Chief Moni Calls for Calm Amid Warri Delineation Controversy, Commends INEC

By Monday Peters, Abuja

A prominent leader in Warri South local government Area, of Delta State, and pioneer Chairman of the Meinbutus Federated Community Chief Comr. Ebis Moni, has urged rampaging Itsekiri youths and elders to adopt a conciliatory approach regarding the Warri federal constituency ward delineation, while applauding the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for doing unbiased and transparent job.

Moni, in a statement emphasised that the longstanding relationships among the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo tribes have been built over decades of coexistence, including intermarriages and shared families. He stressed that conflicts between these ethnic groups should no longer be encouraged and called for a focus on unity rather than discord.

Moni pointed out that it has historically been the Itsekiri, despite their minority status, who have held power in the Warri federal constituency. He stated that the majority Ijaw population has sought justice, resulting in a legal challenge to rectify this imbalance. The recent Supreme Court ruling mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a thorough mapping of all ethnic groups in the constituency to ensure equity.

Following INEC’s fieldwork, the mapping revealed that the Ijaw held 27 wards, while the Itsekiri were assigned 21 wards and the Urhobo 9 wards. Moni expressed disappointment that instead of the Itsekiri acknowledging this transparent outcome, they have resorted to protests that have escalated into violence, including shutdowns of oil fields and attacks on Ijaw communities such as Olabrakonpre and individuals.

He explained, “INEC came out with a very transparent proposed results that reflects the majority and minority status with the Ijaws who are majority on ground got the highest wards of 27 while the Itsekiris got 21 and Urhobo 9 wards.

“This outcome is exactly what is on ground if they don’t want to shit one another by their connections and privileged positions in Warri federal constituency.

“Till tomorrow the MEINBUTUS federated community in Warri South LGA is in support of what INEC has done.

“We have outgrown such violent protests. In this 21st century, it’s imperative that we seek non-violent resolutions to matters involving all stakeholders,” Moni remarked. He reiterated the need for all tribes to embrace peaceful dialogue to maintain the reputation of the Warri federal constituency.

Following the Itsekiri rampage, Chief Moni urged the federal government to dispatch a verification team to assess the demographics and community structures within the constituency, but however asserted that the INEC’s results should be upheld as a fair representation of the area’s population because no community or tribe was victimized by the INEC delineation.

He appealed to those advocating violence to reconsider their stance and direct their grievances through proper channels, emphasising the importance of restoring the image of Warri and fostering unity among its diverse communities.

Moni concluded by calling for the Itsekiri, Ijaw and Urhobo to remember their shared history and work together harmoniously for the benefit of all. “Let us not allow past crises to dictate our future. We are destined to coexist as one, and it is crucial that we wait for the final outcome from INEC with understanding and patience,” he said.

This plea for peace comes at a critical time for the Warri metropolis, as well-meaning leaders, including Governor Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, strives to revive the area and restore its previous vibrancy, diminished since the infamous Warri crises of 1997.

He explained, “We are even seen some itsekiri notable men trying to drag our revered leader of Niger Delta, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias TOMPOLO into their ill-advised crisis mongers controversy.

“This is uncalled for, because the people of the Niger Delta know who Tompolo is, and that he is the only person fighting for the emancipation of the Niger Delta region.

“Our leader Tompolo is the reason why Niger Delta is enjoying the total peace and development we are enjoying today, so he should be respected.” Moni added.