The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Projects and Policies, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, has reaffirmed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is deeply committed to sustaining the peace Delta State has enjoyed for more than two decades.
Speaking as a guest on The Faculty, a current affairs programme aired on Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Asaba, Ifeajika recalled the violent crisis that engulfed Warri between the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups from 1997 to 1999.
He described the period as a dark chapter in the state’s history that left painful memories but emphasized that Delta has since experienced relative peace through the collective efforts of leaders and citizens.
“Governor Oborevwori grew up in Warri and personally witnessed the crisis. His message is clear, never again. For as long as he remains in office, his priority is to ensure peace endures because no responsible leader will allow such hostility to return,” Ifeajika said.
He clarified that recent remarks by the governor on peace were unfortunately twisted out of context by mischief-makers. According to him, the governor was only stressing that, having endured violent conflicts in the past, Deltans should now consolidate peace to drive development.
“The governor’s appeal is simple: if we can sustain peace until 2031, successive leaders will be encouraged to protect and strengthen it. His comments were not about division but about preserving unity and progress,” Ifeajika explained.
He urged community leaders, youths, and all stakeholders to embrace dialogue, unity, and development-oriented conversations rather than stoking tension.
“As His Excellency has said, there can be no meaningful development without peace. That is why he continues to speak in a language of unity, caution, and hope. Our people must live together as one, for peace in Delta is non-negotiable,” Ifeajika stated.
