Delineation: Recent statements attributed to Okumagba, others raise national security concerns – UIY

The Ugbarajor Itsekiri Youths Worldwide, UIY, has called on the federal government, through the relevant security agencies, to invite Olorogun Victor Okumagba and other individuals, who addressed the press on May 4, 2026, saying statements attributed to them during the media parley, raise serious national security concerns.

The Itsekiri youth body, opined that a section of the remarks credited to Olorogun Victor Okumagba and others, stating “a people denied a ballot and undue political participation and representation will seek other road; this is not a threat”, carry implications that could be interpreted as incitement or justification for actions outside the bounds of the law.

The demand, was extracted from an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and signed by the President and Secretary-General of UIY, Comr. Joseph Okotie and Jakpah Oritsejolomisan Edward, respectively.

In the letter made available to newsmen in Warri, Delta State, Thursday May 7, the Itsekiri youth leaders, asserted that no grievance, however legitimate it may appear to those expressing it, “justifies threats to destabilize Delta State or disrupt the democratic process.”

Whilst describing the recent ward delineation carried out by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in the Warri Federal Constituency as deeply flawed, unjust, and questionable, UIY, postulated: “The exercise, rather than fostering equity and fair representation, appears to have introduced distortions that undermine the historical, demographic, and political realities of the Warri Federal Constituency.”

They called on the Federal Government, the Delta State Government, and all relevant institutions to immediately institute an independent and transparent review of the controversial ward/unit delineation exercise, while urging all parties, regardless of ethnic or political affiliation, to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and actions capable of inciting unrest.

The petition, reads:

OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ABUJA.

*Urgent Call for Review of Ward Delineation in Warri Federal Constituency and Preservation of Peace, Justice, and Democratic Order*

We, the Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths, write this open memorandum with a deep sense of responsibility and concern over recent developments in the Warri Federal Constituency, particularly regarding the ward delineation exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

At the heart of our concern is what we firmly observed as a deeply flawed, unjust, and questionable ward re-delineation exercise recently carried out by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Warri Federal Constituency, whose result doesn’t reflects the reality on ground. The exercise, rather than fostering equity and fair representation, appears to have introduced distortions that undermine the historical, demographic, and political realities of the Warri Federal Constituency. Evidence available to stakeholders, though too extensive to fully capture in this memorandum, strongly suggests that the process may have been compromised and influenced in ways that do not align with the principles of transparency, neutrality, and fairness expected of a national electoral body.

We therefore call on the Federal Government, the Delta State Government, and all relevant institutions to immediately institute an independent and transparent review of the ward delineation exercise. Such a review must involve credible stakeholders, ensure due diligence, and restore public confidence in the electoral framework governing the constituency.

**Response to the May 4, 2026 Press Conference**

We are also compelled to address a press conference held on May 4, 2026, by a group of individuals, who assembled under a common platform, presenting themselves as representatives of Ijaw and Urhobo interests within the Warri Federal Constituency.

During this press conference, these individuals strongly advocated for the immediate implementation of the disputed ward delineation outcome, despite the widespread objections and unresolved issues surrounding its legitimacy. More concerning, however, were statements attributed to members of this group, suggesting that failure to implement the said delineation would result in actions aimed at disrupting the electoral process in 2027.

It is important to clearly state that by historical record, legal standing, and established socio-political structure, many of the individuals and groups making these claims are regarded as settlers or tenants within the Warri Federal Constituency. While every resident is entitled to dignity and lawful participation in civic life, such participation must not extend to the distortion of established structures through coercion, misinformation, or threats.

**Threats to Peace and National Security**

Of grave concern are statements attributed to key individuals present at the said press conference, including Olorogun Victor Okumagba, who reportedly stated: *

"A people denied a ballot and undue political participation and representation will seek other road; this is not a threat."*

Such remarks, regardless of how they are framed, carry implications that could be interpreted as incitement or justification for actions outside the bounds of the law. When placed in the broader context of the press conference—where suggestions were made about preventing elections and fostering unrest—the statement raises serious national security concerns.

We find it necessary to stress that no grievance, however legitimate it may appear to those expressing it, justifies threats to destabilize Delta State or disrupt the democratic process. The suggestion that unlawful means may be employed to halt elections or incite crisis is unacceptable and must not be tolerated in any form.

**Call for Investigation and Accountability**

In light of the above, we respectfully but firmly call on the appropriate authorities, including security and law enforcement agencies, to:

1. Conduct a thorough investigation into the press conference held on May 4, 2026.

2. Invite Olorogun Victor Okumagba and other individuals present for questioning to clarify their statements and intentions.

3. Determine whether any laws relating to public order, incitement, or national security have been breached.

4. Take appropriate legal action where necessary, in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Accountability is essential not only to address the present situation, but also to serve as a deterrent against future actions that could threaten peace and stability.

**A Call for Peace, Justice, and Lawful Engagement**

We wish to reiterate that the Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths remain firmly committed to peace, lawful engagement, and democratic principles. Our demand is not rooted in exclusion or hostility, but in the pursuit of justice, fairness, and the protection of legitimate rights and structures within the Warri Federal Constituency.

We urge all parties—regardless of ethnic or political affiliation—to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and actions capable of inciting unrest. Dialogue, legal recourse, and institutional engagement remain the only acceptable pathways for resolving disputes in a democratic society.

**Conclusion**

The Warri Federal Constituency historically belongs to the Itsekiri people. Preserving its peace and stability requires responsibility, restraint, and adherence to the rule of law and historical evidence by all stakeholders. We trust that the authorities addressed in this memorandum will act swiftly and decisively to:

* Review the ward delineation process,

* Address grievances through lawful means, and

* Prevent any actions that may jeopardize peace and democratic governance. The international community is also encouraged to take note of these developments and support efforts aimed at ensuring transparency, justice, and stability in the region.

Finally, we state emphatically that those who threaten war or attacks on Itsekiris will be met with the shock of their life if they attempt such at any giving time.

Signed:

Ugbarajor Itsekiri Youths Worldwide.

Comr. Joseph Okotie, President

Jakpah Oritsejolomisan Edward,

Secretary General

Cc:

* Chairman, Warri South Local Government Area

* Chairman, Warri North Local Government Area

* Chairman, Warri South-West Local Government Area

* Executive Governor, Delta State

* National Security Adviser (NSA)

* Delta State Director General of Security

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