Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has appealed for calm and dialogue amid rising tensions over the ward delineation dispute in Warri Federal Constituency, warning against any action that could trigger violence in the area.
Tompolo’s appeal comes as women and youths from Ijaw communities continued their peaceful occupation of oil and gas facilities in the Escravos and Warri River axis in protest against delays in the implementation of the ward delineation exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The protest, which began on June 8, saw demonstrators take over strategic facilities in the area while demanding the completion and implementation of the ward delineation process.
In a statement made available to journalists in Warri on Wednesday, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation urged protesters and residents of the Warri Federal Constituency to embrace peaceful engagement and avoid actions capable of escalating the situation.
He noted that the ongoing political tension was largely triggered by delays in concluding the ward delineation exercise, stressing that all stakeholders must work together to ensure peace prevails.
“The Ijaw nation has from time immemorial been known for its peaceful disposition and we cannot deviate from our history,” Tompolo said.
“We must be cautious so that the current political situation is not hijacked or allowed to degenerate into violence of any sort.”
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The Niger Delta leader acknowledged concerns expressed by Ijaw communities over the slow pace of implementation of the delineation report but insisted that dialogue remains the best path toward resolving the impasse.
According to him, several patriotic Nigerians have already called for peaceful resolution of the dispute, adding that he fully aligns with such appeals.
Tompolo also urged INEC to act decisively by concluding the delineation process and implementing its findings in a manner that would restore confidence among stakeholders and sustain peace in the area.
He further called for an urgent meeting involving community leaders and key stakeholders across the ethnic divides in Warri to chart a common course toward resolving the crisis.
“I appeal to all ethnic groups in Warri and its environs, whether Ijaw, Itsekiri or Urhobo, to remain calm. We must all join hands in seeking a peaceful resolution to this impasse,” he said.
The former militant leader advised residents to exercise patience while awaiting the completion of the process, expressing confidence that a fair and transparent resolution would help preserve the long-standing peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic nationalities in the area.
The ward delineation dispute has remained a contentious issue in Warri Federal Constituency, with stakeholders insisting that its resolution is critical to ensuring equitable political representation and maintaining stability in the oil-rich region.