By Admin 
With a resolve not to destroy any oil facility, peaceful Itsekiri Protesters comprising of Women, Children and Youths In the early hours of Wednesday, April 9,shut down a crude oil production facility in Ogidigben, Ugborodo community, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, in protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recent ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency.
The facility, which produces 28,000 barrels of crude oil daily, was formerly operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and is now managed by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings.
The demonstrators assembled at the site around 5:00 a.m., voicing their rejection of what they described as an unjust and illegal reconfiguration of electoral wards.
Despite halting operations at the facility, the protesters assured they would not damage any infrastructure.
Carrying placards with messages such as “We have the lands and population,” “INEC, this illegality will not stand,” “INEC, return our electoral wards,” and “Dollar does not create ward,” the protesters accused INEC of overstepping its mandate by redrawing ward boundaries without proper consultation or legal backing.
Speaking to journalists, Hon. Raymond Amorighoye Pira, a spokesperson for the protest, said: “INEC’s actions confirm a broader pattern of systemic marginalization against the Itsekiri people.
This ward delineation exercise was carried out in defiance of a valid court order—and contrary to an affidavit INEC itself swore, promising not to proceed with the exercise.”
Echoing the sentiment, Victor Laju Udonju, National Vice Chairman of the Ugborodo Youth Body, added: “This protest is a call for justice. INEC has forcefully removed our wards and allocated them elsewhere. We are appealing to the Federal Government to intervene.
We will remain here until our voices are heard.”
The protesters reiterated their commitment to a peaceful demonstration while demanding an immediate review of INEC’s decision.