..stakeholders commit to dialogue, harmony across ethnic lines
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday moved to ease rising tensions surrounding the ward and polling unit delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, convening a strategic peace meeting with leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities at Government House, Asaba.
The high-level meeting, attended by traditional and community leaders, security chiefs and senior government officials, focused on strengthening dialogue and preserving peace amid concerns generated by the delineation process.
Addressing participants, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustaining security and stability across Delta State under the MORE Agenda.
According to the governor, peace remains a non-negotiable foundation for development, stressing that all issues affecting the constituency can be resolved through constructive engagement and mutual understanding.
“We want peace in Warri Federal Constituency. Stakeholders have assured me of their commitment to the peace accord. Under the MORE Agenda, we have promised Deltans enhanced peace and security, and we will not allow any situation capable of disrupting the harmony we currently enjoy,” he said.
The governor described Warri as a shared home for all ethnic groups within the constituency, noting that dialogue remains the most effective tool for resolving disagreements and strengthening inter-ethnic relations.
Responding on behalf of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, Chief Godspower Gbenekama commended the governor’s intervention and pledged the commitment of the Ijaw people to maintaining peace and stability.
He assured that no Ijaw community would engage in any act capable of threatening the peaceful coexistence among the ethnic nationalities in the area.
Speaking for the Urhobo ethnic nationality, Olorogun Victor Okumagba acknowledged that issues surrounding the delineation exercise had generated anxiety in recent months but expressed optimism that the governor’s intervention would help restore confidence among stakeholders.
He disclosed that following extensive deliberations, leaders of the three ethnic groups agreed to embrace peace and work collectively in the interest of residents of Warri Federal Constituency.
Also speaking, Chief Ayirimi Emami, who represented the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, said the Itsekiri people had presented their position on the delineation matter but had resolved to abide by the governor’s call for peace and restraint.
He noted that stakeholders would return to their respective communities to communicate the resolutions reached at the meeting and encourage continued peaceful engagement.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous commitment by leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities to uphold peace, dialogue and mutual respect as pathways to resolving outstanding concerns.
Observers described the intervention as a significant confidence-building measure aimed at reducing tensions, strengthening inter-ethnic cooperation and preserving stability in the oil-rich Warri Federal Constituency.
