Protesters shut 28,000 bpd oil facility in Delta over INEC’s proposed ward delineation

Some protesters in Delta state have shut down a 28,000 barrels per day (bpd) oil facility in Warri south-west LGA.

The demonstrators are kicking against the proposed ward delineation of the Warri federal constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Delineation refers to the process of dividing or mapping out geographical areas into constituencies, wards, or polling units for electoral purposes.

This is to ensure fair representation and efficient management of elections across the country.

Last Friday, INEC unveiled the proposed delineated wards and polling units, following a supreme court judgment.

However, protesters stormed the facility, previously operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and now under Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings, amid widespread discontent over INEC’s recommendations.

The peaceful protest, which began on Monday, saw men, women, and youths brandishing placards denouncing what they described as “ethnic cleansing” by INEC and “its collaborators”.

The protesters demanded the withdrawal of the ward delineation proposal, insisting on an exercise that respects the historical and legitimate names of communities in Warri south, Warri south-west, and Warri north LGAs.

Amorighoye Mene, the secretary of Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, hinted at legal action against INEC.

“We expected INEC to consider the voting strength of the various ethnic groups that comprise the area — the Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ijaw, and other mixed-demographic areas — when delineating the wards and polling units,” Mene said.

He added that the Itsekiri were not allowed to voice their concerns at the unveiling, leading to their outright rejection of INEC’s proposal.

The protest could spread to other critical oil and gas facilities in Itsekiri land, potentially impacting the country’s daily crude oil output.