The Ijaw Youth Council, Western Zone has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for kicking off the delineation of electoral wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency.
INEC’s move is in obeyance of a Supreme Court ruling in 2023, which ordered the electoral umpire to carry out a fresh delineation across the three Local Government Areas in Warri.
INEC had on Monday, commenced processes to kick off the exercise with a meeting with stakeholders from Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities.
At the merting themed “Stakeholders Meeting for the Implementation of the Supreme Court Judgment on Fresh Delineation of Wards and Polling Units in Warri Federal Constituency,” the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Umoren, said INCE’s technical teams are set to begin fieldwork across Warri South, Warri Southwest, and Warri North Local Government Areas from July 10th to July 27th, 2024.
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Reacting to the declaration, the IYC commended INEC for raising the curtain for the all important exercise, even as it tasked the electoral umpire to uphold fairness and credibility in the discharge of its duties.
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In a statement on Tuesday consigned by Comrade Nicholas Igarama- Chairman, Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Esq. – Secretary and Tare Magbei – Information Officer, the IYC charged Ijaw political leaders and critical stakeholders to proactively involve in the process.
It further frowned at attempts by youths of Itsekiri nationality to protest against the exercise, warning that attempts by any party to sabotage the delineation process will not be tolerated.
It reads;
“The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for adhering to the Supreme Court’s directive by initiating the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency.
“This action demonstrates INEC’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and fostering democratic processes in our nation.
“We urge INEC to maintain fairness, equity, and credibility throughout the delineation exercise. It is essential that the rights and interests of all ethnic groups in the Warri Federal Constituency are represented justly.
“Furthermore, we call upon Ijaw political leaders and stakeholders to engage actively in the delineation process. It is imperative that we defend and protect the rights of the Ijaw people within the Constituency.
:The IYC strongly condemns the recent attempts by some youths from the Itsekiri ethnic nationality to protest against this lawful exercise. Such actions are uncalled for and counterproductive. We warn that any efforts to disrupt or sabotage the delineation process will not be tolerated.
“Furthermore, we call on all relevant security agencies to ensure that adequate security measures are in place to protect INEC officials and enable them to carry out their duties without hindrance.
“It is imperative that the delineation process is conducted smoothly and without any form of intimidation or disruption.”
