Delta Communities Threaten Refinery Shutdown Over INEC Ward Delineation

Warri South, Delta State, witnessed fresh tension on Sunday as residents of several Ijala communities threatened to shut down oil facilities, including the Warri Refinery, over what they described as their exclusion from the ongoing ward delineation exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The protest took place at the Ifiekporo Community Hall, where elderly residents, women, and youths from Ifiekporo, Ajaetan, Ikeren, and Utunwa gathered to express dissatisfaction with the electoral ward arrangement proposed by INEC. The protesters said they were demanding the creation of a separate electoral ward for the Ijala axis but had not received a favourable response despite several attempts to pursue the matter through lawful channels.

Community leaders explained that the area has experienced population growth and economic development over the years and should no longer remain under the existing Obodo/Omadino Ward. They argued that the communities contribute greatly to the local economy and host major oil and gas facilities that play an important role in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

According to the protesters, the ward structure has remained unchanged since the creation of Warri South Local Government Area in 1991 despite changes in population and development within the area. They expressed disappointment that the current delineation proposals did not create a separate ward for their communities even after INEC officials visited the area during the exercise.

The aggrieved residents questioned why other areas received additional wards while their own request was left out. They maintained that their demand was based on population size, economic relevance, and their contribution to the development of the local government.

While acknowledging efforts by the Federal Government to address concerns arising from the ward delineation exercise across parts of Warri Federal Constituency, the protesters insisted that their grievances had not been resolved. They said the final report should include a separate ward for the Ijala communities.

The communities also pointed to the presence of major oil fields, petroleum depots, and the Warri Refinery within their territory. They warned that continued exclusion from the ward arrangement could lead to actions that may affect operations at these facilities.

Several speakers at the gathering repeated the call for the creation of the proposed Ijala Ward and urged INEC to review its plans before releasing the final delineation report. They maintained that their communities deserved independent representation and vowed to continue pressing for their demand.

The protest ended peacefully, but community leaders insisted they would not abandon their campaign until their request is addressed by the electoral commission.