Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday moved to ease tensions surrounding the ward and polling unit delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency by convening a high-level peace meeting with leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities at Government House, Asaba.
The meeting, attended by ethnic leaders, security chiefs and top government officials, focused on sustaining peace and promoting dialogue amid concerns generated by the delineation process.
Addressing stakeholders, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that peace and security remain key pillars of his administration's MORE Agenda.
“We want peace in Warri Federal Constituency. The stakeholders have assured me that they will abide by 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 one united family, Oborevwori noted that dialogue remains the best approach to resolving disagreements.
“Warri is one family. There is nothing that we cannot resolve through dialogue. That is why I called this meeting at short notice. We are committed to sustaining the peace we currently enjoy and will continue to work with security agencies and all ethnic nationalities to ensure lasting peace across the federal constituency,” 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.
“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. By the grace of God, peace will continue to reign,” he stated.
Representing the Urhobo ethnic nationality, Olorogun Victor Okumagba acknowledged that the delineation issue had heightened tensions in recent times but said the meeting had provided a pathway to peace.
“The governor brought together the three ethnic nationalities, and after extensive discussions, we agreed that all parties should sheath their swords. We are committed to maintaining peace for the benefit of everyone in Warri Federal Constituency,” he said.
Also speaking, Chief Ayirimi Emami, representing the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, said all parties had agreed to embrace peace following the governor's intervention.
“We came with our position on the ward delineation issue, but the governor has directed that everyone should keep their swords. We have agreed to maintain peace and will take the message back to our people,” Emami stated.
The meeting ended with a collective commitment from leaders of the three ethnic nationalities to uphold peace, dialogue and mutual understanding.
Observers described the intervention as a major step towards easing tensions and strengthening inter-ethnic harmony in the oil-rich Warri Federal Constituency.
