The legislative arm of Warri South Local Government Area has passed a resolution declaring that there are no Ijaw aboriginal communities within the local government area.
The resolution was passed during an open plenary session convened to address growing tensions surrounding the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward delineation exercise in the region.
The motion was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Tuoyo Ebigbeyi, and seconded by Hon. Eghere Dumetotor. It was subsequently adopted by an overwhelming vote of 18 in favor to 1 against.
The legislative session also provided a platform for representatives of protesting Itsekiri and Urhobo youths to present their concerns regarding the electoral boundary delineation process. The youths had raised objections over what they described as attempts to include Ijaw communities as aboriginal settlers in Warri South during the ward delineation exercise.
The resolution is expected to have significant implications for local political representation and community relations in the oil-rich Warri South LGA, which has historically been a flashpoint for ethnic tensions among the Itsekiri, Urhobo, and Ijaw groups in Delta State.
Further details on the implementation of the resolution and reactions from affected communities are being awaited.
