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 occupation of oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri River areas by protesting women and youths over the ward delineation controversy in the Warri Federal Constituency.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Tompolo described the protesters as peaceful and urged all stakeholders to embrace dialogue in order to prevent the situation from escalating into violence.
The mass action, which began on June 8, has drawn national attention, with concerns mounting over its potential implications for peace and economic activities in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
According to Tompolo, “The Ijaw people have a longstanding tradition of peaceful coexistence and should not allow the current political disagreement arising from the ward delineation exercise to undermine that legacy.
“Many Nigerians had already called for a peaceful resolution of the impasse and aligned himself with such appeals, stressing that the crisis should be addressed through constructive engagement rather than confrontation.
“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 ensuing mass action must not be allowed to be hijacked or degenerate into violence of any sort,” he stated.
The Niger Delta leader called on community leaders across the affected areas to convene an urgent meeting aimed at charting a peaceful path forward and fostering understanding among the various interest groups.
“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 said.
Tompolo further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to act decisively and fairly in resolving the issues surrounding the ward delineation process, noting that the commission’s actions would be critical to restoring confidence and peace in Warri and its environs.
He also appealed to residents of the area, irrespective of ethnic affiliation, to remain peaceful and exercise patience while awaiting the electoral body’s intervention.
“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.
