Warri Tensions Rise as IYC Western Zone Demands Security Probe, Presses INEC on Delineation Report
The political atmosphere in Delta State’s Warri Federal Constituency has once again come under intense public scrutiny following a strongly worded statement issued by the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone, calling for urgent intervention by security agencies over remarks allegedly made by prominent Itsekiri leader, Chief Alex Eyengho, regarding the ongoing Warri delineation dispute.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the IYC Western Zone, Comrade Nicholas Tamara-Denyefa Igarama, the Council expressed deep concern over comments reportedly made during a televised media engagement in which Chief Eyengho was alleged to have stated that “things de, tools de” while responding to questions surrounding the controversial ward and polling unit delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency.
According to the IYC, the statement has generated anxiety across several Ijaw communities within the Warri axis, particularly considering the historical realities of ethnic conflicts that have previously engulfed the area.
The Council argued that Warri remains a delicate environment where public utterances by influential leaders carry enormous consequences, stressing that words capable of being interpreted as threats should not be ignored by authorities.
Referencing the painful memories of the 1997, 1999 and 2003 Warri crises, the IYC noted that thousands of lives and properties were lost during periods of ethnic confrontation and warned that inflammatory rhetoric could reopen old wounds and reignite tensions.
The organization consequently called on the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the statement and determine whether it amounts to intimidation, incitement or a threat to public peace and security.
The Council emphasized that violence rarely begins with physical confrontation but often starts with provocative statements capable of influencing public perception and mobilizing ethnic sentiments.
It further observed that previous allegations and investigations involving arms-related activities within the Warri environment make it imperative for security agencies to treat any suggestion of “tools” being available for confrontation with utmost seriousness.
Despite its concerns, the IYC reiterated its commitment to peace, constitutional engagement and lawful conduct, insisting that the Ijaw people remain dedicated to democratic processes and peaceful coexistence with all ethnic nationalities within Delta State and beyond.
Delineation Delay Under Fresh Criticism
Beyond security concerns, the IYC Western Zone also directed attention to what it described as the prolonged delay in the implementation of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) completed delineation report for Warri Federal Constituency.
The Council argued that the exercise was conducted pursuant to constitutional provisions and judicial directives and therefore should not be subjected to unnecessary delays or political interference.
According to the IYC, every day of postponement creates fertile ground for speculation, misinformation, mistrust and agitation among the various communities affected by the exercise.
The group consequently urged INEC to conclude all remaining administrative procedures and proceed with the implementation of the delineation report in accordance with the Constitution and relevant court decisions.
The statement further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, security agencies and other stakeholders to proactively safeguard peace and prevent any breakdown of law and order in the Warri area.
The Council maintained that no ethnic nationality should seek to intimidate another and insisted that justice, fairness and constitutional compliance remain the only sustainable pathways to lasting peace in the region.
Editorial Insight By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
The renewed controversy surrounding the Warri delineation exercise highlights a deeper challenge confronting Nigeria’s democratic and multicultural society: the management of competing ethnic interests within the framework of constitutional justice.
Regardless of ethnic affiliation, political interest or historical grievances, all stakeholders must recognize that inflammatory rhetoric has never produced sustainable solutions in Warri. The region’s history bears painful testimony to the devastating consequences of mistrust, political manipulation and delayed governmental intervention.
At this critical moment, restraint must become the watchword.
Security agencies owe Nigerians a duty to investigate every allegation capable of threatening public peace. Such investigations should be professional, impartial and devoid of political considerations. Transparency in handling security concerns will help build public confidence and prevent unnecessary speculation.
Equally important is the responsibility resting on INEC. Electoral institutions derive their legitimacy from consistency, neutrality and strict adherence to constitutional provisions. Where legal processes have been completed, implementation should not be indefinitely delayed, as uncertainty often creates tension and fuels competing narratives.
The Warri question cannot be resolved through threats, intimidation or ethnic superiority. It can only be resolved through dialogue, constitutional compliance, judicial respect and mutual recognition of the rights of all communities.
The people of Warri deserve peace.
The people of Warri deserve justice.
Most importantly, future generations deserve a region remembered for development and unity rather than recurring conflict.
As stakeholders continue to engage on the delineation matter, wisdom, caution and adherence to the rule of law must prevail over emotion and confrontation.
Source: Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone Statement
Global Egberi Media International
Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Source: Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone Statement
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