The Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in Warri Federal Constituency on Thursday threw their weight behind the purported “final” report of the Supreme Court-ordered fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

They said it was a major step toward restoring political balance and peace in the area.

The people made this position during a joint press conference held in Warri, Delta state, amidst mounting rejection and protests by the Itsekiri nation and sections of the Urhobo (Agbarha-Warri) bloc, who have described the report as merely a “proposal.”

The gathering, attended by traditional chiefs, women and youths from Ijaw and Urhobo communities, erupted in loud applause and chants as the joint position of the groups was read by Olorogun Victor Okumagba.

The statement was jointly signed by Okumagba, Alaowei Denbo-Denbofa Oweikpodor, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo and Chief John Edger Etonvor on behalf of the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities of Warri Federal Constituency.

Addressing journalists, the groups commended INEC for complying with the December 2, 2022 judgment of the Supreme Court in SC/413/2016: Hon. George U. Timinimi & Ors v. INEC, by releasing the delineation report ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They also praised the electoral body for creating additional State House of Assembly constituencies for Warri North and Warri Southwest local government areas, as well as recommending an additional federal constituency for the area.

According to them, the development had substantially addressed long-standing political grievances in the oil-rich federal constituency.

“The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri applaud the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for acting in accordance with the order of the Supreme Court of Nigeria by releasing the final report of the delineation for the conduct of the 2027 general elections”

“The problem of the Warri Federal Constituency over the years has been lack of political space for people from the different ethnic nationalities to participate in the political process. This gave rise to sense of oppression and political alienation,” the statement read.

The groups further stated: “The audacious steps by INEC to create additional polling units, electoral wards, state constituencies and recommend the creation of a federal constituency in the implementation of the Supreme Court decision… has addressed these age long problems by giving every ethnic nationality the opportunity to participate in the political process.”

The coalition also hailed the recognition of ethnic diversity in the newly created constituencies and pledged full participation in the 2027 elections.

Calling on their supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, the leaders issued a stern warning against any attempt to tamper with the report.

“The Nigerian state and all agencies of government, we are holding copies of the final report of the delineation exercise. We advise in the interest of peace that there should be no alteration from any quota or otherwise. It will not be too palatable for the system and the government of the day,” Okumagba warned. (The Nation)