By Praise Akpomedaye,
High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has called for calm and a peaceful resolution of the ongoing protests by women and youths occupying oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri River areas over the ward delineation dispute in the Warri Federal Constituency.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited urged all parties involved in the impasse to embrace dialogue and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions in the region.
Tompolo's intervention comes amid growing concerns over the mass action embarked upon by peaceful protesters from various communities since June 8, 2026, following dissatisfaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) handling of the ward delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency.
"Since yesterday, the 8th of June 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," he said.
The prominent Niger Delta leader noted that several concerned Nigerians had already begun calling for restraint and dialogue, adding that he was joining those appeals in the interest of peace and stability.
"Since then, 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," he stated.
Tompolo emphasised that the Ijaw people have historically been known for their peaceful disposition and warned against allowing the protests to be hijacked by elements seeking to foment violence.
"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 mass action must not be allowed to be hijacked or to degenerate into violence of any sort," he said.
Calling for restraint among all stakeholders, he urged protesters and residents of the affected communities to remain peaceful while efforts are made to resolve the dispute through dialogue and engagement.
"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 to devise a way forward. We must all join hands in seeking a peaceful resolution to this impasse," he added.
The former militant leader also challenged INEC to take necessary steps to address the concerns surrounding the ward delineation exercise, stressing that the electoral body has a critical role to play in restoring peace and confidence among the affected communities.
"INEC must determine to do the right thing and restore the peace in Warri and environs," he declared.
Extending his appeal beyond the Ijaw community, Tompolo called on all ethnic groups in Warri Federal Constituency to exercise patience and avoid actions that could deepen divisions or threaten the peace of the area.
"We call on the people of Warri, whether Ijaw, Itsekiri or Urhobo, to be calm and wait patiently for INEC to do the right thing," he said.
The protests have drawn significant attention across Delta State and the Niger Delta region due to the strategic importance of the affected oil and gas facilities. Stakeholders have continued to express concern over the potential economic and security implications of any prolonged disruption, while urging all parties to pursue dialogue as the most viable path to resolving the controversy surrounding the ward delineation process.
Tompolo's appeal is expected to add push to ongoing efforts by community leaders and other stakeholders seeking a peaceful settlement of the dispute and the restoration of normalcy in Warri and its surrounding communities.
