Prominent Niger Delta leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has appealed for calm following the occupation of oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri River areas by protesting women and youths over the ward delineation dispute in Warri Federal Constituency.
Tompolo made the appeal in a statement on Monday amid growing concerns over the mass action, which began on June 8 and has drawn reactions from stakeholders across the country.
The Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation said while many Nigerians had called for a peaceful resolution of the impasse, it was important that the protests do not degenerate into violence.
According to him, the Ijaw people have a long-standing reputation for peaceful coexistence and should not allow the current situation to undermine that legacy.
“Since yesterday, June 8, 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.
“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,” Tompolo said.
The ex-militant leader noted that the controversy arising from the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission to complete the delineation of wards in Warri Federal Constituency should be handled peacefully.
“The current political situation arising from the failure of INEC to complete the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency and the mass action must not be allowed to be hijacked or degenerate into violence of any sort,” he stated.
Tompolo urged protesters and residents of the affected communities to remain peaceful while stakeholders work towards a resolution.
“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 added.
The Niger Delta leader also urged INEC to take necessary steps to address the issues surrounding the delineation exercise and restore peace in the area.
“INEC must determine to do the right thing and restore the peace in Warri and environs,” he said.
He further appealed to residents of Warri Federal Constituency, irrespective of ethnic affiliation, to exercise restraint and allow due process to prevail.
“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 stated.
The call comes amid heightened tensions in parts of Warri Federal Constituency following disagreements over the implementation of the ward delineation exercise and its implications for political representation in the area.
