The Isoko Political Youth Leaders of Thought have issued a stark warning about the escalating tensions in Delta South Senatorial District, stemming from a controversial ward delineation exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This exercise, intended to redraw electoral boundaries, has sparked outrage and protests among the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo communities, disrupting oil production and threatening the fragile peace in the region. The Isoko youth leaders believe that the delineation process is being manipulated to give one ethnic group, the Ijaws, an unfair political advantage, particularly in anticipation of the 2031 gubernatorial elections when the governorship is expected to rotate back to Delta South. They see this as a deliberate attempt to weaken the political influence of the Itsekiri and, by extension, the Isoko people, thus jeopardizing their chances of producing a governor in the future.
At the heart of this conflict lies the intricate ethnic balance that has historically characterized the Delta South Senatorial District. The Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Isoko, often referred to as the “three I’s,” have traditionally enjoyed a relatively harmonious political relationship, despite their diverse cultural backgrounds and competing economic interests. This balance, the Isoko youth leaders argue, is now being threatened by the proposed ward delineation. They suspect that the exercise is a calculated move to consolidate the political power of one group at the expense of the others, thereby disrupting the established power-sharing arrangement and potentially igniting ethnic unrest. The Isoko leaders expressed their deep concerns that the escalating tensions and political maneuvering could easily spiral out of control if immediate action is not taken to restore equity and fairness.
The Isoko youth leaders’ concerns revolve around the perceived marginalization of the Itsekiri people, who they believe are being strategically isolated and politically weakened by the proposed redrawing of ward boundaries. This weakening, they argue, will have a ripple effect, diminishing the voice and influence of the Itsekiri in crucial regional decisions. Furthermore, the Isoko leadership fears that this strategic maneuver will ultimately undermine their own political aspirations and limit their opportunities to participate in the governance of the state. They see the manipulation of the ward delineation as a calculated attempt to disrupt the long-standing political balance, thereby destabilizing the region and creating an environment ripe for conflict.
The Isoko Political Youth Leaders of Thought are calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently and halt the contentious ward delineation exercise. They believe that only presidential intervention can restore calm and prevent the situation from escalating into widespread ethnic conflict. Their appeal highlights the gravity of the situation and the potential for violence if the grievances of the affected communities are not addressed. They urge the president to closely monitor the political developments in Delta South and take decisive action to ensure fairness and equity in the electoral process. They also emphasize the importance of preserving the historical political balance among the various ethnic groups to maintain peace and stability in the volatile Niger Delta region, a region crucial to Nigeria’s oil production.
In addition to their appeal to the president, the Isoko youth leaders also directed a message to their Urhobo neighbors, urging them to be cautious and avoid being drawn into divisive plots aimed at weakening other ethnic groups. They emphasized the close kinship ties between the Isoko and Urhobo people, highlighting their shared linguistic and cultural heritage. They expressed disappointment that some elements within the Urhobo community are allegedly being used to further the disruptive agenda of the proposed ward delineation. This appeal underscores the importance of inter-ethnic solidarity and the need to resist manipulation by those seeking to sow discord and destabilize the region for their own political gain.
The current crisis in Delta South underscores the fragile nature of inter-ethnic relations in Nigeria and the potential for political manipulation to exacerbate existing tensions. The ward delineation exercise, ostensibly intended to enhance the democratic process, has instead become a source of division and conflict. The situation highlights the need for transparent and equitable electoral processes that respect the rights and interests of all communities. The Isoko youth leaders’ call for presidential intervention is a desperate plea for peace and stability in a region already grappling with numerous challenges. Their warning should not be taken lightly, as the consequences of inaction could be dire for Delta South and the wider Niger Delta region. The timely intervention of the federal government is crucial to de-escalate the situation, restore trust among the affected communities, and ensure a fair and peaceful electoral process in the future. Failure to address the root causes of this conflict risks further destabilizing the region and jeopardizing the already fragile peace.
