The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has applauded Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his proactive efforts to sustain peace and unity in the Warri area amid emerging tensions linked to ward delineation issues, calling on all stakeholders to embrace dialogue, restraint, and peaceful coexistence.
Key Highlights
- PANDEF Commends Oborevwori for peace-building efforts in Warri.
- Group praises governor’s engagement with Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo leaders.
- Stakeholders urged to maintain unity despite ward delineation disputes.
- PANDEF highlights centuries of peaceful coexistence among Warri ethnic groups.
- Youths advised against violence, division, and inflammatory social media campaigns.
- Forum pledges continued peace-building and confidence-building initiatives.
- Calls for justice, fairness, and sustainable development across Warri communities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, PANDEF noted that Governor Oborevwori had demonstrated commendable leadership by engaging relevant stakeholders across Delta State in a bid to prevent conflicts and strengthen harmony among the various ethnic nationalities in Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North Local Government Areas.
The regional socio-political body specifically acknowledged that Governor Oborevwori initiated consultations even before his recent meeting in Warri with leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups regarding concerns arising from ward delineation exercises.
According to PANDEF, the governor had earlier convened similar peace meetings in Asaba as part of efforts to build consensus and prevent escalation of tensions.
The group described the governor’s intervention as timely and necessary in preserving the longstanding peace that has historically defined the Warri area.
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PANDEF reminded community leaders, traditional rulers, elders, and residents that the people of Warri share a rich cultural heritage that has endured for centuries and should not be undermined by political disagreements or boundary-related disputes.
The forum noted that Warri remains one of Nigeria’s most culturally diverse and historically significant cities, where the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups have lived together, traded together, intermarried, and built enduring relationships over generations.
According to the statement, the bonds that unite the people of Warri are stronger than political differences and should serve as the foundation for continued peace and development.
“The shared heritage that binds the people of Warri together is far stronger than any boundary line on a map or political disagreement. It is a legacy that must be preserved for future generations,” PANDEF stated.
The group also called on young people across Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North to resist attempts by individuals or groups seeking to incite violence or create division within the communities.
PANDEF emphasized that the future prosperity of the Warri area depends on peace, stability, and unity among its people.
The forum urged youths to reject inflammatory rhetoric, particularly on social media, and instead become ambassadors of peace and development.
According to the organization, preserving peace today is essential for securing a prosperous future for generations to come.
Reaffirming its commitment to regional stability, PANDEF pledged to continue implementing confidence-building measures aimed at strengthening trust, fostering reconciliation, and promoting harmonious relationships among communities in the Niger Delta.
The organization assured residents that it would remain actively involved in mediation, peace-building initiatives, and stakeholder engagements whenever necessary.
PANDEF also expressed its readiness to support any initiative that promotes justice, fairness, equity, and sustainable development across the Warri area and the wider Niger Delta region.
The forum stressed that dialogue remains the most effective tool for resolving disputes and urged all parties involved in the ongoing ward delineation discussions to pursue peaceful and lawful channels in addressing their concerns.
It further called on stakeholders to prioritize the collective interest of the people over personal or sectional interests, noting that unity and cooperation are critical to the continued growth and prosperity of the region.
