Warri Crisis: Ijaw, Urhobo Leaders Ask Protesters to Leave Oil Facilities After Tinubu's Intervention

Leaders from the Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in Delta State's Warri Federal Constituency have called for an immediate withdrawal of protesters from oil and gas facilities and waterways. This appeal follows President Bola Tinubu's intervention in the ongoing demonstrations, which began on Monday.

The protests erupted due to grievances stemming from the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) recent ward and polling unit delineation exercise, conducted in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment. The demonstrations spread across Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South West local government areas, resulting in the occupation of several oil and gas facilities and the blockage of parts of the Escravos River.

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At the meeting, Mr President called for compromise, understanding and the need for the Ijaws, Itsekiris and Urhobos to live together as Nigerians.

Following escalating tensions, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori convened a meeting with Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo representatives on June 8. Subsequently, former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, met with leaders from the three ethnic groups on June 9, urging restraint to protect critical infrastructure. The situation culminated in a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, where President Tinubu engaged with representatives of the three ethnic nationalities.

During the Abuja meeting, President Tinubu emphasized the need for compromise, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among the Ijaws, Itsekiris, and Urhobos. He directed stakeholders to work towards a power-sharing arrangement that ensures equitable distribution of political positions across the three local government areas. The President also urged community leaders to persuade protesters to end the demonstrations. In response, the Ijaw and Urhobo leaders issued a statement calling for the protesters to demobilize and vacate the occupied facilities, viewing this as a sign of respect for the president and an opportunity to resolve outstanding issues amicably. They expressed gratitude to Tinubu, Oborevwori, and Ekpemupolo for their timely interventions.

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In the light of the foregoing, we, the leaders of Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities of Warri Federal Constituency, after consultation with other stakeholders, hereby call on protesting women, youths and other stakeholders in Ijaw and Urhobo communities to demobilise and vacate all oil and gas facilities occupied in different parts of the constituency and the Escravos River.