- The Big Demand: Itsekiri people want Warri State created, with Warri as the capital.
- Why? They feel marginalized and underrepresented in Nigeria’s political landscape.
- Toru-Ebe Rejection: They don’t believe creating more states solves the core issues of ethnic agitation.
- Minority Protection: They want constitutional guarantees to protect ethnic minorities, like in the old Midwestern Nigeria Constitution.
Itsekiri Say “No” to Toru-Ebe State
At a recent public hearing in Akwa Ibom State, representatives of the Itsekiri ethnic group made their stance clear: they’re against the creation of Toru-Ebe State. Instead, they’re pushing hard for the establishment of Warri State, with Warri township as its capital.
The Core Issue: Protecting Minorities
Chief Edward Ekpoko, the head of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT), emphasized that simply creating more states won’t solve Nigeria’s ethnic tensions. The real solution, according to the Itsekiri, lies in constitutional protections for minority groups.
“The cry for creation of more states in Nigeria is not motivated by the need to correct any inter-state or zonal imbalance or development. What the people want really is ethnic or sub-ethnic self-determination, and this is a natural tendency,” Omotoye said. The memorandum advocated for a constitutional clause similar to that contained in the former Midwestern Nigeria Constitution, which provided protections for ethnic minorities.
Echoes from the Past: The Midwestern Nigeria Constitution
The Itsekiri are advocating for a return to a constitutional principle that once protected them. The former Midwestern Nigeria Constitution had specific clauses that ensured the rights of ethnic minorities. They believe a similar provision in the current constitution would safeguard the Itsekiri and other minority groups.
“The Itsekiri ethnic nationality demands provision of minority protection clause as contained in defunct Midwestern Nigeria Constitution be included in our constitution to protect the Itsekiri and other ethnic minorities,” Omotoye stated.
Restructuring Nigeria: A Call for Ethnic Considerations
The Itsekiri delegation argued that ethnic and linguistic identity should be a primary factor when restructuring Nigeria’s federal system. They believe that grouping people based on shared ethnicity and language, with constitutional safeguards for each group, is the way forward.
Territorial Disputes: Why the Itsekiri Object to Toru-Ebe
The Itsekiri aren’t alone in their objections. Representatives from the Ilaje of Ondo State and the Bini of Edo State also voiced concerns about the Ijaw demand for Toru-Ebe State. The reason? The proposed state includes territories that these groups consider historically theirs.
Underrepresentation: A Cry for Political Equity
Chief Ekpoko highlighted the political underrepresentation of the Itsekiri people. Despite contributing a significant portion of Nigeria’s oil and gas revenue (over 33%), they have limited representation in the Senate and House of Representatives.
- Senate: No representative out of 109 members.
- House of Representatives: Only one seat out of 360.
- Delta State House of Assembly: Just two members out of 29.
Warri State: The Path to Political Equity
The Itsekiri believe that creating Warri State, along with constitutional guarantees for minority rights, would address the issues of marginalization and ensure political equity. They see it as a way to finally have their voices heard and their interests represented.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next?
The Itsekiri’s demands are now on the table as Nigeria continues its constitutional review process. Will their call for Warri State and minority protections be heeded? Only time will tell.
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