Warri: The Ijaw Political Grassroots Development Movement (IPGDM) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for their timely intervention in resolving the lingering ward delineation dispute among the indigenous people of Warri and its environs.
In a press statement signed by Comrade Sheriff Mulade, PhD, and Hon. Omoun Ebi, Chairman and Secretary respectively, on behalf of the Ijaw socio-cultural pressure group, the organisation also appreciated the various ethnic nationalities for agreeing to work together in harmony in the interest of peace and development in Warri and its environs.
The group urged stakeholders from the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities to embrace peaceful coexistence for the sake of development.
“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 statement read.
The group further stated:
> “As stakeholders, we must work in partnership with government at all levels and with other stakeholders to ensure peace in Warri, in order to attract the much-needed development and further grow the state’s oil and gas sector.
> “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?
> “No amount of crisis or conflict can eliminate any of the ethnic groups in Warri. Let us embrace peace for the sake of our unborn generations and work together for the progress of our oil city, the commercial nerve centre of Delta State.”
The IPGDM also strongly appealed to the highly respected traditional rulers in Warri Federal Constituency to sheathe their swords and work together towards a peaceful and prosperous Warri.
“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,” the group stated.
The organisation once again commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for their timely intervention and engagement with critical stakeholders, which led to the peaceful resolution of the dispute.
“We once again commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for their timely intervention and for meeting with critical stakeholders to resolve the issues and restore peace in Warri and its environs,” the statement concluded.