Rita Enemuru, Reporting
WARRI — The Ijaw Political Grassroots Development Movement (IPGDM) has publicly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for their timely intervention in ending the protracted ward delineation dispute that had threatened to destabilise the indigenous communities of Warri and its surrounding areas.
In a press statement issued by the group’s Chairman, Comrade Sheriff Mulade PhD, and Secretary, Hon. Omoun Ebi, the socio-cultural pressure group also praised the various ethnic nationalities for agreeing to bury the hatchet and work together in the interest of peace and development.
The IPGDM urged stakeholders from the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups to embrace peaceful coexistence, stressing that ongoing tensions were inimical to regional progress.
“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,” the statement read. “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 further argued that as indigenes of Warri Federal Constituency, local stakeholders could not afford to continually generate tension over every minor misunderstanding.
“We have intermarried, interacted, and lived together for centuries, so why should we generate crises over every little disagreement?” the IPGDM asked. “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.”
In a direct appeal to the region’s traditional rulers, the group called on them to “sheathe their swords” and provide leadership for a prosperous Warri.
“As custodians of our culture and traditions, the world is watching you,” the statement added. “Your leadership and commitment to peace are crucial to the future of our communities.”
The IPGDM reaffirmed its gratitude to President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for engaging critical stakeholders and restoring calm to the oil city, which serves as the commercial nerve centre of Delta State.
“We once again commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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.
