ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday secured a commitment from leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities to maintain peace and embrace dialogue amid growing tensions over the ward and polling unit delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency.
The peace meeting, convened at the Government House, Asaba, brought together prominent ethnic leaders, security chiefs and top government officials in what observers described as a major step toward preventing a breakdown of law and order in the oil-rich federal constituency.
At the end of the meeting, leaders of the three ethnic groups unanimously agreed to sheath their swords, sustain peaceful coexistence and channel grievances arising from the delineation exercise through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Oborevwori stressed that peace and security remain fundamental pillars of his administration’s MORE Agenda, assuring stakeholders that his government would continue to work with all groups to preserve harmony across the state.
“We want peace in Warri Federal Constituency. The stakeholders have assured me that they will keep to the peace accord. Under the MORE Agenda, we have promised Deltans enhanced peace and security, and we do not need any crisis in our dear state,” the governor said.
Describing Warri as a united community despite its ethnic diversity, Oborevwori emphasized that dialogue remained the most effective tool for resolving disagreements.
“Warri is one family. There is nothing that we cannot resolve through dialogue. That is why I called this meeting, even at a short notice. We are ready to work together and sustain the peace we are enjoying.
“We will continue to work with security agencies and all ethnic nationalities to ensure lasting peace in the federal constituency and every part of the state,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, Chief Godspower Gbenekama commended the governor for his timely intervention and pledged the commitment of the Ijaw people to peace and stability.
“The governor has given us a marching order to ensure there is no crisis. I assure the people of Delta State that no Ijaw man will attack any Itsekiri man or village. It will not happen. By the grace of God, there will be continuous peace,” Gbenekama stated.
Also speaking, Olorogun Victor Okumagba, who represented the Urhobo ethnic nationality, acknowledged that the delineation issue had generated anxiety and threatened the existing peace in the area.
“For some time now, issues surrounding the ward and unit delineation in Warri Federal Constituency have been threatening the peace in Warri.
“Today, the governor brought together the three ethnic nationalities, and after extensive discussions, we agreed that all parties should sheath their swords. We have also agreed to maintain and sustain peace for the benefit of all residents of Warri Federal Constituency,” he said.
On behalf of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, Chief Ayirimi Emami said his people had accepted the governor’s appeal for restraint and peaceful engagement.
“We came with our position regarding the ward delineation issue, but the governor has spoken and directed that everyone should keep their swords.
“We have all agreed to maintain peace and will return home to relay the message to our people,” Emami said.
The ward and polling unit delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency has generated intense debate among stakeholders in recent weeks, with concerns in some quarters that the process could heighten ethnic tensions if not carefully managed.
However, Monday’s meeting ended with a collective pledge by leaders of the three ethnic nationalities to promote peace, dialogue and mutual understanding while allowing lawful processes to address outstanding concerns.
Political analysts believe the governor’s intervention has helped to lower tensions and could pave the way for a more constructive engagement among stakeholders on the contentious delineation issue.
