Meyiwa mentioned the protest was not meant to create hostility between the Itsekiri and different ethnic teams however to demand equity and respect for the settlement reached by stakeholders.
The Urhobo consultant, Eforele Marcus, additionally accused INEC of introducing unfamiliar ward names and altering the prevailing electoral construction in a way he mentioned might have an effect on the political illustration of the Urhobo individuals.
Marcus argued that the completely different ethnic teams in Warri South had distinct ancestral settlements and will have their electoral illustration correctly mirrored.
“They brought names that are not in existence in our communities. Some of the ward names are strange to the people of Warri South. I have never heard of them before,” he mentioned.
He additionally questioned the creation of further wards and polling models, alleging that the delineation train had altered earlier preparations among the many communities.
Marcus mentioned the protesters needed INEC to revive what they thought-about a good electoral construction and proper the alleged errors.
“We are here for INEC to correct the wrongs it has done,” he mentioned.
Responding, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Delta State, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, acknowledged the protesters’ proper to peaceable protest and urged them to keep away from violence.
He suggested them to submit their grievances in writing for onward transmission to the fee’s nationwide headquarters in Abuja.
Umoren mentioned he had noticed the completely different messages on the protesters’ placards however suggested them to current a complete place paper detailing their complaints, earlier engagements with the fee and the motion they anticipated.
“I have seen all the placards you are carrying. There are so many of them, and I cannot recall all the messages at the same time. I think it would be better for you to present your position to me in writing.
“Let us have a position paper explaining the situation, what has been done, what you think has not been done and your expectations. You can submit it through your leaders.”
The REC assured the protesters that his office was open to receiving their complaints, including that the paperwork can be forwarded to the nationwide headquarters for consideration and needed motion.
“I acknowledge your right to peaceful protest. The important thing is that we must do everything peacefully and avoid violence. At the end of the day, you don’t throw stones into the market when you don’t know who is inside. Violence is not what we need. Let us pursue our demands peacefully,” he mentioned.
Also addressing the protesters, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, appealed to them to submit copies of their earlier petitions and stories to his office, saying he would draw the eye of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, to the dispute.
Erale, who mentioned he had spent lower than two months in the state, famous that he was listening to concerning the grievances for the primary time.
He mentioned he would formally write to the IGP, warning that the dispute had the potential to trigger a breakdown of peace in Delta State if not correctly addressed.
He mentioned, “All the issues you have raised are new to me because I have spent barely two months in Delta State. You said you have submitted several letters. Please, bring your reports and submit them to my office.
“I will write to the Inspector-General of Police to inform him that this matter has the potential to cause trouble in Delta State and urge him to look into it.”
The police commissioner, who mentioned he served as Commissioner of Police over the last governorship election in Osun State, assured the protesters of his dedication to sustaining peace in Delta.
He appealed to them to cooperate with safety businesses, saying he was prepared to duplicate the peaceable ambiance recorded throughout the Osun election in the state.
“I am ready to replicate the same thing here in Delta State. Please, on my honour, do this for me,” he appealed.
