The Ijaw and Urhobo communities of Warri North, Warri South-West, and Warri South Local Government Areas in Delta State have issued a stern warning against any attempts to manipulate the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) field report on the recent delineation of electoral wards and polling units. This delineation exercise, carried out in accordance with a Supreme Court order, is of paramount importance to these communities, and any interference with its findings would be deemed a grave breach of justice. They emphasize that the report accurately reflects the demographic reality on the ground, confirming the Ijaw majority in Warri North and Warri South-West, and the Urhobo majority in Warri South. This statement underscores the communities’ commitment to a fair and transparent electoral process, firmly grounded in accurate representation of their populations.
The joint statement, endorsed by prominent leaders from both ethnic nationalities, expresses profound concern over emerging threats to peace and security within the Warri Federal Constituency. While commending INEC’s adherence to the facts presented during the delineation exercise, they call upon the Federal Government to intervene swiftly and decisively to address these security concerns. The statement identifies unnamed individuals who they allege are attempting to disrupt the peace and undermine the integrity of the electoral process, further highlighting the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action from the federal authorities. This appeal for intervention underscores the seriousness of the potential for conflict and the communities’ desire to maintain stability within their region.
The heart of the matter lies in the demographic balance of power within these local government areas. The Ijaw and Urhobo communities assert that the INEC report accurately reflects their respective majority statuses in the affected regions, a crucial factor in ensuring equitable political representation. They view any attempt to alter the report as a direct challenge to their democratic rights and a potential catalyst for conflict. The statement underscores the significance of the INEC findings, positioning them as a cornerstone of a just and equitable electoral system within the Warri Federal Constituency. This emphasis reinforces their demand for the report to be respected and implemented without alteration.
Adding further weight to their concerns, the Ijaw and Urhobo communities highlight a recent disturbing incident involving the arrest of several individuals, including a British Army officer, for illegally importing arms into the region. They believe this incident is directly linked to the attempts to destabilize the Warri Federal Constituency and specifically target their communities. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the situation, suggesting a concerted effort to incite unrest and disrupt the electoral process. The connection drawn between the arms importation and the potential manipulation of the INEC report points towards a more sinister agenda aimed at undermining the democratic process and potentially instigating violence.
The communities commend the Directorate of State Security Services and other security agencies for their swift action in apprehending the individuals involved in the arms importation. They call for a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter, urging the prosecution of all those implicated regardless of their position or social standing. This demand for accountability underlines their commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those who threaten the peace and security of their communities are brought to justice. It also reinforces their call for federal intervention, highlighting the need for a comprehensive response to the emerging security challenges in the region.
In conclusion, the joint statement issued by the Ijaw and Urhobo communities of Warri paints a picture of a region grappling with complex political and security challenges. Their unwavering stance against any manipulation of the INEC report, coupled with their concerns about the recent arms importation incident, underscores their commitment to a fair and transparent electoral process and a peaceful coexistence. The call for federal intervention serves as a plea for support in safeguarding their democratic rights and preserving the stability of their communities. They believe the integrity of the INEC report is crucial for maintaining peace and ensuring a truly representative government in their region. The incident of arms smuggling further intensifies their concerns, raising the specter of orchestrated violence aimed at destabilizing the region and undermining the democratic process. Their demand for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those involved underscores their resolve to uphold the rule of law and hold those who threaten their peace and security accountable.
