Ethnic groups in Warri have finally struck a deal on power-sharing. President Tinubu's intervention helped break the deadlock over electoral boundaries in Delta State.
Representatives of the Ijaw and Itsekiri met Friday at the office of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja. The two-hour session also included DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.
This came after Tinubu hosted leaders from three ethnic groups at the Presidential Villa on June 11. Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori attended that earlier meeting as well.
Under the agreement, the House of Representatives seat for Warri Federal Constituency II will alternate between the groups. The Ijaw nationality gets the first turn for two consecutive terms.
After that, the seat rotates to the Itsekiri for the same length of time. Both parties signed the resolution in writing.
Tensions had mounted over INEC's proposed ward delineation exercise in the area. The ethnic groups disagreed sharply on how new boundaries would affect their political representation.
Kingsley Otuaro, a former Delta deputy governor, and Eric Omare signed on behalf of the Ijaw. The Itsekiri side was represented by A.S.
Mene and Robinson Ariyo.
Ribadu signed the document for the Federal Government. Victor Okumagba and Westham Adehor served as witnesses.
Tinubu had ordered two representatives from each ethnic group to negotiate a framework. His directive called for a settlement that all sides could accept.
Political observers view the settlement as a victory for peace in Warri. It's expected to reduce friction before future elections arrive.
The agreement demonstrates how federal intervention can help resolve long-standing local disputes. Analysts believe this model could work in other contested areas across Nigeria.
Sources close to the negotiations said both groups prioritized stability over winner-take-all politics. They wanted to avoid the conflicts that have plagued similar constituencies in the past.
Implementation of the power-sharing deal begins immediately. Officials will monitor compliance to ensure both parties honour their commitments going forward.
