Warri Ward Delineation: Oborevwori Brokers Peace Meeting As Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo Leaders Commit To Harmony
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday stepped into the growing tensions surrounding the ward and polling unit delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, convening a high-level peace meeting with leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities.
The meeting, held at Government House, Asaba, brought together ethnic leaders, security chiefs and senior government officials to address concerns arising from the controversial delineation process and to reinforce peace across the oil-rich constituency.
Governor Oborevwori said his administration would not allow issues surrounding the exercise to threaten the peace and stability currently enjoyed in Delta State.
According to him, sustaining peace and security remains a key component of his administration’s MORE Agenda, stressing that dialogue remains the best approach to resolving differences among stakeholders.
“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 promised Deltans enhanced peace and security, and we do not need any crisis in our state,” the governor said.
He described Warri as a united community with a shared future, urging leaders of the various ethnic groups to place peace above all other interests.
“Warri is one family. There is nothing that cannot be resolved 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,” Oborevwori added.
The governor assured that the state government would continue working closely with security agencies and community leaders to maintain peace and stability across Warri Federal Constituency and other parts of Delta State.
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 Deltans that no Ijaw man will attack any Itsekiri man or community. By God’s grace, there will be continuous peace,” he said.
Representing the Urhobo ethnic nationality, Olorogun Victor Okumagba noted that concerns over the delineation exercise had heightened tensions in recent weeks but expressed optimism that the meeting had helped to calm nerves.
“For some time now, issues surrounding the ward and unit delineation have threatened the peace in Warri. Today, after extensive discussions, we have agreed that all parties should sheath their swords and maintain peace for the benefit of everyone,” he said.
Also speaking, Chief Ayirimi Emami, who represented the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, said stakeholders had resolved to embrace peace despite their differing positions on the delineation issue.
“We came with our position regarding the ward delineation matter, but the governor has spoken and 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 by leaders of the three ethnic nationalities to pursue dialogue and peaceful coexistence while allowing lawful processes relating to the delineation exercise to continue.
Political observers described the gathering as a significant step towards reducing tensions and strengthening inter-ethnic harmony in Warri Federal Constituency.
