Delineation: Implementing flawed report, would amount to legitimizing injustice – NAIG replies ‘Urhobo and Ijaw Groups’

The National Association of Itsekiri Graduates, NAIG, has responded to the recent press briefing by “certain Urhobo and Ijaw groups, concerning the forthcoming elections in Warri Federal Constituency, particularly their call for the immediate implementation of the suspended ward delineation exercise”, saying: “Any attempt to rush the implementation of such a flawed report would amount to legitimizing injustice and disenfranchising affected communities.”

The Itsekiri graduates’ body, made the declaration in an electronic statement made available to Fresh Angle International, Wednesday May 6.

President of National Association of Itsekiri Graduates, NAIG, Comrade Esiategiwa Mino and Secretary of the association, Mrs. Uruneden Tetsoma, in the statement, opined that the position advanced in the said press briefing by some Ijaw and Urhobo leaders, “is not only misleading, but disregards the fundamental issues that led to the suspension of the delineation report in the first instance.”

The statement, reads in full: “The National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG) has taken note of the recent press briefing by certain Urhobo and Ijaw groups, concerning the forthcoming elections in Warri Federal Constituency, particularly their call for the immediate implementation of the suspended ward delineation exercise.

“We find it necessary to clearly state that the position advanced in that briefing is not only misleading, but disregards the fundamental issues that led to the suspension of the delineation report in the first instance.

“The said delineation exercise has been widely challenged due to credible allegations of fraud, procedural irregularities, lack of transparency, and clear distortions of demographic realities. These are not trivial concerns; they strike at the heart of electoral fairness and democratic integrity.

“Any attempt to rush the implementation of such a flawed report would amount to legitimizing injustice and disenfranchising affected communities.

“The Itsekiri Graduates Association therefore reiterates that the suspension of the delineation process was both justified and necessary.

“We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to:

1. Uphold the suspension of the disputed delineation report, until a thorough, transparent, and credible review is conducted.

“2. Ensure that any future delineation exercise is guided strictly by constitutional provisions, verified data, and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

“3. Reject any form of pressure or intimidation aimed at forcing the adoption of a compromised process.

“We are particularly concerned by statements suggesting the possibility of unrest or crisis should these demands not be met. Such rhetoric is dangerous, unacceptable, and counterproductive to peace and democratic progress.

“Electoral matters must be resolved through lawful and institutional channels, not threats or coercion. The Itsekiri people have consistently demonstrated commitment to peace, coexistence, and the rule of law.

“However, peace cannot be sustained where injustice is imposed or where legitimate grievances are ignored. Fairness and due process remain the only viable foundations for lasting stability in Warri Federal Constituency.

“We therefore urge all stakeholders to exercise restraint, engage constructively, and prioritize the collective peace and unity of the region over sectional interests.

“The Itsekiri Graduates Association stands firmly for justice, transparency, and equity. We will continue to advocate for a credible electoral process that reflects the true will and composition of the people of Warri Federal Constituency.”

×