Delta: Itsekiri community protests INEC proposed delineation
The Itsekiri community in Delta State has berated the Independent National Electoral Commission regarding the proposed creation of communities and wards in three local government areas in Warri.
During a peaceful protest at INEC’s national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, the community residents opposed the Commission’s proposed delineation, claiming it violated a Supreme Court judgment and disregarded established boundaries by creating unacceptable communities and wards that previously did not exist in Warri.
Protesters were seen carrying various placards with inscriptions opposing INEC’s delineation proposal.
Speaking to newsmen during the protest, the community youth leader, Ogbegbe Misan, stated that the entire Itsekiri community is against the delineation.
He said, “INEC singled out Warri communities in its delineation proposal. It is as if the commission has been compromised in a way.”
One of the protesters, Toju Itsegba, accused INEC of a deliberate attempt to suppress, marginalise, and push the Itsekiri people toward extinction.
He stated that the Supreme Court judgment only permits the delineation of old wards, not the creation of new ones.
In response, an INEC official, who came to receive the protesters’ complaints, assured them that the Commission would look into their plight and invite relevant community leaders in an effort to resolve the issues.
