WARD DELINEATION: Itsekiri group rejects equal allocation with Ijaw

Socio-cultural organisation, the Warri North Itsekiri Rebirth Forum, has rejected the proposed ward delineation matrix allocating 10 wards each to the Itsekiri and the Ijaw in Warri North Local Government Area.

The group described the proposal as fundamentally flawed, saying it does not reflect the demographic strength and electoral realities of the Itsekiri people.

Representing the group, Solomon Mikie and Justice Akoyoma, among others, in a statement, also urged the National Assembly to scrutinise the proposed ward delineation before taking any legislative action.

The forum, in a statement, said: “We believe that this proposal is fundamentally flawed and does not reflect the demographic and electoral realities of Warri North LGA. We therefore reject it in its entirety and call on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, not to implement what we consider an unjust arrangement capable of undermining the political rights and democratic aspirations of the Itsekiri people.

“INEC is expected to be an impartial institution that inspires public confidence through fairness, transparency and strict adherence to the Constitution and electoral laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“According to INEC’s 2023 Register of Voters, the Itsekiri people of Warri North have six wards with a total of 134 polling units and 75,912 registered voters, while the Ijaw have four wards with 58 polling units and 34,480 registered voters. Thus, the Itsekiri have the highest number of registered voters, exceeding the Ijaw by 41,432.

“It therefore raises serious questions as to how the commission arrived at an equal allocation of 10 wards each for both ethnic groups. We respectfully urge INEC to explain the methodology used and review the proposed delineation to…