Delta: Travelers, traders stranded as Ijaw women block waterways

By Osaro Michael, Benin

Protesting Ijaw women from Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State on Tuesday intensified their protest over the non-implementation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward and polling unit delineation report for the Warri Federal Constituency by blocking the Gbaramatu waterways.

The action, which brought commercial and passenger boat operations to a standstill, caused major disruption along the waterways connecting several riverine communities across the Escravos River axis.

The protesting women, drawn from various Ijaw communities within Gbaramatu Kingdom, occupied strategic sections of the river, preventing boats and other watercraft from navigating through the area. The blockade left many travelers, traders, workers, and residents stranded as movement across the waterways became impossible.

They carried placards while chanting solidarity songs, the women expressed anger over what they described as the continued delay in implementing the delineation report released by INEC. They maintained that the report was aimed at addressing long-standing concerns regarding electoral representation in the Warri Federal Constituency and should be implemented without further delay.

According to the protesters, the failure to implement the delineation outcome amounts to a denial of fair representation and political justice for communities in the area. They insisted that their agitation would continue until the electoral body and relevant authorities take concrete steps to enforce the report.

Several of the women accused stakeholders opposed to the delineation exercise of frustrating efforts to ensure equitable electoral representation in the constituency. They called on the Federal Government, INEC, and security agencies to guarantee the immediate implementation of the report in the interest of peace, fairness, and democratic participation.

The blockade significantly affected economic activities along the river corridor, with numerous boats unable to transport passengers and goods between communities. Residents and travelers expressed concern over the disruption but acknowledged the determination of the protesters to press home their demands.
Community leaders who monitored the protest described it as peaceful but firm, noting that the women were united in their call for justice and recognition of the delineation exercise conducted by INEC.

As of the time of filing this report, the protesters remained on the waterways, vowing not to relent until authorities address their demands. The development has heightened tensions in the Warri Federal Constituency, with stakeholders closely watching for possible intervention by government officials and electoral authorities.
The women reiterated that the implementation of the ward and polling unit delineation report is essential for ensuring fairness, inclusiveness, and lasting peace in the Warri Federal Constituency.