The Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition, IGC, has demanded the creation of a separate Federal Constituency and two State Constituencies in Warri North Local Government Area, to ensure more effective representation at the National and Delta State Legislatures.

The group, also called for the increase of wards in Itsekiri communities in Warri North Local Government Area, from 6 to 12 as well as upward review of wards in Ijaw communities in the area, from the current 4 to 8 wards.

Warri North Coordinator of Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition, IGC, Okorodudu Gbesimi, who made the call in Koko, Delta State, during a media parley Friday June 5, stressed the need for a fair review of councillorship allocation in Warri North Local Government Area, to ensure effective grassroots governance, equitable access to elected representatives, and improved service delivery across all communities in the area.

According to Okorodudu, IGC, observed that in some instances, wards with higher polling unit concentrations and large geographical coverage, appear to have comparable or lower councilor representation than smaller wards in Warri North Local Government Area, thus creating imbalance in grassroots representation.

While stating that Itsekiri people of Warri North presently occupy six electoral wards with a total of 134 polling units, spread across more than 65 communities, the Warri North Coordinator of Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition, canvassed for a comprehensive review of the proposed ward allocations in Warri South Local Government Area, particularly the three wards projected for Ijaws in Warri South.

IGC, tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to uphold fairness, transparency and equity in the ongoing delineation exercise, to reflect verified demographic realities, polling unit distribution, and constitutional principles guiding electoral representation in Nigeria.

The group, charged all Itsekiri sons and daughters of Warri North, irrespective of political affiliation, religion, age, or social status, to remain united.

Prominent member of IGC, Comr. Mone Oris called for the arrest of Chief Victor Okumagba and High Chief Godspower Gbenekama over their reported inciting comments, while Comr. Tonukarin Ofoeritse and Comr. Lily-White Esigbone, said the Itsekiris are not scared of their ethnic neighbours, demanding the creation of extra constituencies in Warri North Local Government Area.