Nigeria Presidency Denies Warri Delineation Interference, Warns Against Oil Disruption

Nigeria's Presidency has firmly denied allegations of interference in the ward delineation exercise for the Warri Federal Constituency. The statement comes amid escalating tensions and protests that have disrupted oil and gas operations in the Delta State region.

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The Presidency has not issued any directive to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the implementation of the delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that President Bola Tinubu and the federal government have issued no directives to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the exercise. He stressed that INEC is an independent constitutional body responsible for carrying out its duties in line with the law and judicial pronouncements.

The Presidency reiterated its commitment to respecting lawful court judgments and implementing them through established institutional processes. It advised that any grievances related to the delineation should be addressed through appropriate legal channels. The government maintains it has no interest in interfering with INEC's independence or undermining the rule of law, affirming President Tinubu's dedication to strengthening democratic institutions.

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The position of the Federal Government is clear and consistent: lawful court judgements should be respected and implemented through the appropriate constitutional and institutional processes.

Furthermore, the Presidency expressed concern over the impact of protests on critical oil and gas facilities in the Warri area. While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful protest, it declared that actions disrupting economic activities, threatening public safety, or damaging national infrastructure are unacceptable. Stakeholders are urged to pursue their concerns peacefully and lawfully, with the government committed to dialogue and the preservation of public confidence in Nigeria's democratic processes.

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While citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful expression and lawful protest, actions capable of disrupting economic activities, threatening public safety or damaging national infrastructure are unacceptable.