By EgbemaVoice,
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has affirmed the Ijaws of Egbema and Gbaramatu kingdoms as the most populous ethnic groups within Warri North and Warri South-West Local Government Areas (LGAs), following a review of ward delineation in the Warri Federal Constituency. The exercise followed a protracted legal process instituted by the Ijaws over pseudo and non-existent wards manipulated by the Itsekiris to gain undue political advantage in the three Warri LGAs. The Supreme Court verdict compelled INEC to undertake a fresh ward delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency to reflect reality on the ground. In compliance with the court ruling, INEC conducted a fresh ward delineation exercise that validates Ijaw population dominance in the LGAs.
This result has serious implications for who becomes the next LGA chairman, especially in Warri North, where the Itsekiri had manipulated all appointive and elective positions to the detriment of the Ijaws.
Warri North LGA: INEC records show that, out of a total of 18 electoral wards in Warri North, the Ijaw ethnic group accounts for 10, while the Itsekiri group holds 8.
Warri South-West LGA: In Warri South-West, which comprises 19 wards, the Ijaw dominates with 14 wards, compared to 5 wards attributed to the Itsekiri.
Warri South LGA: Warri South LGA, consisting of 20 wards, presents a more diverse ethnic distribution: Ijaw occupy 3 wards, Itsekiri 8 wards, and Urhobo 9 wards.
This validation by INEC underscores the demographic strength of the Ijaw ethnic group in the Warri Federal Constituency, particularly in the Warri North and South-West LGAs, and is expected to influence future political and administrative considerations in the region.
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