OLOGBOTSERE REJECTS INEC’S PROPOSED WARD DELINEATION REPORT, DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR ITSEKIRI NATION
The Chairman of the Warri Council of Chiefs calls on INEC and the Federal Government to uphold the rule of law, ensure fairness and address concerns over the proposed ward structure in Warri Federal Constituency.
The Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom and Chairman of the Warri Council of Chiefs, Ojoye (Engr.) Dr. Oritsema Eyewuoma, has formally expressed his displeasure and rejection of the proposed ward delineation report issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concerning Warri Federal Constituency.
In his reaction to the report, the respected traditional chief described the proposed delineation as unfair and inconsistent with what he considers the historical, geographical and legal realities of the Itsekiri people in Warri. He maintained that the proposed arrangement could significantly undermine the political representation of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality across the three Warri Local Government Areas.
According to him, the Itsekiri people are historically and ancestrally connected to Warri Federal Constituency, which constitutes the homeland of the Itsekiri nation. He argued that any attempt to restructure the existing ward arrangement without adequately considering the historical background, established legal framework and legitimate interests of the indigenous population would amount to an injustice against the people.
The Ologbotsere further maintained that the proposed INEC report, rather than addressing the longstanding concerns surrounding ward delineation, appears to have created an arrangement that reduces the political influence and representation of the Itsekiri people in their ancestral territory.
WARRI SOUTH: OLOGBOTSERE QUESTIONS PROPOSED WARD DISTRIBUTION
Providing a practical illustration of what he described as the inconsistencies in the proposed report, Dr. Eyewuoma drew attention to the ward structure in Warri South Local Government Area.
He stated that, according to the legal and historical position being advanced by the Itsekiri people, the Itsekiri ethnic nationality has eight (8) legally recognised wards, while the Urhobo population has two (2), making a total of ten (10) wards under the arrangement he referenced.
He further cited a 2003 Federal High Court judgment, which he said established the relevant legal framework but has allegedly not been implemented by INEC.
However, he expressed concern that the proposed INEC report presents a different distribution, allocating eight (8) wards to the Itsekiri, nine (9) wards to the Urhobo and three (3) wards to the Ijaw, bringing the total to twenty (20) wards.
He questioned the legal and administrative basis for the proposed arrangement, particularly the allocation of additional wards and the implications for the existing legal structure.
The Ologbotsere also challenged the inclusion of Ijaw wards in Warri South, making reference to previous land-related legal disputes and decisions which, according to him, should be considered in determining the appropriate political and geographical boundaries of the area.
He maintained that the Commission must provide clear explanations for its methodology and demonstrate how the proposed distribution complies with applicable court judgments, constitutional provisions and electoral regulations.
Dr. Eyewuoma stressed that the concerns surrounding the proposed delineation are not limited to Warri South Local Government Area but also extend to Warri North and Warri South-West.
According to him, the proposed ward structure across the three local government areas raises serious questions about the political representation, indigenous identity and historical interests of the Itsekiri people.
He argued that the cumulative effect of the proposed arrangement could diminish the political voice of the Itsekiri nation within its ancestral homeland, particularly in matters relating to electoral representation, democratic participation and the determination of political boundaries.
He described the report as unfair, unacceptable and untrustworthy from the standpoint of the concerns raised by the Itsekiri people, adding that Itsekiris both within Nigeria and in the diaspora have expressed their rejection of the proposed arrangement.
He therefore urged INEC to provide transparency in its process and ensure that all relevant historical records, court judgments, constitutional provisions, geographical considerations and legitimate representations are properly examined before any final decision is reached.
The Ologbotsere called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to revisit the proposed report and take necessary steps to address the concerns raised by the Itsekiri nation.
He emphasised that the Commission, as an independent constitutional institution, has a responsibility to conduct its activities in accordance with the Constitution, applicable electoral laws and subsisting judicial decisions.
He further called on the Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders to intervene constructively to ensure that the ward delineation process is conducted in a transparent, impartial and legally defensible manner.
According to him, electoral boundaries should not become instruments for political marginalisation or the alteration of established rights and interests. Rather, they should reflect the relevant legal, geographical and constitutional requirements governing electoral administration.
He warned that the continued perception of injustice among the Itsekiri people could heighten tensions in the Warri area if their concerns are not adequately addressed.
He therefore urged the Federal Government and INEC to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves in the interest of justice, peaceful coexistence and democratic stability.
Despite his strong rejection of the proposed report, Dr. Eyewuoma appealed to Itsekiris at home and in the diaspora to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to constitutional means of pursuing their demands.
He urged community leaders, traditional institutions, youth organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to maintain restraint while pursuing every available legal and constitutional avenue to challenge the proposed delineation.
He emphasised that the Itsekiri people are entitled to seek justice through lawful institutions and that their concerns should be addressed through constructive engagement, legal processes and respect for the rule of law.
He also called on the Federal Government, INEC and other critical stakeholders to ensure that the final outcome of the delineation process reflects fairness, transparency and compliance with the law.
Reiterating his position, the Ologbotsere declared that the Itsekiri nation would not accept what he described as an unjust and unacceptable report.
He maintained that the people would explore every lawful and constitutional mechanism available to challenge the proposed arrangement and ensure that their historical interests and political representation are not compromised.
He concluded with a firm declaration:
“WE WISH TO PLACE IT ON RECORD THAT THE ITSEKIRI PEOPLE WILL EMPLOY ALL LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL MEANS TO ENSURE THAT THIS PROPOSED REPORT, WHICH WE CONSIDER UNACCEPTABLE, IS CHALLENGED AND SET ASIDE THROUGH THE APPROPRIATE LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL PROCESSES.”
