THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has initiated the process of restoring three previously suppressed State House of Assembly Constituencies in Delta State in furtherance its commitment to implementing court judgments and constitutional provisions to ensure equitable representation.
The affected constituencies are Isoko North State Constituency II, Abraka State Constituency in Ethiope East Local Council, and Ughelli South State Constituency II.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement on Friday, July 31, at the INEC Conference Hall in Asaba, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Etekamba Udo Umoren, said the exercise was a constitutional obligation to strengthen representative democracy and guarantee fair political representation.
Describing the engagement as a significant milestone in the constituency restoration process, Umoren said it underscored the collective commitment of INEC and critical stakeholders to promoting inclusive governance.
He commended traditional rulers, political leaders, elected representatives, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, youth and women groups, community leaders and other stakeholders for honouring the Commission’s invitation, despite the short notice.
The REC stated that restoration of the three state constituencies goes beyond an administrative exercise, as it is also aimed at ensuring that affected communities regain their rightful representation in the House of Assembly, adding that the restoration is in compliance with court judgments and relevant constitutional provisions. It reflects INEC’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting fairness and strengthening representative democracy in Nigeria.
Umoren explained that the exercise would provide residents of the affected constituencies with stronger representation in governance, while enabling elected lawmakers to respond more effectively to the needs and aspirations of their constituents.
He appealled to stakeholders to cooperate fully with the Commission’s technical team responsible for implementing the exercise, stressing that access to accurate information, constructive engagement and grassroots collaboration would be critical to achieving a transparent and credible outcome
. He specifically urged traditional rulers to leverage their influence to mobilise their communities and sustain peace, understanding and mutual respect throughout the process, and chairmen of the affected local councils to facilitate grassroots participation and ensure the exercise reflects the genuine aspirations of their people.
Umoren charged security agencies to provide the necessary support to maintain law and order, protect public confidence and create a peaceful environment for the successful conduct of the exercise.
He assured residents of affected constituencies that INEC would remain impartial, professional and transparent in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
In a keynote address on behalf of the Supervising National Commissioner for Delta State, Deputy Director of Delineation, Emem Umoren, described the proposed restoration as a landmark step towards strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions, being a modern and inclusive approach to electoral and constitutional development.
She said the exercise would ensure that no community is denied its rightful voice in the legislative process, while extending the dividends of democracy to every part of the state.
