Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori convened an emergency peace meeting with ethnic leaders and security chiefs to address tensions over ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency.
- The governor urged dialogue and assured stakeholders that his administration prioritizes peace and security under the MORE Agenda.
- Representatives of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups committed to maintaining peace and resolving issues through dialogue, following the governor's intervention.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has intervened to de-escalate rising tensions over a new ward and polling unit delineation in Warri Federal Constituency. He convened an emergency peace meeting on Monday at the Government House in Asaba, bringing together leaders from the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities, along with senior security officials.
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 emphasized the importance of dialogue and urged all parties to avoid actions that could worsen the situation. "We want peace in Warri Federal Constituency," he stated, reaffirming his administration's commitment to enhanced peace and security under the MORE Agenda. "Warri is one family. There is nothing that we cannot resolve through dialogue."
Warri is one family. There is nothing that we cannot resolve through dialogue. That is why I called this meeting, even at short notice. We are ready to work together and sustain the peace we are enjoying.
Representatives from the ethnic groups expressed their commitment to peace. Chief Godspower Gbenekama of the Ijaw nationality assured that no Ijaw person would attack Itsekiri people or villages. Olorogun Victor Okumagba of the Urhobo nationality noted that the discussions eased tensions and built consensus, with all parties agreeing to "sheathe their swords." Chief Ayirimi Emami, representing the Itsekiri, stated that while they presented their concerns, they accepted the governor's call for restraint and dialogue.
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.
The meeting concluded with a collective pledge from all stakeholders to uphold peace, engage in dialogue, and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions in the constituency. The governor's swift intervention aimed to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the oil-rich region.
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.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.