The Ijaw and Urhobo peoples of Warri Federal Constituency have pulled out of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must first implement the Supreme Court-ordered delineation of electoral wards and units in the area.
On Tuesday, protesters from Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South West stormed INEC headquarters in Abuja, staging a peaceful demonstration to press their demands.
Carrying placards with messages such as “Warri Federal Constituency: No Ward, No Units for CVR”, “CVR Today is Political Fraud in Warri Federal Constituency” and “INEC, Give Us the Final Report”, the groups said they were left with no choice but to resist what they described as a breach of their democratic rights.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Chief David Reje of the Egbema Clan in Warri North accused INEC of conducting the CVR with a “defunct arrangement” that the Supreme Court had already invalidated.
Chief Reje lamented that despite INEC’s compliance exercise and consultations, which produced a fresh delineation report, the commission had failed to publish and implement the outcome.
“Our patience and cooperation are being taken for granted as machinery has been set in place to disenfranchise us from participating in future elections.
“We can no longer wait while our democratic rights guaranteed by the Constitution and reaffirmed by the Supreme Court judgment are being eroded,” he said.
The groups said their decision to travel from Warri to Abuja was to call INEC’s attention to their plight. They warned that they may be forced to occupy the commission’s headquarters if the situation persists.
“This is the second phase of our non-violent struggle to restore political dignity,” they declared, adding that growing pressure from their people may make it difficult to keep the agitation under control if the court ruling continues to be ignored.
The protesters demanded an immediate release and implementation of the delineation report, stressing that the CVR can only be credible if conducted under the new electoral arrangements.
“We shall not stand idly by and watch our democratic rights and franchise frittered away. A stitch in time saves nine,” Chief Reje maintained.
Responding, INEC National Commissioner, Abdullahi Abdulzuru, assured the groups that their concerns would be addressed. He praised their peaceful approach and confirmed receipt of their petition.
“I have listened carefully to your demands and read through your submission. I will tender the documents to the commission,” Abdulzuru said.
He added: “As a commission, we are committed to upholding the law. There is no intention, as far as INEC is concerned, to disenfranchise anybody from any exercise. We will get back to you, be rest assured.”
The petition was endorsed by several prominent figures including Dr. Joel Bisina, Olorogun Victor Okumagba, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, Chief John Eramvor, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, Chief Sylvester Femi Okumagba, Chief Arthur Akpodubakaye, Chief Wilson Ogbodu, Chief Emmanuel Serondi, and Chief Mrs. Ann Gagiyovwi (JP).
Others who signed were Rev. Samuel Ako, Amb. Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP), Hon. Frank Pukon, Chief Mrs. Vero Emmanuel Tangbewei, and Comrade Mrs. Margaret Ikinbor.
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