The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the process of restoring three previously suppressed State House of Assembly constituencies in Delta State as part of efforts to comply with court judgments and guarantee equal political representation for affected communities.
The constituencies slated for restoration are Abraka, Ughelli South II and Isoko North II, which have reportedly been without representation in the Delta State House of Assembly.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the INEC Conference Hall in Asaba on Friday, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, said the exercise was designed to restore the constitutional rights of residents in the affected areas while strengthening democratic governance.
According to Umoren, the restoration goes beyond an administrative exercise, describing it as a critical step towards ensuring that communities denied legislative representation regain their voices in the state’s lawmaking process.
He explained that the commission was acting in line with the Constitution and existing court judgments, noting that INEC remained committed to implementing lawful decisions and promoting inclusive governance across the country.
The REC appealed to stakeholders to support the exercise by providing accurate information, mobilising residents and encouraging peaceful participation throughout the restoration process.
He commended traditional rulers, political leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, community leaders and members of the media for attending the meeting despite the short notice.
Umoren urged traditional rulers to sensitise their communities on the importance of the exercise, while calling on the chairmen of the affected local government areas to mobilise eligible residents to participate actively.
He also appealed to security agencies to provide adequate security throughout the exercise to ensure a peaceful atmosphere and boost public confidence in the process.
Assuring residents of INEC’s commitment to transparency and professionalism, the REC said the commission would conduct the restoration exercise fairly and impartially.
Also speaking, Deputy Director of Delineation, Mrs Emem Umoren, who represented the Supervising National Commissioner for Delta State, described the restoration as a significant milestone in protecting citizens’ constitutional right to political representation.
She said the exercise would ensure that residents of Abraka, Ughelli South II and Isoko North II were no longer denied the opportunity to elect representatives into the Delta State House of Assembly.
Mrs Umoren urged political parties, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents to cooperate fully with INEC to guarantee a peaceful, credible and transparent process.
She expressed confidence that the collaboration of all stakeholders would facilitate the successful restoration of the three constituencies, strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system and deepen democratic governance in Delta State.
The restoration exercise forms part of INEC’s constitutional responsibility to implement valid judicial pronouncements and ensure equitable political representation in accordance with the Constitution.
