Breaking: Agbedeyi Desmond Congratulates Warri North Ijaws.

CONGRATULATIONS WARRI NORTH IJAWS

By Prince Agbedeyi O. D (08134902214)

Warri, Delta State – In a development set to reshape the political dynamics of Delta State’s oil-rich Warri axis, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded the long-anticipated fresh ward delineation exercise, and the results are stirring jubilation among the Ijaw people. The newly announced delineation figures show that the Ijaw ethnic group now holds a majority in two out of the three Warri local government areas.

This marks a significant milestone in the history of Ijaw political representation in Delta State and is being celebrated as a victory for equity, inclusion, and demographic accuracy.

Warri North LGA: Ijaw Emerges Majority

In Warri North Local Government Area, INEC’s new delineation allocates a total of 18 electoral wards, with the Ijaw people securing 10 wards, while the Itsekiri ethnic group has 8. This is a major shift from past ward arrangements, which many Ijaw leaders and stakeholders had long criticized as unjust and unreflective of the population distribution.

Warri South-West LGA: A Decisive Ijaw Stronghold

Warri South-West, one of the most strategic and oil-producing LGAs in Nigeria, has now been demarcated into 19 wards, with the Ijaws holding 14, leaving the Itsekiris with 5. This reaffirms Warri South-West as a political stronghold of the Ijaw people, aligning ward representation more closely with the area's demographic realities.

Warri South LGA: Mixed Composition

Warri South LGA remains the most ethnically diverse, with the newly delineated 20 wards distributed as follows: Urhobo – 9, Itsekiri – 8, and Ijaw – 3. Though a minority here, the Ijaw presence remains significant and is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future political discourse.

Political and Social Implications

The fresh delineation is widely seen as a bold step toward correcting long-standing imbalances in representation. For decades, the Ijaws in Warri have called for fairer recognition within the democratic structure, often citing the underrepresentation of their communities despite being major contributors to the region's economic output through oil and gas activities.

With these new figures, Ijaw leaders now have a stronger platform to pursue their aspirations and play a more prominent role in grassroots governance, resource allocation, and policy formation.

Speaking to jubilant crowds, community leaders across the Warri Ijaw communities have described the development as a "historic turning point" and "a restoration of justice, long overdue."

Calls for Unity and Cooperation

While I congratulate the Warri North Ijaws and celebrations continue among Ijaw communities, I also call on leaders from all ethnic groups to call for peaceful coexistence, urging residents to use this opportunity to build bridges rather than walls. Stakeholders across Delta State are emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mutual respect to ensure stability and sustained development.

Conclusion

INEC's fresh delineation exercise is more than just a technical adjustment — it is a transformative moment in the Warri region’s political evolution. For the Ijaw nation, it is a validation of their identity, numbers, and contribution to the state and the nation. As the 2027 general elections loom on the horizon, the political calculus in Warri is set to change, and the Ijaws are poised to have their voices heard louder than ever.