By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
A prominent leader of the Ijaw nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has appealed for peace and restraint amid the ongoing protests by women and youths occupying oil and gas facilities in the Escravos and Warri River areas of Delta State.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday from his hometown of Oporoza in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area,
Tompolo expressed concern over the escalating tensions linked to the controversy surrounding the ward delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency.
The former Niger Delta agitator noted that since June 8, peaceful women and youths from various communities had embarked on mass action at strategic oil and gas installations, drawing national attention and prompting widespread calls for dialogue and peaceful resolution.
“Many well-meaning Nigerians have been calling for a peaceful resolution of the impasse. I join all well-meaning Nigerians to call for a peaceful resolution,” he stated.
Tompolo emphasized that the Ijaw people have historically been known for their peaceful disposition and urged protesters and stakeholders not to allow the current situation to degenerate into violence or be hijacked by elements seeking to create unrest.
According to him, the political tensions stem from what he described as the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conclude the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency, a matter that has generated widespread concern among affected communities.
Calling for calm across the region, Tompolo urged all parties involved to embrace dialogue and patience while efforts are made to address the grievances.
“I am calling for calm no matter the situation. The current political situation and mass action must not be allowed to degenerate into violence of any sort,” he said.
As part of efforts to find a lasting solution, the Ijaw leader called for an urgent meeting of community leaders to chart a collective path toward resolving the crisis and maintaining peace in the area.
He also urged INEC to act responsibly and take the necessary steps to restore confidence in the process, stressing that the electoral body must “do the right thing” to preserve peace and stability in Warri and its surrounding communities.
Tompolo further appealed to residents of Warri, irrespective of ethnic affiliation, including Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities, to remain peaceful and avoid actions capable of worsening the situation.
“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.
The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the implications of the ward delineation dispute and its potential impact on peace, security and oil production activities in the Niger Delta region.