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From Ben Dunno, Warri
The Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality (IEN), has frowned at technical discrepancies in documentations relied upon by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in carrying out its proposed wards delineation in three Warri councils, urging the Federal Government to probe alleged massive data manipulations and fraudulent coordinates in the process.
The group also condemned efforts by the Ijaw of Gbaramatu and the Urhobo to intimidate the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, (an Itsekiri daughter), “by using all sorts of disrespectful language on her and engaging in series of media attacks to blackmail her to attract cheap public sympathy.”
At a press conference at in Warri, Delta State, Itsekiri leaders noted that in as much as they have conceded to the Supreme Court judgment of having more wards delineation in the Warri Federal Constituency, they would not allow any fraudulent process that would place them at a disadvantage in their ancestral homeland.
A statement signed by Edward Ekpoko, Yemi Emiko, Amorighoye Mene, Alex Eyengho, and Robinson Ariyo, said: “We demand that based on electoral voters baseline data from the 2023 general elections, each of the six Itsekiri wards in Warri North and Warri South West should be multiplied by two as well as the Ijaw four wards.
“This will now give the following fair and equitable resolution for the whole exercise, thus, Warri North – Itsekiri, 12 wards; Ijaw eight wards. Warri South West – Itsekiri 12 wards; Ijaw eight wards. This is our irreducible minimum position.
“We support the creation of additional state constituencies for Warri North and Warri South West LGs. We also support the creation of additional federal constituency from the present Warri Federal Constituency.
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“The demand as a matter of urgency that the Federal Government commences full scale investigation into the technical execution and conduct of this delineation exercise. It is an embarrassment to the nation as the international community is watching.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), must suspend reliance on the disputed fieldwork and flawed GIS mapping data pending an independent, transparent technical verification.
“Security and oversight institutions to closely monitor the process, ensuring transparency, accountability and total compliance with constitutional order.
“All Stakeholders to eschew inflammatory rhetoric and pursue peaceful, lawful democratic engagement. Our demand is simple as we stand on equity, justice, fairness based on constitutional compliance in the entire process.
“We strongly deprecate the disrespectful and uncouth language recently directed at President Bola Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during recent hostile press briefings by sections of Ijaw and Urhobo. Such actions show a profound disregard for the highest offices of our nation.
“We warn clearly, 2026 is not the era of the historic Warri crisis of 1997 to 2003. We condemn any threat to peace, public infrastructure or regional stability.
“We must be mindful of the words of General Ibrahim Babangida, when he warned that the drums of war are easy to beat but their rhythms are difficult to dance. Starting a war or political upheaval comes with the slightest provocation but ending them becomes inelastic, almost unending with painful footages.”
