By Francis Sadhere, Warri
Prominent Ijaw leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has called for calm amid the ongoing protests by women and youths occupying oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri River areas over the ward delineation dispute in Warri Federal Constituency.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Tompolo expressed concern over the escalating tension arising from the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to complete the ward delineation process in the constituency.
The revered Ijaw leader noted that since the commencement of the peaceful mass action on June 8, many Nigerians have appealed for a peaceful resolution of the impasse, adding that he aligns with such calls.
According to him, the Ijaw people have historically been known for their peaceful disposition and should not allow the current situation to derail that legacy.
“The Ijaw nation has from time immemorial been known for their peaceful ways and we cannot deviate from our history. The current political situation arising from the failure of INEC to complete the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency and the ongoing mass action must not be allowed to be hijacked or degenerate into violence of any sort,” he said.
Tompolo urged all stakeholders to remain calm regardless of the circumstances and stressed the need for dialogue and consultation among community leaders to chart a path towards lasting peace.
He called for an immediate meeting of community leaders across the affected areas to deliberate on the situation and develop strategies for resolving the crisis peacefully.
“I am calling for calm no matter the situation. I am also calling for a meeting of community leaders to meet immediately to enable us devise a way forward. We must all join hands in seeking a peaceful resolution to this impasse,” he stated.
The Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation further urged INEC to take necessary steps to address the concerns surrounding the ward delineation exercise, insisting that the electoral body must act responsibly in order to restore peace and stability in Warri and its environs.
He also appealed to residents of the area, irrespective of ethnic affiliation, to exercise patience and avoid actions that could further inflame tensions.
“We call on the people of Warri, whether Ijaw, Itsekiri or Urhobo, to be calm and wait patiently for INEC to do the right thing,” he added.
The call comes amid growing agitation over the implementation of the ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, with protesters insisting that the electoral commission must conclude and implement the process in accordance with legal and constitutional provisions.
Observers believe Tompolo’s intervention could help ease tensions and encourage dialogue among the various ethnic groups and stakeholders involved in the dispute.
Prominent Ijaw leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has called for calm amid the ongoing protests by women and youths occupying oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri River areas over the ward delineation dispute in Warri Federal Constituency.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Tompolo expressed concern over the escalating tension arising from the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to complete the ward delineation process in the constituency.
The revered Ijaw leader noted that since the commencement of the peaceful mass action on June 8, many Nigerians have appealed for a peaceful resolution of the impasse, adding that he aligns with such calls.
According to him, the Ijaw people have historically been known for their peaceful disposition and should not allow the current situation to derail that legacy.
“The Ijaw nation has from time immemorial been known for their peaceful ways and we cannot deviate from our history. The current political situation arising from the failure of INEC to complete the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency and the ongoing mass action must not be allowed to be hijacked or degenerate into violence of any sort,” he said.
Tompolo urged all stakeholders to remain calm regardless of the circumstances and stressed the need for dialogue and consultation among community leaders to chart a path towards lasting peace.
He called for an immediate meeting of community leaders across the affected areas to deliberate on the situation and develop strategies for resolving the crisis peacefully.
“I am calling for calm no matter the situation. I am also calling for a meeting of community leaders to meet immediately to enable us devise a way forward. We must all join hands in seeking a peaceful resolution to this impasse,” he stated.
The Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation further urged INEC to take necessary steps to address the concerns surrounding the ward delineation exercise, insisting that the electoral body must act responsibly in order to restore peace and stability in Warri and its environs.
He also appealed to residents of the area, irrespective of ethnic affiliation, to exercise patience and avoid actions that could further inflame tensions.
“We call on the people of Warri, whether Ijaw, Itsekiri or Urhobo, to be calm and wait patiently for INEC to do the right thing,” he added.
The call comes amid growing agitation over the implementation of the ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, with protesters insisting that the electoral commission must conclude and implement the process in accordance with legal and constitutional provisions.
Observers believe Tompolo’s intervention could help ease tensions and encourage dialogue among the various ethnic groups and stakeholders involved in the dispute.
