…Urges INEC to Act, Convenes Stakeholders for Peace Talks

High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has called for calm following the shutdown of several oil and gas installations in Delta State by protesting women and youths over the ongoing ward delineation dispute in Warri Federal Constituency.

The Niger Delta leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited appealed for restraint in a statement issued on Tuesday, warning against any attempt to hijack the protests or allow the situation to degenerate into violence.

His intervention comes amid growing concerns over the impact of the protests on oil production and economic activities in the Niger Delta, with demonstrators occupying strategic facilities in the Escravos and Warri River axis since June 8.

Tompolo acknowledged widespread calls by Nigerians for a peaceful resolution of the crisis and stressed that the Ijaw people have a long-standing tradition of pursuing their demands through peaceful means.

“The Ijaw Nation has from time immemorial been known for its peaceful ways, and we cannot deviate from our history,” he stated.

The crisis stems from disagreements surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, a development that has sparked tensions among stakeholders in the area.

While urging protesters to remain peaceful, Tompolo said the current situation must not be allowed to escalate or undermine the peace that has largely prevailed in the region.

He also called for an immediate meeting of community leaders and key stakeholders to deliberate on the issues and develop a collective strategy for resolving the impasse.

According to him, all ethnic groups in Warri, including the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities, should remain calm and allow constitutional processes to take their course.

Tompolo further urged INEC to take the necessary steps to address the concerns arising from the delineation exercise and restore confidence among the affected communities.

“INEC must determine to do the right thing and restore peace in Warri and environs,” he said.

The latest appeal comes as tensions continue to rise over the ward delineation controversy, with political leaders, community stakeholders and civil society groups calling for dialogue to prevent further disruptions in one of Nigeria’s most important oil-producing regions.