BY KELVIN ONYEKACHUKWU, ASABA
Amid growing political tension over the implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the fresh delineation of wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency, the Ijaw and Urhobo communities have jointly condemned what they described as desperate moves by some Itsekiri leaders to hijack the process through ethnic manipulation and high-level political lobbying.
At the heart of the controversy is the December 2, 2022 judgment of the Supreme Court, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to carry out a fresh delineation in Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South West local government areas, home to Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri communities.
Addressing journalists in Warri, Mr. Monday Keme, Principal Secretary to His Royal Majesty Mon Bene III, the Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijaw Warri Kingdom, accused some Itsekiri elites of attempting to derail the court-ordered process through backdoor political interference.
“The delay by INEC is already dangerous, but more worrying is the ethnic politics being played behind the scenes,” Keme said. “Some individuals are exploiting familial ties to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in a bid to override constitutional processes. That is not only disrespectful to national institutions but a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.”
According to him, the use of ethnic connections to the First Lady to influence the Presidency was not only inappropriate but also a crude form of ethnic baiting. He recalled that during the legal battle over delineation, which began in 2011, the Ijaw never sought to use former President Goodluck Jonathan’s Ijaw identity to gain undue advantage.
“We respected the sanctity of the courts and the institutions of state. It is disturbing that the same courtesy is not being reciprocated. We urge all parties to allow INEC carry out its lawful duty,” Keme added.
He also raised concerns about alleged moves by some Itsekiri leaders to pressure federal officials, including the National Security Adviser, through prominent intermediaries such as Mrs. Daisy Danjuma.
“Any attempt to politicize or frustrate the implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment is an attack on democracy. These maneuvers risk plunging the Niger Delta into fresh conflict,” he warned.
The Ijaw and Urhobo communities, Keme noted, are satisfied with the ongoing INEC fieldwork, which they say accurately reflects the demographic reality of Warri Federal Constituency. He stated that despite having a significantly lower population estimated to be under 10,000 the Itsekiri currently enjoy 21 wards across the three local government areas.
“INEC has already been generous. Any attempt to further skew the process in favour of the Itsekiri is injustice in motion,” he said.
Reacting to threats by some Itsekiri elements to shut down oil operations in Ogidigben should the delineation not favour them, Keme cautioned against provocation, warning that the Ijaw and Urhobo, who host over 30 oil installations, have the capacity to do the same but have chosen the path of peace.
“We are peace-loving people. But peace must not be mistaken for weakness,” he said.
The communities also expressed skepticism over the neutrality of a planned roundtable meeting initiated by the office of the NSA involving all ethnic groups in the area. They urged transparency and impartiality in any federal intervention.
“The NSA must act as a neutral arbiter, not a tool for any ethnic agenda. If Chief Ayiri Emami’s reported closeness to the NSA begins to influence federal decisions, it will destroy public trust,” Keme stated.
In a dramatic revelation, Keme accused the Olu of Warri of protecting a known Itsekiri gunrunner, Micah Polo, who he alleged was caught with over 57 assault rifles. He called on the security agencies to take swift and impartial action.
“No one, not even traditional rulers, should be above the law. Arms proliferation is a threat to the peace we have laboured for,” he said.
Concluding, the Ijaw and Urhobo communities called on President Bola Tinubu to resist any pressure that seeks to compromise the integrity of INEC and the judiciary.
“We urge Mr. President to allow INEC to do its job freely. Anyone dissatisfied with the outcome can, like us, return to court. That is the only path to peace and national stability,” the statement read.