Press Conference: Egbema youths call on Itsekiri groups to respect INEC's final ward delineation

The Egbema Youth Council (EYC) Worldwide has called on Itsekiri groups in Warri North Local Government Area to respect the final ward delineation implemented by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and to uphold the rule of law.

In a press statement issued on Thursday in Warri, the apex youth body of Egbema Kingdom said it was concerned by the recent rejection of the delineation exercise by the Warri North Itsekiri Rebirth Forum.

The Council acknowledged that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to free expression, but stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the law.

"Exercise Was Based on Law, Not Politics" EYC commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and INEC for implementing the delineation in full compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.  

According to the Council, the exercise was not based on political bargaining or ethnic sentiment, but on field verification, empirical data, and INEC’s constitutional mandate.

“INEC visited affected communities, assessed demographic and geographical realities, and implemented the directive of the apex court accordingly,” the statement signed by EYC President General, Amatelemowei A. Sode, Esq, read.

Addressing claims on voter register, the group faulted the Itsekiri Rebirth Forum for relying on the 2023 voter register to claim six wards and 134 polling units for Itsekiri, and four wards with 58 polling units for Ijaw.

EYC noted that the Supreme Court had already nullified the old ward structure in Suit No. SC/413/2016: Hon. George U. Timinimi & Ors. v. INEC and directed INEC to conduct a fresh delineation.  

“Arguments founded on the former arrangement cannot invalidate a delineation lawfully carried out pursuant to the judgment of the highest court in the land,” the Council stated.

The EYC revealed that the initial delineation gave 10 wards to Ijaw communities and 8 wards to Itsekiri communities in Warri North.  

However, in the interest of peace, INEC reviewed the outcome and approved 10 wards each for both ethnic groups before the final declaration.

The Council said the Egbema Ijaw accepted the compromise in good faith, prioritizing regional stability over sectional advantage, even though the original allocation had justification.

The youth body also argued that the demographic realities in Warri North do not support claims by some groups. It stated that the combined population of Polobubou and Opuama communities alone exceeds the total Itsekiri population in the LGA, and that this reality informed the initial delineation.

“Notwithstanding this, the Egbema Ijaws did not insist on retaining every advantage. We chose maturity, patriotism, and peaceful coexistence,” the statement added.

EYC expressed disappointment that despite the concessions, some groups continue to make publications capable of inciting controversy and undermining confidence in constitutional processes.

The Council urged political stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and other interests to exercise restraint and refrain from inflammatory rhetoric.

It also called on the President, the Delta State Governor, and security agencies to caution individuals whose statements could threaten peace and stability in Warri North.

“We remain committed to justice, equity, and harmonious coexistence in the Warri Federal Constituency,” EYC said. “We reaffirm our commitment to dialogue, respect for judicial decisions, and collaboration for peace and development.”

The statement was also signed by Engr. Gift Erin-Ebimi, General Secretary, and Comr. Ugure Famous, Public Relations Officer of EYC Worldwide.