Supreme Court’s directive, urging President Tinubu and relevant federal institutions to allow INEC complete its work without interference.

“Mr. President, allow INEC to do its job. Whoever is dissatisfied can go to court, as we did. Nigeria’s peace and democracy must come first,” the statement concluded.