Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday convened a high-level peace meeting with leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities over tensions arising from the ward and unit delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency.
The meeting held at Government House, Asaba, brought together ethnic leaders, security chiefs and senior government officials.
Discussions focused on preserving peace and encouraging dialogue amid growing concerns over the delineation process.
Governor Oborevwori stressed the need for unity and peaceful coexistence among Warri residents.
He said peace and security remain central pillars of his administration’s MORE Agenda.
"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. Warri is one family. There is nothing that we cannot resolve through dialogue," he said.
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He added that the state government would continue working with security agencies and all ethnic nationalities to ensure lasting peace in the constituency and across Delta.
Speaking for the Ijaw, Chief Godspower Gbenekama commended the governor’s intervention and assured that the Ijaw people remained 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, there will be continuous peace," he said.
Olorogun Victor Okumagba, representing the Urhobo, said issues around the ward delineation had threatened peace in Warri for some time.
"Today, the governor brought together the three ethnic nationalities, and after extensive discussions, we agreed that all parties should sheath their swords. We have also agreed to maintain and sustain peace for the benefit of all residents of Warri Federal Constituency," he said.
Chief Ayirimi Emami, speaking for the Itsekiri, said: "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."
The meeting reportedly ended with a collective commitment by leaders of the three ethnic groups to uphold peace and dialogue.
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