Niger Delta Activist Urges Action on Electoral Delineation Report
Niger Delta rights advocate Chief Sheriff Mlade has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly implement the Supreme Court’s final report on the delineation of wards and polling stations in the Warri Federal Electoral District. He cautioned that any delays in this process could trigger renewed tensions within the region.
Support for Proactive State Measures
Chief Mlade, a respected peace and development champion from Delta State, commended Governor Sheriff Obolewori for taking proactive steps to avert potential crises among the area’s diverse ethnic groups, namely the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo. His statement reflects a deep concern for maintaining stability within Warri Federal Constituency.
Call to Action Ahead of 2027 Elections
As the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Warri Federal Constituency in the upcoming 2027 general election, Mlade conveyed his appeal through a statement released to the press. He highlighted the necessity for quick and decisive measures from electoral authorities to prevent a recurrence of the conflicts that plagued the area between 1997 and 2003, resulting in severe repercussions for communities throughout the Niger Delta.
Ethnic Tensions on the Rise
Mlade emphasized that the execution of the Supreme Court-endorsed delineation exercise, which encompasses Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North local government areas, has already stirred ethnic tensions. He warned that if these issues are not adeptly managed, they could escalate further, jeopardizing peace in a region already fraught with grievances.
Risk of Economic Disruption
He stressed that mishandling the delineation report could deepen historic grievances among communities, potentially leading to broader conflict. Such unrest could not only disrupt oil production activities critical to the local economy but also pose a considerable threat to Nigeria’s overall economic stability.
Urgent Need for Fair Implementation
Mlade asserted that the situation necessitates urgent, careful attention. He warned that any delay or perceived unfairness in implementing the delineation report might reignite old animosities, pushing the region closer to an avoidable crisis. The Warri federal constituency’s complexities, steeped in ethnic diversity and significance to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, underscore the need for prioritizing peace over political agendas.
Collaborative Efforts for Stability
Mr. Ibe-Solimowei of the Gbaramatu Kingdom echoed Mlade’s sentiments by urging Governor Obolewori to strengthen ties with security agencies, traditional leaders, and community representatives. He called for collaborative efforts to reduce tensions and foster sustainable peace across the affected local government areas.
Importance of Transparency in the Electoral Process
Highlighting the critical nature of transparency and fairness, Mlade emphasized that these principles are fundamental to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process. He called upon INEC to ensure that the delineation report is executed in strict alignment with the Supreme Court’s directives. He warned that without decisive action, the hard-won stability in the region could be at risk, jeopardizing years of peacebuilding initiatives in the Niger Delta.
