Ward Delineation Tensions Escalate as Itsekiri Youths, Ifiekporo Residents Stage Separate Protests

Tensions over the ongoing ward delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency intensified on Tuesday, as Itsekiri youths and residents of Ifiekporo community staged separate protests in Warri, Delta state, demanding fair representation and the implementation of electoral reforms.

The Itsekiri youths protested at the premises of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Warri, calling for the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s directive regarding the ward delineation exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The protesters expressed concerns over the process and urged relevant authorities to ensure that the President’s directive is fully carried out in the interest of justice and equity within the constituency.

In a related development, residents of Ifiekporo community in Warri South Local Government Area took to the streets to protest their exclusion from the ward delineation exercise. The demonstrators argued that the existing Ward 1, which comprises 16 communities, is too large and densely populated to remain a single ward.

According to the protesters, the ward covers more than 10,000 acres of land and is larger than Warri city itself. They demanded that the ward be split into four separate wards to guarantee adequate representation and development.

The protesters also threatened to continue disrupting operations of oil companies in the area until their demands are addressed by INEC and relevant government authorities.

Both protests underscore growing concerns among stakeholders over the ward delineation process, with calls for inclusiveness, fairness and equitable political representation across the Warri Federal Constituency.