Warri protests, demands implementation of S’Court’s verdict on constituency delineation

Stakeholders from the Warri Federal Constituency have staged a fresh protest at the Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding the immediate release and implementation of the final report on the Supreme Court-ordered delineation of electoral wards and units in the Constituency.

The group, comprising community representatives and political stakeholders, accused the Commission of commencing the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas using “a defunct arrangement which has already been invalidated by the courts.”

In a statement presented during the protest, David Reje on behalf of the stakeholders, expressed appreciation to INEC for its earlier painstaking field exercise that produced the proposed fresh Registration Areas (RAs), wards, and units.

The protesters alleged that undue influences and legal maneuvers had stalled the process since the draft delineation was presented five months ago.

“It was your resilience and determination that made it possible for the proposed registration areas and wards to be publicly presented, a courage we salute and will not take for granted.

“But our patience and cooperation are now being taken for granted as the Commission has set machinery in place to disenfranchise us from participating in future elections”, the Group noted.

The protesters described INEC’s decision to proceed with voter registration in the affected LGAs without implementing the new delineation as “an affront to the judiciary” and warned that the delay could heighten tensions in the Niger Delta.

According to the protesters, their continuous pressure and non-violent demonstrations reflect the frustrations of their constituents, who fear being disenfranchised in future electoral exercises.

“We will continue to occupy INEC’s premises until our fundamental human rights to vote and be voted for are restored with a clear directive on how to participate in the ongoing exercise,” the statement declared.

The Group concluded with an irrevocable demand that INEC immediately release and implement the delineation report “painstakingly embarked upon by stakeholders,” warning that they would not “idly stand by and watch their democratic rights frittered away.”

Responding to the protesters, Abdullahi Zuru, INEC National Commissioner. assured the protesters that the Commission remains committed to implementing the Supreme Court directive.

He pledged that their concerns would be addressed to ensure all eligible voters in Warri Federal Constituency are not denied participation in the electoral process.