INEC Ward Redraw Sparks Tensions: Itsekiri Shut Down Oil Facility in Delta Protest

Tensions escalated in Delta State’s Warri area as intense demonstrations against INEC's planned ward redistricting gained momentum, resulting in the closure of an important oil site by Itsekiri demonstrators in Ugborodo, within the Warri South-West Local Government Area.

The oil facility with a capacity of 28,000 barrels per day (bpd), which was previously run by Shell Petroleum Development Company and is currently under the management of Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings, was peacefully halted on Tuesday by representatives from the Ugborodo community.

Men, women, and young people from the area marched to the premises carrying signs, charging INEC with promoting an "ethnic cleansing" plan via the redistricting proposal.

The protesters called for the electoral authority to stop the proceedings, asserting that it undermines the political representation and ethnic identity of the Itsekiri people.

The demonstration contributes to escalating tensions spanning multiple communities in the area, with inhabitants persistently voicing significant worries about apparent neglect and alterations in population dynamics.

"This is an effort to eradicate the Itsekiri people within their own territory," a demonstrator asserted, charging INEC and its partners with attempting to disadvantage this ethnic community.

The protesters voiced worries over the participation of former militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupola, known as Tompolo, pointing out that the federal government’s pipeline monitoring agreement granted to him via the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) could potentially be employed to oppress their towns.

Increasing concerns are emerging that the demonstration might extend to additional oil and gas sites within the Itsekiri region, potentially leading to severe impacts on Nigeria’s precarious everyday petroleum production.

The demonstration in Ugborodo reflects an underlying dissatisfaction spreading throughout the Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North Local Government Areas. Several ethnic communities claim that the INEC proposal disproportionately disadvantages them demographically and politically.

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In Warri South, the leadership of the Okere-Urhobo Kingdom has strongly objected to the suggested redistricting, arguing that it significantly undervalues their community’s size and political influence.

"We possess the populace and the power of our voters," stated Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru, who previously served as a member of the Delta State House of Assembly and currently acts as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environmental matters.

"Okere-Urhobo Kingdom is the most populous region in Warri South. Our borders extend further than one might imagine. We should have at least four wards," stated Opuoru.

He stressed that their demonstration was not aimed at other communities such as the Itsekiri, Ijaw, or Agbarha-Warri but was instead a demand for fair treatment and appropriate acknowledgment according to census figures.

Paraphrased: As expressed by Chief Jude Onovughe Igerebou, who previously held a leadership position in the Warri South Legislative Council, "We do not accept the ward delimitation carried out by INEC in Warri South. The representation of our communities was inadequate, and numerous irregularities occurred."

Additionally, Chief Venture Daniels Evwherhamre, who serves as a member of the Delta State Public Procurement Board, voiced criticism towards INEC for assigning just one ward to the Okere-Urhoho people even though they had proposed six wards.

"It is unacceptable. We urge the authorities to revisit our proposal. We deserve more," he stated.

Ambassador Duke Ufuoma Barho stated, "We possess the borders, figures, and supporting documents. INEC presented elements that were not part of our proposal. We are urging INEC to reconsider our submitted materials."

As both the Itsekiri and Urhobo Okere communities ramp up their demands to reverse the ward delimitation plan, these demonstrations present a mounting challenge for INEC and federal officials. These authorities are under rising pressure to step in and guarantee that the delimitation process appears fair, unbiased, and free from ethnic favoritism.

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