Delineation: Itsekiri Reject ‘Misrepresentation’ of Tinubu’s Intervention

The Itsekiri Nation has faulted attempts by some Ijaw and Urhobo groups to misrepresent the outcome of President Bola Tinubu’s recent intervention in the Warri Federal Constituency delineation dispute.

In a statement issued by Sir Amorighoye Mene, Secretary of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT), Monday, the ethnic nationality said the President’s June 11 meeting with Itsekiri, Ijaw and Urhobo representatives in Abuja, focused on promoting peace, dialogue and lawful implementation of electoral ward delineation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the statement, President Tinubu did not alter the judicially recognised status of any local government area, contrary to claims in some public statements and newspaper advertorials.

The Itsekiri nation said discussions centred on representation, inclusiveness and peaceful coexistence among the ethnic groups in Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North local government areas.

The statement also confirmed that further consultations were held on June 12 at the Office of the National Security Adviser, where proposals on representation and power-sharing in the proposed Warri Federal Constituency II were discussed.

Meanwhile, information emerging from the Abuja meetings indicates that proposed arrangements include a 9–11 ward sharing formula in Warri South-West in favour of the Ijaw, and a 10–10 ward split in Warri North between Itsekiri and Ijaw communities.

The consultations also reportedly examined the creation of a proposed Warri Federal Constituency II after the 2027 general election, with Warri North and Warri South-West expected to constitute the new federal constituency.