Delineation: IGC Counsels Itsekiri Youths, Demands Accountability From Political Leaders

The Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition, IGC, has advised aggrieved Itsekiri youths against the approach of taking protests to the residences of prominent political leaders of Itsekiri extraction, as a result of recent developments surrounding the ward structure uploaded by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on its portal, in respect of Warri South Local Government Area.

IGC, noted that the pain, frustration and genuine concerns of the Itsekiri youths over perceived failure of Itsekiri political leaders to adequately address the issue, should not become justification for actions capable of creating unnecessary tension, widening divisions or undermining the collective interests of Itsekiri people.

National Coordinator of Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition, IGC, Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, who gave the counsel in an electronic statement sent to Fresh Angle International in the wee hours of Saturday October 31, said Itsekiri political leaders must also be accountable, willing to listen, engage and provide answers.

Edema, stated:" The Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition has carefully followed recent developments surrounding the ward structure uploaded by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its portal in respect of Warri South Local Government Area, as well as the protest embarked upon by some aggrieved Itsekiri youths, who visited the residences of prominent political leaders to express their displeasure and demand intervention.

"At the outset, we wish to state that the Coalition understands the pain, frustration and genuine concerns of Itsekiri youths over the development. The issue of political representation, electoral boundaries and the protection of Itsekiri interests is too important to be treated with levity. It deserves the urgent attention of our political leaders, stakeholders, youth organisations and the entire Itsekiri nation.

"However, while we appreciate the concerns motivating the youths, we strongly believe that the approach adopted in visiting the residences of political leaders to express their displeasure is ill-conceived, counterproductive and not sufficiently thought through.

"We cannot cut our noses to spite our faces.

"The perceived failure of our political leaders to adequately address this matter should not become a justification for actions capable of creating unnecessary tension, widening divisions or undermining the collective interests of the Itsekiri people.

"Leadership accountability is important, and our political leaders must be willing to listen, engage and provide answers. Nevertheless, disagreements and disappointments must be expressed through constructive, lawful and well-coordinated channels. We must not allow frustration to override wisdom, restraint and strategic thinking.

"The Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition believes that the Itsekiri struggle requires more than passion and youthful energy. It requires wisdom, patience, strategic engagement, unity of purpose and a clear understanding of the consequences of our actions.

"We therefore appeal to all aggrieved Itsekiri youths to sheathe their swords, embrace restraint and allow peace to prevail. This is not the time for confrontation, intimidation or unnecessary political hostility. It is a time for sober reflection, wider consultation and collective engagement.

"Our political leaders should be approached through appropriate channels, and every stakeholder must be encouraged to contribute towards finding a lasting solution.

"At the same time, we wish to emphasise that our call for peace must not be misconstrued as an attempt to silence the youths or diminish the seriousness of their concerns. The issues being raised deserve urgent and sincere attention. Those entrusted with leadership responsibilities must demonstrate responsiveness, courage and commitment by engaging the matter and pursuing appropriate institutional and legal avenues.

"We also call on our political leaders, community stakeholders and other relevant Itsekiri organisations to rise above partisan and personal interests and work together towards addressing the concerns surrounding the INEC ward structure.

"The ward delineation issue is bigger than any individual, political party, youth organisation or personal interest. It concerns the collective political future of the Itsekiri people. Consequently, our response must be guided by the larger interest of our nation.

"We must not allow a disagreement over political representation to degenerate into disagreements and divisions among ourselves.

"The Itsekiri nation needs unity, not division; strategic engagement, not confrontation; responsible leadership, not mutual recrimination.

"Let our youths remain courageous but restrained. Let our leaders be accessible and accountable. Let political stakeholders and organised groups come together with a common purpose to address this matter.

"Our grievances must be pursued, our interests must be protected, but our peace and unity must not be sacrificed in the process.

"The Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition reiterates its commitment to the protection of Itsekiri political interests, the promotion of responsible leadership, constructive engagement and the preservation of peace and unity among our people.

"The struggle for the Itsekiri political future must continue, but it must be pursued with wisdom, discipline, maturity and unity of purpose."

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