Delta gov meets Warri leaders over ward delineation crisis

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has moved to defuse rising tension over the newly released ward and polling unit delineation in Warri Federal Constituency, convening an emergency peace meeting with key stakeholders on Monday.

The high-level meeting, held at the Government House in Asaba, brought together representatives of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities, alongside senior security officials, to address concerns surrounding the delineation exercise and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

According to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon he said, Oborevwori urged all parties to embrace dialogue and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions in the oil-rich constituency.

“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 have promised Deltans enhanced peace and security, and we do not need any crisis in our dear state,” he said.

He added: “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.”

Representing the Ijaw ethnic nationality, Chief Godspower Gbenekama commended the governor’s intervention and reaffirmed his group’s commitment to peace.

“The governor has given us a marching order to ensure there is no crisis,” he said. “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, there will be continuous peace.”

Speaking on behalf of the Urhobo ethnic nationality, Olorogun Victor Okumagba said the discussions had helped ease tensions and build consensus among stakeholders.

“For some time now, issues surrounding the ward and unit delineation in Warri Federal Constituency have been threatening the peace in Warri,” he said. “Today, the governor brought together the three ethnic nationalities, and after extensive discussions, we agreed that all parties should sheath their swords.”

He added that the stakeholders agreed to sustain peace and ensure stability in the area.

On behalf of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, Chief Ayirimi Emami said the group presented its concerns during the meeting but accepted the call for restraint and dialogue.

“We came with our position regarding the ward delineation issue, but the governor has spoken and directed that everyone should keep their swords,” he said. “We have all agreed to maintain peace and will return home to relay the message to our people.”

The meeting ended with a collective commitment from all parties to uphold peace, embrace dialogue, and avoid any actions that could further heighten tensions in Warri Federal Constituency.

Political observers say the intervention is a significant step toward easing tensions and strengthening unity among the ethnic nationalities in the region.