By Raphael Ekwe
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday stepped into the brewing tensions over the ongoing ward and unit delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, summoning ethnic leaders from the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo nationalities to a crucial peace meeting at Government House, Asaba.
The high-level parley, which also had in attendance security chiefs and senior government functionaries, was aimed at dousing the rising tempers and preventing a breakdown of law and order in the volatile oil-rich area.
Governor Oborevwori, who convened the meeting at short notice, left no one in doubt about his administration’s commitment to peace, describing it as a cornerstone of his MORE Agenda.
“We want peace in Warri Federal Constituency. The stakeholders have assured me that they will keep to the peace accord,” the governor declared. “Under the MORE Agenda, we have promised Deltans enhanced peace and security, and we do not need any crisis in our dear state.
“Warri is one family. There is nothing that we cannot resolve through dialogue. That is why I called this meeting. 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.”
The ethnic leaders responded positively to the governor’s intervention, pledging to maintain calm and resolve differences amicably.
Speaking for the Ijaw nationality, Chief Godspower Gbenekama commended Governor Oborevwori for his swift action and gave a firm assurance of peace.
“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,” he said.
Olorogun Victor Okumagba, representing the Urhobo ethnic nationality, acknowledged that the delineation issues had been threatening peace in Warri for some time.
“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,” Okumagba stated.
Chief Ayirimi Emami, who spoke on behalf of the Itsekiri people, said the ethnic groups came with their positions on the delineation matter but accepted the governor’s directive.
“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 added.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with leaders of the three major ethnic groups in the area committing to uphold peace and continue dialogue as a means of resolving lingering issues.
Political observers have hailed the governor’s intervention as a timely and significant move towards defusing tensions and reinforcing inter-ethnic harmony in Warri Federal Constituency.
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