2027: The Ijaws of Egbema Kingdom Politely Demand Fairness — It Is Time to Represent Warri North in the Delta State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Commissioner Slot

2027: The Ijaws of Egbema Kingdom Politely Demand Fairness — It Is Time to Represent Warri North in the Delta State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Commissioner Slot

An Editorial Call for Justice, Inclusion, and Balanced Representation in Delta State Politics

As the 2027 general elections draw near, the Ijaw people of Egbema Kingdom, under Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, are making a respectful but firm political appeal — it is time for fairness. It is time for an Ijaw son or daughter to represent Warri North in the Delta State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and to occupy the Commissioner slot allotted to the Local Government Area.

This call is not one of hostility or rivalry but a peaceful and democratic plea for equity, justice, and inclusion — values upon which any credible democracy must stand.

Historical Background: The Warri North Political Reality

Created in 1991, Warri North Local Government Area, with its headquarters at Koko, is a multi-ethnic LGA made up primarily of two indigenous groups — the Itsekiri and the Ijaw (Egbema). These two ethnic nationalities have coexisted for decades, contributing immensely to the economic, social, and political development of Delta State, especially through oil and gas production in the Niger Delta region.

However, since the creation of Warri North, political power and representation have been consistently dominated by the Itsekiri ethnic group. The Ijaws of Egbema, despite their numerical strength, contribution to the state’s resources, and loyalty to successive governments, have been systematically sidelined from occupying key political offices.

A Review of Political Representation in Warri North:

Delta State House of Assembly: Every representative from Warri North since its creation has been of Itsekiri origin.

House of Representatives (Warri Federal Constituency): Although the constituency covers Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West LGAs, the Ijaws of Egbema have yet to produce a candidate from Warri North to contest or represent the people.

Commissioner Appointment: The Commissioner slots allocated to Warri North over the years have also gone exclusively to the Itsekiri, leaving the Ijaw community without executive-level representation in state governance.

This lopsided political pattern has endured for over three decades, creating a sense of exclusion and marginalization among the Ijaw population, despite their being co-owners of Warri North LGA.

Egbema’s Track Record of Peace and Loyalty

The Ijaws of Egbema Kingdom have never been found wanting in their commitment to peace and development. They have shown unwavering loyalty to successive Delta State administrations, particularly under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and now under emerging political alignments ahead of 2027.

Election after election, the Ijaws have voted in unity, mobilized grassroots support, and ensured electoral victories for candidates across party lines, even when those candidates were not of Ijaw descent. Despite this, the Egbema people have remained politically invisible in the sharing of power and appointments.

Their patience, however, should not be mistaken for weakness; it is a mark of maturity and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. But fairness delayed is fairness denied.

The 2027 Political Demand: A Call for Equity

As Nigeria prepares for another electoral season in 2027, the Ijaws of Egbema Kingdom are politely but firmly demanding a shift in the political equation of Warri North.

They are calling on the Delta State Government, political parties, traditional rulers, and stakeholders to ensure that:

1. The Delta State House of Assembly seat for Warri North be zoned to the Ijaw of Egbema Kingdom.

2. The House of Representatives ticket for Warri Federal Constituency should include fair consideration of an Ijaw candidate from Warri North.

3. The next Commissioner appointment representing Warri North should be allotted to the Ijaw side of the LGA.

This is not an unreasonable demand. It is a moral and democratic necessity. A system that perpetually excludes one half of its indigenous population cannot sustain unity or progress.

The Path to Justice and Unity

Political inclusion is not charity; it is the foundation of democracy. For Warri North to truly reflect the multi-ethnic harmony it preaches, it must embrace equitable power sharing between the Itsekiri and Ijaw communities.

The Itsekiri have had their turn for over three decades. Now, justice and fairness dictate that the Ijaws of Egbema Kingdom should be given the chance to contribute to governance from within — not just as supporters, but as representatives and decision-makers.

Let traditional rulers, party leaders, and government authorities rise to this call. Let fairness speak. Let justice prevail. Let unity be made real, not rhetorical.

2027 presents an opportunity to correct historical imbalance and strengthen the bond between the Ijaw and Itsekiri people — not through exclusion, but through inclusive representation.

It is time for the Ijaws of Egbema to be seen, heard, and represented.

Editorial Board

Egbema Voice Media

(Promoting Equity, Unity, and Development Across the Niger Delta)