The Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has called for calm and a peaceful resolution of the tensions over the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation dispute.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday night, Tompolo acknowledged the ongoing occupation of oil and gas facilities in the Escravos and Warri River areas by women and youths from various communities.
He described the protesters as peaceful and urged all parties to refrain from actions or statements that could escalate tensions.
"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.
"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 said.
Tompolo warned against attempts to hijack the protest or allow it to turn violent, stressing the Ijaw people’s history of peaceful conduct.
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"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.
The Niger Delta leader called for restraint and urged community leaders to meet urgently to chart a way forward.
"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 said.
He further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to act in the interest of justice and peace.
"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 be calm and wait patiently for INEC to do the right thing," Tompolo added.
The statement comes amid growing tensions over the implementation of the ward and polling unit delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency, which has attracted protests and the occupation of several oil and gas facilities in Delta State.
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