By Emma Ogoigbe, Warri
There is uneasy tension in Warri federal constituency of Delta State as ethnic Ijaws and Urhobos have vowed to resist any attempt to alter a Supreme Court judgment relating to the delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the area.
According to them, it will be unfair if the Supreme Court verdict is ignored, just to favour the neighbouring Itsekiri, insisting that such action will bring unhealthy development in the constituency.
Principal Secretary to Amakosowei (Pere) of Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, Chief Monday Keme, stated these in an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Warri.
Chief Keme emphasized that the unanimous judgment of December 2, 2022, was clear that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should delineate fresh electoral wards and polling units in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West that make up Warri federal constituency.
“It is a fact that the Court order is to ensure absolute and a prerequisite for future elections”, explained Chief Keme, stressing that any attempt to change the decision will be strongly resisted.
“Failure of INEC to complete the process of the fresh delineation portends grave danger and risk of no election in the federal constituency 2027 and beyond”, said Keme.
He condemned the recent actions of the Itsekiri who allegedly attempt to influence President Bola Tinubu by casting insinuations and putting undue pressure on his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to influence actions geared toward violating the apex court verdict.
Chief Keme these alleged actions present a bad image for the nation.
“We believe the president and his wife with solid democratic credentials will not fall to these ill-conceived and mischievous antics to reduce their personality”, said the spokesman, insisting that they should do what is right.
