INEC and it’s boss, Professor M Yakubu

The Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS) has urged the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to respect and adhere to the Supreme Court’s ruling on ward delineation in Warri, Delta State, as a matter of urgency and requisite for peace.

This is contained in a press statement signed by Professor Hope Eghagha, URS President, and Dr. John Uwa, General Secretary.

Below is the press statement:

Ward Delineation and Pursuit of Peace in Warri South: A Call for Execution of Supreme Court Ruling and Delineation Outcome

ATTENTION: The Presidency, the National Security Adviser, INEC, Delta State Government, and all critical stake holders in Delta State.

Sequel to the Supreme Court Ruling mandating the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to redress many years of injustice by conducting the delineation of Warri South Local Government area of Delta State, into electoral wards, in line with the constitutional principles of fairness, equity and justice; We, the Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS), urge the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to respect and adhere to the Supreme Court’s ruling on ward delineation in Warri, Delta State, as a matter of urgency and requisite for peace.

We are aware of the recent official delineation of wards conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), duly supervised by representatives of the Urhobo, Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities, in line with the Supreme Court ruling. What now remains is the execution without further delay. Anything short of this will not only be considered as unacceptable, but will also amount to a miscarriage of justice and an obstruction of the relative peace enjoyed in Warri since the WARRI CRISIS.

Therefore, we implore the critical stakeholders, including traditional leaders, community representatives, and government officials, to prioritise the stability and progress of our state by accepting and working within the framework established by the Supreme Court and INEC.

The ward delineation process is crucial for ensuring fair representation, equitable distribution of resources, and effective governance. We believe that adherence to the Supreme Court’s ruling and INEC’s delineation will promote peace, unity, and development in Warri and Delta State as a whole.

To that extent, we call on all stakeholders to:

1. Respect the rule of law and the authority of the Supreme Court;
2. Accept the ward delineation as conducted by INEC;
3. Work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition and implementation of the new ward structure;
4. Avoid fanning the embers of ethnic violence through inciting ultimatum for the Urhobos of Warri to make payment for lands that are ancestrally, traditionally and legally established to be theirs.

By doing so, we can ensure that the interests of all parties are protected and that Delta State continues on a path of progress and development. Long Live Delta State!

Signed

Prof. Hope Eghagha                                                              Dr. John Uwa

  (President URS)                                                             (Gen. Secretary URS)