Court Stops Itsekiri’s Move Against Fresh Delineation In Warri Federal Constituency

Federal High Court, Warri Division has frustrated an interim application by the Itsekiri ethnic nationality to stop the Supreme Court ordered fresh delineation of electoral wards and units in Warri federal constituency.

The constituency comprises of Warri north, Warri south and Warri south west local government areas of Delta State.

The ruling of the court was sequel to an ex-parte motion in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/46/2024 filed by the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality through their lawyer, Chief Robinson Ariyo.

Ariyo had argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be stopped from taking further steps in respect of the supreme court ordered fresh delineation of electoral wards and units until the determination of the motion on notice.

The court in its ruling delivered by Justice I. M. Sani on Thursday, flatly rejected the argument by Ariyo and adjourned the substantive suit to July 16th, 2024 for the consideration of the joinder applications by counsel.

It would be recalled that the Supreme Court on the 2nd day of December, 2022 in Appeal No.: S/413/2016: Hon. George Timinimi & 9 Ors v INEC had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to carry out fresh delineation of electoral wards and units in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West LGAs before the conduct of future elections.

INEC has commenced the process of implementing the judgement by facilitating stakeholders meeting at Asaba and Abuja.

Meanwhile, the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri federal constituency have through their lawyers, Eric Omare and Sunny Emuveyan applied to be joined as interested parties in the matter at the Federal High Court, Warri.