High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has called for calm and restraint among communities in the Warri Federal Constituency amid ongoing protests over the ward delineation exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited made the appeal in a press statement issued on Tuesday, following the mass action by peaceful women and youths from various communities who have occupied oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri River areas since June 8, 2026.
Tompolo noted that the protests, which stem from concerns over INEC’s failure to complete the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency, have attracted nationwide attention, with many Nigerians calling for a peaceful resolution of the impasse.
According to him, the Ijaw people have historically been known for their peaceful disposition and must not depart from that tradition, regardless of prevailing challenges.
“Since yesterday, June 8, 2026, we have all witnessed the mass action by peaceful women and youths from our various communities occupying oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri River areas. Many well-meaning Nigerians have been calling for a peaceful resolution of the impasse, and I join them in making the same appeal,” he stated.
The Niger Delta leader cautioned against any attempt by individuals or groups to hijack the protests or allow the situation to degenerate into violence, stressing that peace remains the most viable path toward resolving the dispute.
He urged all parties involved to exercise patience and maintain law and order while awaiting appropriate action from the electoral commission.
“The current political situation arising from the failure of INEC to complete the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency and the resulting mass action must not be allowed to be hijacked or degenerate into violence of any sort,” Tompolo said.
As part of efforts to foster dialogue and prevent further escalation, he called for an immediate meeting of community leaders across the affected areas to collectively chart a way forward.
“I am calling for calm no matter the situation. I am also calling for a meeting of community leaders immediately to enable us devise a way forward. We must all join hands in seeking a peaceful resolution to this impasse,” he added.
Tompolo further urged INEC to act in the interest of justice and fairness by taking necessary steps to restore confidence and peace in Warri and its environs.
He appealed to all ethnic nationalities in the area, including the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo people, to remain peaceful and allow due process to prevail.
“INEC must determine to do the right thing and restore peace in Warri and environs. We call on the people of Warri, whether Ijaw, Itsekiri or Urhobo, to remain calm and wait patiently for INEC to do the right thing,” he said.
The call comes amid heightened tensions in parts of the Niger Delta over the controversial ward delineation exercise, with stakeholders expressing divergent views on its implications for political representation and electoral balance within the Warri Federal Constituency.
Observers believe Tompolo’s intervention could help ease tensions and encourage constructive dialogue among the affected communities while awaiting further action from INEC.
