The Operation Rescue Ijaw Nation Crusaders held a peaceful demonstration at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, urging the commission’s chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), to make public and enforce the Warri Federal Constituency Ward Delineation Report.
The protest was sparked by what the group described as INEC’s failure to implement the Supreme Court–mandated delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency, a delay they said had effectively excluded residents from participating fully in the electoral process.
Speaking to journalists during the protest in Abuja, the national coordinator of ORINC, Awipi Lawson, said, “We can no longer remain silent while our democratic rights, guaranteed by the Constitution and reaffirmed by the Supreme Court, continue to be eroded.”
He further stressed the urgency of the group’s demand, saying, “We can no longer wait while our democratic rights and franchise are being taken away,” adding that, “INEC should immediately release and implement the report.
We will not stand by and watch our rights frittered away.”
The group, however, acknowledged INEC’s earlier efforts, including the conduct of fieldwork and the preparation of proposed registration areas and polling units, but expressed dissatisfaction with what it termed the commission’s extended silence on the final outcome.
“Till today, we have sent letters, publications and done everything expected of a civil society group. INEC’s silence is the reason we are here. They promised to return with the final delineation results, but till now, nothing has been announced,” he said.
ORINC also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to wade into the matter, describing the issue as one that transcends local interests and poses broader national implications.
Responding on behalf of INEC, the commission’s Director of Security, Ndidi Okafor, confirmed receipt of the protesters’ concerns and assured them that their message would be conveyed to the relevant authorities.
“I have received this on behalf of the commission and will pass it on,” Okafor said.
“You are Nigeria’s assets, and I thank you for being peaceful and civil. Please continue to remain peaceful. Nigeria belongs to all of us,” he added.
