Itsekiris May Shutdown Oil Assets in Domain Over Moves by INEC to Release Final Report on Ward Delineation

Indications have emerged that Itsekiri ethnic nationality may likely shutdown all oil and gas installations in their domain in Delta and Edo States in protest of what they called ‘compromised final report’ on ward delineation exercise set to be released by INEC.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) learnt that the development is currently brewing tension in some part of Warri, commercial hub of Delta State as the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has reportedly perfected plans to release final report on the controversial ward delineation exercise conducted in Warri Federal Constituency.

According to a pro-Itsekiri pressure group, in a communique issued on Wednesday, warning of the impending danger, said that the development, if not averted beforehand may likely breach the peace in the area and cause fresh economic crisis in the oil and gas sector.

The group, Iwere Indigenous Peoples’ Movement, (IIPM), in a communique after an emergency meeting held in Warri, Delta State, Wednesday July 2, warned that Nigeria oil sector would bleed as from Friday July 4, if nothing urgent is done to avert plot by Itsekiri Nation to totally shutdown critical oil and gas facilities in Warri Federal Constituency, parts of Delta Central and Edo state.

The communiqué, alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, backed by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, had concluded plan to release a “compromised final report of ward and unit delineation in Warri Federal Constituency” despite the “legitimate, historical, statistical and scientifically verified documents submitted to INEC and Office of the National Security Adviser, after release of the obnoxious delineation report earlier presented to stakeholders in Asaba, Delta State.”

In the communiqué, which was signed by Messrs Emiko Oghomienor, Ofoyeju Izuagie, Appearance Afejuku, Samuel Meyiwa Khalil, Ejeh Wilson and David Mamah, IIPM hinted that arrangements have been concluded to totally shutdown all oil and gas facilities, including tank farms, export terminals, flow stations, depots, operational offices of International Oil and Gas Companies, IOCs as well as sea ports in Itsekiri homelands from 12 midnight Friday July 4.

It further reads; “since the Federal and Delta State governments, ” have decided to disregard the Itsekiri people known for respecting the rule of law, maintaining peace and security, we are left with no other option than to toe the path the government prefers.

“Treating our collective resolve with levity, would have grave consequences for the socio – economic life of the country. We will not allow any jot of our homeland to be forcefully and illegitimately given to our customary tenants, under the pretext of ward and unit delineation.

“The about – to – be released INEC final delineation report for Warri Federal Constituency, made nonsense of INEC”s guidelines, rubbished court judgements on ownership of lands in Warri Federal Constituency and portrays Nigeria as a lawless state.”