IYPF Condemns Attack On Peaceful Itsekiri Youths, Rejects INEC’s Proposed Ward Delineation In Warri Federal Constituency
The Itsekiri Youth Political Forum (IYPF) has through the National President, Comrade Asawa Sunday Omatsola strongly condemns the violent attack on peaceful Itsekiri youths who were lawfully demonstrating against the controversial ward delineation proposal recently introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within the Warri Federal Constituency.
The attack on the protesters, who gathered peacefully to express their dissatisfaction with the Itsekiri people consider a deliberate attempt to weaken their political representation and ancestral identity, has further heightened tensions surrounding the proposed delineation exercise.
The IYPF views it as unfortunate incident and direct assault on democracy, freedom of expression as well as the constitutional rights of citizens to peacefully protest against perceived injustice.
In a statement issued by the National President of the Forum, Asawa Sunday Omatsola, the organization expressed deep concern over the attack and called for immediate accountability.
“The Forum further reiterated its total rejection of the proposed ward delineation, describing the exercise as provocative, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the historical realities, demographic structure, and constitutional representation of the Itsekiri people in the Warri Federal Constituency — a region of immense economic importance to Nigeria due to its significant oil and gas resources.
“The IYPF therefore demands the following:
1. The immediate withdrawal of the proposed ward delineation by INEC.
2. A fresh, transparent, fair, and inclusive delineation process involving all relevant stakeholders.
3. A public apology from INEC regarding the attack on peaceful protesters.
4. An independent investigation into the assault and all related allegations surrounding the incident.
“The Forum also calls on Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, and all defenders of democracy to urgently intervene before the situation escalates further.
“The statement emphasized that no democratic society can thrive where the voices, heritage, and rights of indigenous peoples are ignored or suppressed.
“IYPF reaffirmed that the Itsekiri Nation remains united, peaceful, vigilant, and resolute in defending its homeland, identity, political rights, and ancestral heritage through lawful democratic means, civic engagement, constitutional advocacy, and constructive dialogue.
“The Forum made it clear that the Itsekiri people will continue to demand fairness, justice, equity, and respect for their historical identity and constitutional representation.”
