Ijaw, Urhobo Groups Demand Immediate Implementation of Supreme Court-Backed Warri Constituency Delineation
By Shedrack Onegai
E-ISSN:2354-4481
WARRI — Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo communities in the Warri Federal Constituency on Monday staged a peaceful protest in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly implement the Supreme Court-ordered fresh delineation of the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The demonstrators, led by prominent Ijaw and Urhobo leaders, expressed concerns over what they described as delays in the implementation process and alleged external interference in matters constitutionally assigned to INEC.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as "FG, Allow INEC to Do Its Work," "INEC, Respect the Rule of Law," and "Implement the Approved State Constituencies Presented on May 20, 2026," the protesters maintained that the electoral body should be allowed to carry out its constitutional responsibilities without undue influence.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the spokesman of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, read a joint address emphasizing the importance of respecting constitutional provisions and judicial pronouncements relating to the delineation exercise.
The protesters argued that INEC, as an independent constitutional body, is empowered to discharge its duties without direction or control from any external authority. They cited relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, asserting that the electoral commission should be allowed to implement the Supreme Court judgment concerning the delineation process.
They further referenced the Supreme Court decision in Suit No. SC/413/2016, George Timinimi & Others v. INEC, noting that judgments of the apex court are binding on all authorities and institutions of government.
According to the protesters, any delay in implementing the court's decision could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law. They called on all stakeholders to support the peaceful execution of the delineation exercise in accordance with constitutional and legal requirements.
The demonstrators also reacted to reports suggesting that security concerns may have contributed to delays in the implementation process. They urged security agencies to address any genuine threats to public peace while ensuring that lawful judicial directives are respected and carried out.
Particular attention was drawn to the newly created State Constituency in Egbema Kingdom, Warri North Local Government Area, which protesters said would provide greater political representation for communities that have long sought broader participation in the state's democratic process.
They expressed optimism that the fresh delineation would enhance inclusiveness, strengthen democratic representation, and enable affected communities to fully participate in the 2027 elections.
The protesters maintained that all ethnic groups within the Warri Federal Constituency should be encouraged to engage constructively in the electoral process and work together in the interest of peace, unity, and sustainable development.
Several community leaders, including Femi Okumagba, John Edgar Eranvor, Dembo Oweikpodor, and other representatives of the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities, echoed the call for the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment and urged stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law.
