The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, may face fresh litigation, if it fails to explain the current status of polling units 014 and 015 in Pessu Ward, Warri South Local Government Area.
Critical stakeholder in Pessu Ward, Comrade Edwin Oritsedere Afejuku in statement made available to Fresh Angle International Friday night, asked INEC, to explain where Polling Units 014 and 015 of Pessu Ward, were transferred to.
He noted that Pessu Ward, covers Warri Main Market, Obite - re, popularly known as Awor, the right - hand side of Odion, extending to the roundabout, Pessu Market, the entire Mciver Market, the MBTC area, down to the Navy Base.
"It is with deep concern that I, as a proud son of Warri Kingdom and stakeholder in Pessu Ward, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, express my displeasure over the reported creation of new wards within Warri South Constituency II, including Bulou-Ama, Ewein and Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Urban.
"A careful examination of the circulating polling-unit list for Pessu Ward reveals a disturbing development. The list moves directly from Polling Unit 013, Ikpara Water Side, Ikpara Layout II, to Polling Unit 016, Twinkle Star, without showing Polling Units 014 and 015.
"Where are Polling Units 014 and 015? Who authorised their removal or reassignment? Which wards have they been transferred to, and were the stakeholders of Pessu Ward consulted?
"I'm particularly concerned by allegations that polling units from existing wards are being reassigned to constitute new wards, including Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Urban. INEC must publicly clarify these allegations and provide the relevant official records.
"For the avoidance of doubt, Pessu Ward covers Warri Main Market, Obite-re, popularly known as Awor, the right-hand side of Odion extending to the roundabout, Pessu Market, the entire McIver Market, the MBTC area and down to the Navy Base.
"These established boundaries must not be altered arbitrarily.
" It is unacceptable for INEC to undertake any exercise that affects the political identity and representation of our people, without adequate consultation with the genuine stakeholders of the affected communities.
" I join other stakeholders to demand that INEC account for Polling Units 014 and 015, publish their present status and restore them to Pessu Ward, if they were improperly reassigned.
" INEC must return to the drawing board, review the disputed ward delineation arrangements and ensure that fairness, justice and transparency prevail.
" Warri is historically significant Kingdom and its electoral arrangements, must respect established communities, legitimate political boundaries and the rights of all residents.
"I am not against electoral reforms or the political representation of any ethnic group. However, such reforms, must be carried out lawfully, transparently and without marginalising existing communities.
" INEC must not allow its actions, to create unnecessary tension in Warri South.
"Critical stakeholders will pursue every lawful means to protect the legitimate electoral interests of Pessu Ward" Comrade Afejuku, stated.
Copyright: Fresh Angle International (www.freshangleng.com)
ISSN 2354 - 4104
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Ossai Rita Ashinedu
Our Correspondent , Ossai Rita Ashinedu, has Ordinary National Diploma in Mass Communication from Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro. She can be reached on 07061927586
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