Ijaw Group Hails Tinubu, Oborevwori for Restoring Peace in Warri

The Ijaw Political Grassroots Development Movement (IPGDM) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for their intervention in resolving the lingering ward delineation dispute involving indigenous communities in Warri and its environs.

In a statement signed by Comrade Sheriff Mulade and Hon. Omoun Ebi, Chairman and Secretary of the group respectively, the organisation described the intervention as a major step towards restoring peace and stability in Warri Federal Constituency.

The group also commended the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities for embracing dialogue and agreeing to work together in the interest of peace, unity, and development.

According to the IPGDM, sustainable peace in Warri remains crucial to economic growth, particularly in the oil and gas sector, which plays a significant role in Delta State’s economy.

“It is imperative to state that peace in Warri and its environs is vital for oil and gas production and the overall development of Delta State. As the administration of our indefatigable Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, continues to advocate, we appeal to the three ethnic groups in the area to give peace a chance and live in harmony.”

The group urged stakeholders across the three ethnic nationalities to prioritise dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution rather than allowing disagreements to escalate into crises.

It further stressed the need for collaboration among community leaders and residents to attract investment, boost development, and strengthen social cohesion in the region.

“As indigenes of Warri Federal Constituency, we cannot afford to continually create tension in Warri over every little misunderstanding. It is time for us to sit around a round table, without government intervention, and resolve our differences. We have intermarried, interacted, and lived together for centuries, so why should we generate crises over every minor disagreement?”

The organisation also appealed to traditional rulers across Warri Federal Constituency to play active roles in promoting peace and unity among their people.

“As custodians of our culture and traditions, the world is watching you, our highly respected traditional rulers. Your leadership and commitment to peace are crucial to the future of our communities.”

Reaffirming its support for ongoing peace efforts, the group commended both President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for engaging critical stakeholders and helping to restore calm in Warri and neighbouring communities.