WARRI/Nigeria: The Ijaw Political Grassroots Development Movement (IPGDM) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for their decisive intervention in resolving the protracted ward delineation dispute involving indigenous ethnic groups in Warri Federal Constituency, describing the development as a major step towards lasting peace and stability in the oil-rich area.
The group said the timely engagement of critical stakeholders by both leaders helped to douse tensions and create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue, understanding and peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic nationalities in Warri and its environs.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, PhD, and Secretary, Hon. Omoun Ebi, the socio-cultural and advocacy group also applauded the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities for demonstrating maturity and willingness to embrace peace in the collective interest of the region.
The organisation stressed that sustainable peace remains critical to the continued growth of Warri, which serves as one of Delta State’s foremost economic hubs and a strategic centre for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
According to the group, stakeholders across the three ethnic nationalities must place the future of the region above sectional interests and work together to preserve the fragile peace currently being enjoyed.
“It is imperative to state that peace in Warri and its environs is vital for oil and gas production and the overall development of Delta State. As the administration of our indefatigable Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, continues to advocate, we appeal to the three ethnic groups in the area to give peace a chance and live in harmony,” the statement said.
The group maintained that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect, urging all stakeholders to collaborate with government at all levels in promoting unity and stability across the Warri Federal Constituency.
“As stakeholders, we must work in partnership with government at all levels and with other stakeholders to ensure peace in Warri, in order to attract the much-needed development and further grow the state’s oil and gas sector,” the group stated.
IPGDM warned against the persistent tendency to escalate minor disagreements into major ethnic disputes, noting that the people of Warri have lived together for generations and share deep historical, cultural and family ties.
“As indigenes of Warri Federal Constituency, we cannot afford to continually create tension in Warri over every little misunderstanding. It is time for us to sit around a round table, without government intervention, and resolve our differences. We have intermarried, interacted and lived together for centuries, so why should we generate crises over every minor disagreement?” the statement added.
The group further emphasised that no ethnic nationality could be erased through conflict and urged all parties to embrace dialogue, tolerance and understanding for the sake of future generations.
“No amount of crisis or conflict can eliminate any of the ethnic groups in Warri. Let us embrace peace for the sake of our unborn generations and work together for the progress of our oil city, the commercial nerve centre of Delta State,” it stated.
The organisation also appealed to traditional rulers across Warri Federal Constituency to take the lead in fostering reconciliation and strengthening peaceful coexistence among their subjects.
According to the group, traditional institutions remain critical pillars of peace and social cohesion, especially in times of tension and uncertainty.
“As custodians of our culture and traditions, the world is watching you, our highly respected traditional rulers. Your leadership and commitment to peace are crucial to the future of our communities,” the group noted.
Reaffirming its position, IPGDM once again praised President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for their commitment to peace-building and constructive engagement with stakeholders, which it said ultimately contributed to the peaceful resolution of the ward delineation dispute.
“We once again commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for their timely intervention and for meeting with critical stakeholders to resolve the issues and restore peace in Warri and its environs,” the statement concluded.
The group expressed optimism that the resolution of the dispute would pave the way for stronger inter-ethnic cooperation, accelerated development and sustained peace across Warri Federal Constituency and the wider Delta State.
