A prominent Ijaw leader and stakeholder in the Warri Federal Constituency, Chief Michael Johnny, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for their interventions in resolving the contentious ward delineation issues in Warri Federal Constituency.
Speaking at a world press conference on Tuesday, Johnny expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for facilitating dialogue among the three major ethnic nationalities in the area, the Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri and for promoting peace following the Supreme Court judgment and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) delineation exercise.
He also praised Governor Oborevwori for convening peace meetings aimed at fostering unity and understanding among the ethnic groups in Warri, describing the governor as a grassroots leader who appreciates the importance of peaceful coexistence for development.
Johnny commended the Olu of Warri for recent efforts to strengthen ties with neighbouring kingdoms, describing the move as a significant step toward reconciliation and harmony among the people of the region.
According to him, the people of Warri have embraced peace and are more concerned about addressing poverty, underdevelopment and other socio-economic challenges than engaging in ethnic conflicts.
"Our problem is not among ourselves. Our challenge is poverty and underdevelopment. That is what we should all be confronting together," he said.
The Ijaw leader, however, expressed concern over statements allegedly made by former Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayiri Emami, which he claimed were capable of heightening tensions in the area. He urged security agencies, including the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Navy and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to remain vigilant and prevent any attempt to disrupt the peace currently being enjoyed in the region.
Johnny maintained that stakeholders from the three ethnic groups had accepted resolutions reached during consultations facilitated by the President and relevant authorities, adding that representatives of the ethnic nationalities subsequently drafted and submitted a report reflecting the consensus reached.
He explained that the resolutions were aimed at ensuring peace and enabling the electoral process in the Warri Federal Constituency to proceed without hindrance.
According to him, political stakeholders are already preparing for the next phase of electoral activities as directed by INEC, expressing confidence that the peaceful atmosphere created by the interventions of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori would encourage greater participation in the democratic process.
Johnny said the people of the area remain appreciative of the President's efforts in restoring peace and pledged their continued support for initiatives that promote stability, economic growth and national development.
He called on traditional rulers across the region to continue working together and guiding their subjects towards peaceful coexistence, stressing that no community benefits from violence and conflict.
"The traditional rulers must continue to preach peace and unity. We all have a responsibility to ensure that Warri remains peaceful and that development thrives in our communities," he said.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Ijaw people to peace, Johnny urged all stakeholders to respect the agreements reached and support ongoing efforts to sustain harmony in Warri Federal Constituency and the wider Niger Delta region.
