Protest: Tompolo Calls for Calm as Ijaw Women, Youths Occupy Oil Facilities in Warri

High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has appealed for calm and restraint following the occupation of oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri River areas by peaceful Ijaw women and youths protesting the ongoing ward delineation dispute in the Warri Federal Constituency.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited acknowledged the concerns that prompted the protest but stressed the need for a peaceful resolution of the impasse.

According to him, the mass action, which began on June 8, has attracted nationwide attention, with many Nigerians calling for dialogue and restraint.

Tompolo noted that the Ijaw people have historically been known for their peaceful disposition and urged protesters not to allow the situation to be hijacked by elements seeking to foment violence or unrest.

“The Ijaw nation has from time immemorial been known for their peaceful ways and we cannot deviate from our history,” he stated.

He expressed concern over the political tension arising from the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conclude the ward delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency, emphasizing that the dispute should not be allowed to degenerate into violence.

Calling for immediate dialogue among stakeholders, Tompolo urged community leaders across the affected areas to convene a meeting aimed at charting a peaceful path 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 said.

The former Niger Delta agitator also called on INEC to take the necessary steps to address the concerns surrounding the delineation process and restore peace in Warri and its environs.

He further appealed to residents of Warri, irrespective of ethnic affiliation, to remain calm and patient while awaiting the electoral body’s actions.

“We call on the people of Warri, whether Ijaw, Itsekiri or Urhobo, to be calm and wait patiently for INEC to do the right thing,” he added.