Protesters in Delta State have shut down a major oil facility producing 28,000 barrels of crude oil per day in Warri South-West Local Government Area. The demonstration is in response to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s proposed ward delineation for the Warri federal constituency, which the protesters say disregards the historical identity of their communities.
The Independent National Electoral Commission unveiled its ward and polling unit proposals last Friday, following a Supreme Court judgment. However, the plan has been met with resistance, particularly from the Itsekiri ethnic group, who allege that the exercise amounts to “ethnic cleansing”.
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Peaceful demonstrations began on Monday, with men, women, and youths carrying placards and calling for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed delineation. They are demanding a new exercise that reflects the region’s ethnic composition and historical community names in Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North.
Amorighoye Mene, Secretary of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, warned that legal action could follow if INEC fails to address their concerns. He added that Itsekiri representatives were not given the opportunity to express their views at the public unveiling, prompting their total rejection of the plan.
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