0
The Itsekiri Grassroots Coalition (IGC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders to intervene over the renewed controversy surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) proposed delineation of units, wards, and constituencies in the Warri Federal Constituency.
The coalition’s appeal followed reports by Itsekiri youths under the aegis of Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths (UIY), who claimed that some of their members were allegedly attacked during a peaceful protest held on Monday, May 25, at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Reacting to the development, the National Coordinator of the Itsekiri Grassroots Coalition, Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, said no citizen should face intimidation, harassment, or violence for expressing concerns in a democratic society.
Edema described the proposed ward delineation exercise released by INEC as what he termed “an attempt to diminish the political identity, historical rights, and constitutional representation of the Itsekiri people in the Warri Federal Constituency.”
He further stated that any action perceived as marginalising the Itsekiri people or altering existing electoral structures could affect peace, unity, and democratic coexistence in the Niger Delta region.
The group called for the withdrawal and review of the proposed ward delineation exercise and urged INEC to carry out what it described as a transparent and inclusive process involving all critical stakeholders.
IGC also called for an independent investigation into the alleged attack on the protesting youths and other concerns raised in connection with the incident.
“The Itsekiri Nation will continue to resist every form of political exclusion, intimidation, and injustice through lawful democratic actions, civic engagement, advocacy, and constitutional means,” the group stated.
“Our demand is simple: fairness, justice, equity, and respect for our ancestral identity and political rights.
“No democratic society can thrive where the voices of indigenous peoples are ignored or suppressed.
“The Itsekiri people will remain united, vigilant, and steadfast in the defence of their homeland, heritage, and identity,” the statement added.
