INEC moves to restore three Delta assembly constituencies

The Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced the process of restoring the suppressed Abraka, Ughelli South II and Isoko North II State House of Assembly constituencies in Delta State.

The commission said the exercise was aimed at restoring representation to the affected communities in line with court judgments and the provisions of the Constitution.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the INEC Conference Hall in Asaba on Friday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Delta State, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, said the exercise would strengthen democracy and ensure that residents of the affected areas regained their voices in the state legislature.

He said the restoration was part of INEC’s constitutional responsibility to implement court decisions and promote inclusive governance.

According to him, the affected communities have been without proper representation in the Delta State House of Assembly, making the exercise necessary.

“This exercise is more than an administrative process. It is about restoring the voices of communities that have been without proper representation in the State House of Assembly,” Umoren said.

He appealed to stakeholders to support the commission by providing accurate information and encouraging residents to participate peacefully in the process.

The REC commended traditional rulers, political leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, community leaders and members of the media for attending the meeting despite the short notice.

He urged traditional rulers to sensitise their subjects on the exercise, while calling on chairmen of the affected local government areas to mobilise residents to participate.

Umoren also appealed to security agencies to provide adequate security throughout the exercise to ensure a peaceful process and boost public confidence.

He assured residents that the commission would carry out the restoration exercise with transparency, fairness and professionalism.

“I am confident that with the support of all stakeholders, we will successfully restore these constituencies and further strengthen democracy in Delta State,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Supervising National Commissioner for Delta State, the Deputy Director of Delineation, Mrs Emem Umoren, described the restoration as an important step towards guaranteeing equal political representation for all communities.

She said the exercise would ensure that residents of Abraka, Ughelli South II and Isoko North II were no longer denied their constitutional right to elect representatives into the Delta State House of Assembly.

Umoren urged political parties, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents to cooperate with the commission to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise.

She expressed confidence that the support of stakeholders would ensure the successful restoration of the three constituencies while strengthening public confidence in the electoral process and deepening democracy in the state.