WARRI/Nigeria: Prominent Ijaw leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has appealed for calm and restraint amid the ongoing protests by women and youths occupying oil and gas facilities in the Escravos and Warri River areas over the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation dispute.
Tompolo, who is the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation, made the appeal in a statement on Tuesday, expressing concern over the escalating tension arising from the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conclude and implement the ward delineation process in Warri Federal Constituency.
The respected Niger Delta leader acknowledged the ongoing mass action by peaceful protesters from various communities, noting that many well-meaning Nigerians had since called for a peaceful resolution of the impasse.
According to him, the Ijaw nation has always been known for its peaceful disposition and should not allow the current situation to degenerate into violence or be hijacked by elements seeking to cause unrest.
“Since yesterday, June 8, 2026, we have all witnessed the mass action by peaceful women and youths from our various communities occupying oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri River areas. Since then, many well-meaning Nigerians have been calling for a peaceful resolution of the impasse. I join all well-meaning Nigerians in calling for a peaceful resolution,” he said.
Tompolo stressed that while concerns over the ward delineation exercise were legitimate, all stakeholders must remain committed to dialogue and lawful engagement in resolving the dispute.
He warned that the political situation arising from the unresolved delineation process and the subsequent protests must not be allowed to spiral into violence, emphasizing that peace remains the foundation for development and coexistence among the various ethnic nationalities in the area.
The former militant leader therefore called for an urgent meeting of community leaders to deliberate on the crisis and chart a common path toward a lasting solution.
“I am calling for calm no matter the situation. I am also calling for a meeting of community leaders to meet immediately to enable us devise a way forward. We must all join hands in seeking a peaceful resolution to this impasse,” he stated.
Tompolo urged INEC to act responsibly and take necessary steps to restore confidence in the electoral process, insisting that the commission must do the right thing to sustain peace in Warri and its surrounding communities.
He also appealed to the people of Warri, irrespective of ethnic affiliation, to remain peaceful and patient while awaiting the electoral body’s decision.
“We call on the people of Warri, whether Ijaw, Itsekiri or Urhobo, to remain calm and wait patiently for INEC to do the right thing,” he added.
The appeal comes amid growing tension in Warri Federal Constituency following protests by Ijaw and Urhobo groups demanding the implementation of the Supreme Court-backed ward delineation report, a development that has disrupted operations at several oil and gas facilities in the area.
