Delta South: Isoko Youths Demand Halt to Warri Delineation, Warn Against Political Crisis

BY: Elizabeth Elemi

The Isoko Political Youth Leaders of Thought (ISOPLOT) has called for the total cancellation of the recent Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, warning that the move could destabilize the longstanding ethnic harmony in Delta South Senatorial District.

At a press briefing held on Monday in Asaba, the group expressed deep concerns over what it described as a calculated attempt to alter the political structure of the district to the advantage of one ethnic group ahead of the 2031 governorship elections.

Speaking on behalf of the group, ISOPLOT Chairman, Comrade Daniel Omoraro, emphasized that the delineation exercise if allowed to stand could destroy the political balance enjoyed in the Delta South Senatorial District and re-ignite tensions among the region’s three dominant ethnic nationalities: the Isoko, Itsekiri, and Ijaw, commonly referred to as the “Three i’s.”

“The ward delineation exercise in Warri metropolis has taken a turn that, if not cancelled or better managed by the Federal Government, may result in the breakdown of the peace that has prevailed over the region for some decades now,” Omoraro stated.

He alleged that certain political actors were intentionally undermining the existing ethnic power-sharing arrangement by pushing boundary changes that favour one group, warning that the Isoko people, in particular, stand to lose the most if the current “permutation” is upheld.

“This move is aimed at conquest, and Isoko is most affected. If it scales through, the level playing field that could give room for Isokos producing a governor becomes jeopardized,” he said.

The pan-Isoko political group, stressed that any plan to politically isolate one of the ‘Three i’s’ especially the Itsekiri, who they believe are currently being targeted would ultimately erode the foundation of mutual respect and cooperation that has sustained peace in the Niger Delta for years.

The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the National Security Adviser, and INEC to: “Cancel the delineation exercise in Warri,  Closely monitor political activities in Delta South and the Niger Delta, Preserve the ethnic balance that has maintained regional stability and Discourage political appointments and alliances that are intended to marginalize any ethnic group.”

ISOPLOT also urged their Urhobo “brothers and sisters” to refrain from being used as instruments in what they described as divisive political plots, reminding them of their close cultural and linguistic ties with the Isoko people.

“It is unfair that some elements within their circle are being used as tools in this hatched plan to disrupt the peace,” the statement read.

The group further warned that any Isoko voice opposing their stance should be regarded as working against the collective interest of the Isoko Nation and as a threat to the unity of Delta South.