By Ovasa Ogaga,
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday, moved decisively to calm rising tensions over the controversial ward and polling unit delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, convening a high-powered peace meeting with leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities at Government House, Asaba.
The strategic intervention came amid growing concerns that disagreements over the delineation exercise could threaten the fragile peace in the oil-rich constituency. The meeting drew together prominent ethnic leaders, security chiefs and top government officials in a concerted effort to promote dialogue and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Addressing stakeholders, Governor Oborevwori emphasised that peace and security remain non-negotiable priorities under his administration's MORE Agenda, urging all parties to embrace unity and resolve their differences through dialogue.
"We want peace in Warri Federal Constituency. The stakeholders have assured me that they will abide by 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 said.
Describing Warri as a united family bound by common interests, Oborevwori stressed that no issue was beyond resolution through constructive engagement.
"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. We will continue to collaborate with security agencies and all ethnic nationalities to ensure lasting peace in the federal constituency and across Delta State," he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, Chief Godspower Gbenekama commended the governor for his timely intervention and assured residents that the Ijaw people remained firmly committed to peace.
"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, peace will continue to reign," he stated.
Representing the Urhobo ethnic nationality, Olorogun Victor Okumagba acknowledged that the ward and polling unit delineation controversy had generated anxiety and posed a threat to peace in the area.
"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 sheathe their swords. We have also agreed to sustain peace for the benefit of all residents of Warri Federal Constituency," he said.
Also speaking, Chief Ayirimi Emami, representing the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, said the meeting provided an opportunity for all sides to present their positions while embracing the governor's call for restraint and peace.
"We came with our position regarding the ward delineation issue, but the governor has spoken and directed that everyone should keep their swords. We have all agreed to maintain peace and will return home to relay the message to our people," Emami stated.
The meeting ended with a unanimous commitment by leaders of the three ethnic nationalities to uphold peace, deepen dialogue and promote harmonious coexistence, a development widely viewed as a breakthrough in efforts to ease tensions and preserve stability in Warri Federal Constituency.
