WARRI DELINEATION: Lawyer seeks probe, warns against political manipulation, violence
Chief Robinson Ariyo, a lawyer and politician, has called on President Bola Tinubu to initiate an investigation into the recent Warri delineation exercise, citing allegations of financial inducements favoring certain areas over others.
In a formal statement, Ariyo urged the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to examine the legality of the exercise and provide an independent written legal opinion. He emphasized the need for transparency regarding the constitutional provisions, statutory powers, and procedural requirements related to the delineation.
Ariyo also requested that relevant federal agencies preserve all documentation connected to the delineation exercise amid allegations of financial misconduct, security breaches, and electoral irregularities. He called for an independent forensic audit of private surveillance contracts tied to Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta, particularly those associated with the delineation allegations.
Additionally, he urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to investigate credible claims regarding suspicious dollar transactions and unexplained financial inflows that may involve public officials and security operatives in connection with the delineation process.
Ariyo’s statement included specific requests for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the complete delineation report, including supporting maps and data, to ensure that stakeholders can review the methodology and relevant information used in the exercise.
He also called for a comprehensive audit of financial transactions related to the oil production and sales by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) during the relevant period to determine if there have been any financial discrepancies.
In terms of security, Ariyo urged the National Security Adviser and relevant agencies to assess potential security threats in Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas. He advocated for the protection of all community members regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.
Ariyo emphasized the importance of conducting an inclusive stakeholder engagement that involves traditional rulers and community representatives from the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo communities, allowing all parties to voice their concerns without a predetermined outcome.
He highlighted the significance of safeguarding individuals who provide credible information regarding financial misconduct or electoral irregularities, ensuring they are protected from intimidation or retaliation.
Ariyo concluded by urging the relevant agencies to provide a preliminary report of their findings within a reasonable timeframe. He reminded the President that history will judge not just the infrastructure projects executed during his administration, but also the commitment to upholding the Constitution and responding to credible allegations of power abuse.
“The Niger Delta has significantly contributed to the nation’s economy. Its people deserve justice, security, and equitable representation, and the Warri delineation controversy should not exacerbate divisions or mistrust among communities,” Ariyo emphasized, reiterating the constitutional importance of following legal procedures in electoral matters.
