2027: Implements S’Court ordered delineation or forget election – Ijaws, Urhobos to INEC
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State has said the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC cannot conduct voter registration and election unless it implements of the Supreme Court ordered delineation in the area.
They Constituency said five months after the presentation of its report, INEC has refused to do the needful alleging that “external forces” are midwifing INEC from carrying out its constitutional responsibility.
“Five months after the presentation, INEC has not been able to publish the final report, rather have decided to commence a future election process in gross violation of the Supreme Judgement.”
They warned that, only INEC can delineate units and wards in Warri Federal Constituency.
The Ijaws and Urhobos made the declaration at a press conference in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
A statememt from the briefing was read by Olorogun Victor Okumagba and signed by Deinbofa Oweikpodor, Dr Joel Bisina, Chief Arthur Akpodubakaye, Rev. Samuel Ako, Chief Emmanuel Sekondi, Frank Pukon, Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP), David Reje, Margaret Ikinbor, Monday Keme, John Eranvor, Sylvester Femi Okumagba, Wilson Ogbodu and Mrs Ann Gagiyovwi.
It partly read, “We are fully convinced that INEC seemingly compromised independence, lack of resolve, and vulnerability to selfish external influence has delayed the release and implementation of this crucial report, which is vital to defining and enhancing the democratic participation of the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri Federal Constituency.”
The ethnic nationalities urged INEC to do the needful and stand firm to delineate the various units and wards in Warri Federal Constituency.
They also demanded that,”INEC immediately releases and implements the report painstakingly embarked upon by stakeholders.
“We shall not idly standby and watch our democratic rights and franchise fretted away by INEC’s lawlessness and disastrous irresponsibility. A stich in time saves nine.”
The Spokesman of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief Godspower Gbenekama who bared his mind on the matter said,”INEC should immediately release and implement it’s report and delineate the units and wards before election will take place.”
High Chief Gbenekama threatened that the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency will make the nation pay dearly dearly if their rights are trampled upon by INEC or any other institution.
“You do, you die. You nor do, you die. I am appealing to Federal Government, INEC come and complete your job”.
He noted that they’re the only people that can stop oil production in that part of the country as wrongly claimed by their neighbours in their threats. “90% of what Nigeria lives on is on our land.”
Other Ijaw and Urhobo leaders also spoke on the matter called on INEC to do the needful before issues get out of hand with laws broken.
