Constituency delineation-induced protests could trigger unrest in Niger Delta – Tompolo
- +…Calls for restraint among Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo living in Warri
Government Ekpemupolo, ex-militant leader in the Niger Delta, who is now the Chairman of Tantita Security Services, has reacted to the deteriorating disagreement surrounding the delineation of wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency.
Government Ekpemupolo, ex-militant leader in the Niger Delta, who is now the Chairman of Tantita Security Services, has reacted to the deteriorating disagreement surrounding the delineation of wards and polling units in Warri Federal Constituency.
He warned that protest could lead to big crisis and thus warned against allowing the situation to be hijacked by troublemakers or allowed to trigger unrest in the Niger Delta region.
He said, “The Ijaw nation has from time immemorial been known for its peaceful ways, and we cannot deviate from our history.
“The current political situation arising from the failure of INEC to complete the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency and the ensuing mass action must not be allowed to be hijacked or degenerate into violence of any sort.”
Ekpemupolo, who is popularly known as Tompolo, has begun mobilising for resolution of the crisis.
Tompolo stepped into the matter on Tuesday, saying mass action by peaceful women and youths across communities in the Escravos and Warri River axis should not be allowed to degenerate into violence.
Tompolo’s reaction came as women and youths continue their peaceful occupation of oil facilities while demanding the implementation of the Warri Federal Constituency report.
“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. I join all well-meaning Nigerians to call for a peaceful resolution,” he said.
He called for restraint among all ethnic groups in Warri, including Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities, stressing that peace remains the only pathway to resolving the dispute.
“I am calling for calm no matter the situation. I am also calling for a meeting of community leaders to meet immediately to enable us devise a way forward. We must all join hands in seeking a peaceful resolution to this impasse,” he added.
The respected Niger Delta leader also urged INEC to act responsibly and take steps capable of restoring confidence in the electoral process.
“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,” Tompolo said.
His appeal comes against the backdrop of increasing fears that prolonged tensions around the delineation exercise could threaten social harmony and disrupt economic activities in one of Nigeria’s most strategic oil-producing zones.
Recall that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori if Delta State Governor, had on Monday, moved to douse the tension by convening a high-level meeting with leaders of the three ethnic nationalities of Ijaw, Ishekiri and Urhobos, where agreement was reached that all parties should sheathe their swords.
They also agreed to maintain and sustain peace for the benefit of all residents of Warri Federal Constituency.
