Delineation: Itsekiri Group Rejects Equal Ward Allocation With Ijaw

The Warri North Itsekiri Rebirth Forum, a socio-cultural organization, has strongly rejected a proposed ward delineation matrix that allocates an equal number of 10 wards to both the Itsekiri and Ijaw people in Nigeria's Warri North Local Government Area.

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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.

The group asserts that the proposal is fundamentally flawed and does not accurately represent the demographic strength and electoral power of the Itsekiri population. They are urging the National Assembly to scrutinize the delineation before any legislative action is taken, emphasizing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should act impartially.

According to INEC's 2023 Register of Voters, the Itsekiri in Warri North have six wards with 134 polling units and 75,912 registered voters. In contrast, the Ijaw have four wards with 58 polling units and 34,480 registered voters. This data shows the Itsekiri have more than double the registered voters of the Ijaw, a disparity the forum finds inexplicable in the context of an equal ward allocation.

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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.

The forum is calling on INEC to explain the methodology behind this proposed delineation and to review it based on verifiable facts and constitutional principles. They also expressed disappointment with individuals who they claim have spoken for the Itsekiri people on this issue without proper consultation, stating that any agreement reached without community consent is not binding.

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We also urge the distinguished members of the National Assembly to carefully scrutinise the proposed ward delineation before taking any legislative action. As custodians of Nigeria’s laws, members of the National Assembly have a constitutional responsibility to ensure that every process complies with the principles of equity, justice and democratic representation.