High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has appealed for calm and restraint following the ongoing occupation of oil and gas facilities in the Escravos and Warri River areas by protesting women and youths over the unresolved ward delineation dispute in Warri Federal Constituency.
Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, made the appeal in a statement issued from Oporoza Town in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Niger Delta leader acknowledged that peaceful protesters from various communities had occupied several oil and gas installations since June 8, 2026, in protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) failure to conclude the delineation of electoral wards in Warri Federal Constituency.
According to him, many concerned Nigerians have continued to express worries over the development and have called for a peaceful resolution of the impasse.
“Since yesterday, June 8, 2026, we are all living witnesses to the mass action by peaceful women and youths from our various communities occupying oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri River areas.
“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,” Tompolo said.
The former militant leader stressed that the Ijaw people have historically been known for pursuing their grievances through peaceful means and warned against any attempt by individuals or groups to hijack the protest or turn it violent.
“The Ijaw nation has from time immemorial been known for their peaceful ways, and we cannot deviate from our history. The current political situation arising from the failure of INEC to complete the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency and the ongoing mass action must not be allowed to be hijacked or degenerate into violence of any sort,” he stated.
Tompolo called for an urgent meeting of community leaders across the affected areas to chart a path towards resolving the crisis and maintaining peace in the oil-rich region.
“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 added.
He further urged INEC to act responsibly and complete the delineation process in a manner that would restore confidence and peace among the various ethnic groups in Warri Federal Constituency.
“INEC must determine to do the right thing and restore the peace in Warri and environs. 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,” Tompolo said.
The ward delineation controversy has generated tension among stakeholders in Warri Federal Constituency, with Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo groups expressing differing positions on the implementation of INEC’s exercise following previous legal and administrative processes.
Political observers say Tompolo’s intervention could help ease tensions amid growing concerns over the implications of the protests for oil production and regional stability in the Niger Delta.
