Nigeria: Ijaw Youths Demand Release of Warri Constituency Ward Delineation Report

The Operation Rescue Ijaw Nation Crusaders (ORINC) has staged a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and called on its chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), to release and implement the Warri Federal Constituency Ward Delineation Report.

The protest followed INEC's alleged delay in implementing the Supreme Court-ordered delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency, a situation the group said had prevented the people from participating in the electoral process.

Addressing journalists during the protest in Abuja, the national coordinator of the group, Awipi Lawson, said, "We can no longer remain silent while our democratic rights, guaranteed by the Constitution and reaffirmed by the Supreme Court, continue to be eroded.

"We can no longer wait while our democratic rights and franchise are being taken away," Lawson said, adding that, "INEC should immediately release and implement the report. We will not stand by and watch our rights frittered away."

The group commended the commission for its initial efforts, including conducting fieldwork and producing proposed registration areas and polling units, but expressed disappointment over what it described as its prolonged silence.

"Till today, we have sent letters, publications and done everything expected of a civil society group. INEC's silence is the reason we are here. They promised to return with the final delineation results, but till now, nothing has been announced," he said.

The group appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, describing the matter as one of national concern.

Responding on behalf of INEC, the director of Security, Ndidi Okafor, acknowledged receipt of the protesters' message and assured them it would be forwarded to the appropriate quarters.

"I have received this on behalf of the commission and will pass it on," Okafor said. "You are Nigeria's assets, and I thank you for being peaceful and civil. Please continue to remain peaceful. Nigeria belongs to all of us," he said.

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