Society Gists

Hundreds of Itsekiri youths took to the streets of Warri in a peaceful but powerful protest against what they described as a “fraudulent and politically motivated” ward delineation report recently submitted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The protest, which drew wide attention across the city, began at the prestigious Warri Club in the GRA area of Okere Community. From there, the demonstrators marched in a show of unity and determination, making their way through Miller Waterside near the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), proceeding to Ugbuwangwe, and finally converging at Angle Park.

Chanting slogans and carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “INEC Stop the Disenfranchisement,” “Our Wards, Our Voice,” and “Justice for Itsekiri People,” the youths voiced their strong opposition to what they believe is an attempt to marginalize the Itsekiri ethnic group through the manipulation of electoral boundaries.

According to spokespersons from various Itsekiri youth bodies, the delineation report submitted by INEC grossly undermines the demographic realities and traditional structures of the Itsekiri homeland. They accused certain political interests of working with INEC officials to alter ward boundaries in a manner that favors other groups at the expense of the indigenous Itsekiri people.

“We are out here today because we can no longer stay silent while our rights are being trampled upon. The so-called delineation report is not only unjust but a direct attack on our identity, our political relevance, and our future,” said one of the protest leaders during an address to the crowd at Angle Park.

The peaceful protest was closely monitored by security operatives who ensured that the march remained orderly and without incident.

Community leaders and concerned stakeholders have also called on INEC to urgently review the ward delineation exercise in Warri and ensure transparency, equity, and adherence to constitutional guidelines.

The protest marks a significant moment in the ongoing agitation by the Itsekiri people for fair representation and justice within the democratic framework of Nigeria.