Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has appealed for calm following the ongoing protests by women and youths over the ward delineation dispute in the Warri Federal Constituency.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Tompolo said he had been monitoring the peaceful occupation of oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri River areas by protesters since Monday, June 8, noting that many well-meaning Nigerians had called for a peaceful resolution of the impasse.
He said the Ijaw people had always been known for their peaceful disposition and urged all parties not to allow the current political situation arising from the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to complete the ward delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency to degenerate into violence.
“The Ijaw nation has from time immemorial been known for their peaceful ways and we cannot deviate from our history,” he stated, urging protesters and other stakeholders to remain peaceful regardless of the circumstances.
Tompolo also called for an urgent meeting of community leaders to chart a common path towards resolving the crisis, stressing the need for dialogue and collective efforts in restoring peace to the area.
He further urged INEC to do what is right by completing the ward delineation process in a manner that would restore confidence and lasting peace in Warri and its environs.
The Niger Delta leader also appealed to all ethnic nationalities in the Warri Federal Constituency, including the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo, to exercise patience and restraint while awaiting the commission’s decision.
“We call on the people of Warri, whether Ijaw, Itsekiri or Urhobo, to remain calm and wait patiently for INEC to do the right thing,” he said.
The statement comes amid heightened tension in parts of Delta State following protests over the ward delineation exercise, which has led to disruptions at several oil and gas facilities in the Warri axis.
