Fresh controversy has erupted over the implementation of delineation in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State, as hundreds of Ijaw and Urhobo stakeholders on Monday, staged a peaceful protest demanding the immediate implementation of the final delineation report released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The protesters, who converged on the Main Market, Warri, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “FGN Allow INEC Do Its Work,” “DSS Stay Clear of Warri Federal Constituency,” “No Implementation, No Election,” and “INEC Implement Approved State Constituencies and Registration Areas Presented on May 20’’. .

They accused unnamed forces within the federal government of frustrating the implementation of the Supreme Court-ordered exercise.

The protest was barely a week after a high-level meeting was convened by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) involving critical stakeholders in the constituency, The Nation understands.

However, indications from Monday’s demonstration suggest that the meeting failed to bridge the divisions among the parties over the delineation outcome.

The meeting, it was learnt held last Tuesday in Abuja, and was aimed at addressing concerns arising from the fresh delineation of electoral wards, registration areas and state constituencies in Warri Federal Constituency.

Yet, Monday’s protest underscored the persistence of tensions surrounding the exercise.

Addressing reporters, the Fiyiwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekema, who read a joint statement on behalf of the Ijaw and Urhobo peoples of Warri Federal Constituency, alleged that external interference was responsible for the delay in implementing INEC’s final report.

“We condemn in the strongest terms any interference in the implementation of the Supreme Court-ordered delineation. Democracy is about the rule of law and the rule of law must prevail in Warri Federal Constituency,” he said.

The protesters maintained that INEC had already presented its final report on May 20 in Asaba and assured stakeholders that the exercise would be implemented immediately ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

They argued that any attempt to alter or suspend the implementation of the report would undermine constitutional governance and potentially trigger avoidable tensions in the oil-rich region.

Alaowei Denbo-Denbofa Oweikpodor, Ijaw Focal Person during g the delineation exercise, expressed frustration over the delay, saying the affected communities had made significant concessions in the interest of peace.

“We have ceded a lot of grounds for peace to reign. We are asking that INEC be allowed to do its work in accordance with the law,” he said.

Also speaking, Chief David Reje accused INEC of unnecessarily delaying the implementation process.

“We are tired of INEC delaying implementation of the ward reports presented to us. If we cannot be given a fair playing ground, then there is a problem. We have made sacrifices for peace and fairness,” he said.

Chief Femi Okumagba, from Okere-Urhobo bloc, called for restraint among all parties, while insisting that the electoral umpire should be allowed to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.

“It is a known fact that we have continued to swallow bitter pills over the years. The best path forward is to maintain the peace and allow INEC to do its work,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of Ijaw and Urhobo youths, President of the Egbema Youth Council, Amatelemowei Sode (Esq.), insisted that the affected communities were determined to participate fully in the electoral process under the new delineation structure.

“INEC, we want to field our candidates. We want to field people who will represent us. We have tolerated this situation for a long time, but we will not accept continued political marginalisation,” he said.

Sode warned that any escalation of the dispute could have wider implications for peace and economic activities in the Niger Delta, including crude oil production.

Another stakeholder, Chief Christian Seibibo, appealed for peace while urging authorities to implement the delineation outcome without further delay.

Other protesters argued that prompt implementation of the delineation would not only avert a potential crisis in the constituency, but also ensure the needed political stability in one of Nigeria’s most strategic oil-producing regions. (The Nation)