Yesterday, members of the Ijaw and Urhobo communities from Warri federal constituency in Delta State converged at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja. Their primary demand was the immediate publication of the Supreme Court-mandated final report on the fresh delineation of registration areas, wards, and polling units within their constituency.
The demonstrators, who maintained a peaceful stance, emphasized that the release of this report is crucial for their participation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. They warned that failure to meet their request might compel them to occupy the INEC office.
Protesters displayed placards bearing messages such as “Warri Federal Constituency: No Wards, No Units for CVR,” “CVR Today is a Political Deception in Warri Federal Constituency,” and “INEC, Release the Final Report.”
The march was spearheaded by prominent figures including Dr. Joel Bisina, Olorogun Victor Okumagba, Godspower Gbenekama, John Eramvor, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, Sylvester Femi Okumagba, Arthur Akpodubakaye, and Wilson Ogbodu.
Other notable participants were Emmanuel Sezondi, Ann Gagiyovwi, Rev. Samuel Ako, Ambassador Jude Ebitimi Ukori, Hon. Frank Pukon, David Reje, Vero Emmanuel Tangbewei, and Comrade Margaret Ikinbor.
The protesters expressed their awareness of ongoing legal challenges and external pressures aimed at undermining or halting the delineation process.
They collectively acknowledged INEC’s perseverance, stating, “Your steadfastness and unwavering commitment have made it possible for the proposed registration areas, wards, and units to be publicly unveiled.”
In a formal petition submitted to INEC, representatives of the two ethnic groups declared, “Our shared commitment to justice has sustained our patience over the past five months, with the hope that the process would be finalized before the commencement of any electoral activities, particularly the ongoing Voter Registration exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, which currently disregards the judiciary’s ruling.”
They further noted, “We have attended multiple stakeholder meetings convened by your electoral officers across Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, where we were informed that the CVR exercise had begun using outdated arrangements that have been invalidated by the courts.”
The petitioners lamented, “Our goodwill and patience are being exploited as mechanisms are being set up to disenfranchise us from future elections. We refuse to stand by while our constitutionally guaranteed democratic rights, reaffirmed by the Supreme Court, are being eroded.”
They explained their decision to travel from Warri Federal Constituency to Abuja as a means to highlight their grievances and to assert that no external force or institution will be allowed to undermine their fundamental rights or sow discord within Warri Federal Constituency, the Niger Delta region, and Nigeria at large.
“We are prepared to maintain a presence at your offices until our basic human rights to vote and stand for election are fully restored, with clear guidance on how to engage in the ongoing registration exercise,” they declared.
This demonstration marks the second phase of their peaceful campaign to reclaim their political dignity. They warned that the mounting pressure from their communities might become difficult to manage if their demands remain unmet.
They concluded with an unequivocal call: “INEC must promptly publish and implement the comprehensive report developed through extensive stakeholder collaboration. We will not passively watch as our democratic rights are eroded.”
Responding on behalf of INEC, National Commissioner Prof. Abdullahi Zuri, accompanied by the Commission’s Secretary Rose Anthony-Oriarian and other officials, assured the protesters that their concerns would be relayed to the relevant authorities.
Prof. Zuri stated, “I sincerely appreciate your peaceful approach in addressing these issues. We have carefully reviewed your submission and heard your concerns. I will formally present your petition to the commission.”
He added, “INEC is a law-abiding institution, and as citizens, we respect the law. We act strictly according to legal directives. I assure you there is no intention to disenfranchise any eligible voter. It is our duty to ensure every Nigerian’s participation in electoral processes, and we take this responsibility seriously.”
“We will respond to your concerns in due course, but rest assured, disenfranchisement is not on our agenda,” he concluded.
