The Ijaws in Warri North L. G. A Appeals To Gov. Oborevwori To Retain The Chairmanship Position For Peace To Prevail

 


By Wilson Macaulay

The Egbema Youth Political Forum (EGYPF) has formally appealed to the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Chief Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, urging the retention of the Ijaw ethnic group in the chairmanship position of Warri North Local Government Area (LGA) in the spirit of Peace,  equity and justice.

This appeal was conveyed in a Press release  signed by Bar Ebigba Stephen Baidi, Chairman, Comrade Karina Yoroki, Secretary, Bar Ebiterighan Divine Ejemi , Spokesman and 

Bar Odomiyentimi Festus Eyenmi, Legal Advisor made available to Daily lndeprndent Newspaper

The EGYPF, representing the Egbema Kingdom within Warri North LGA, commended Governor Oborevwori and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) for their victory at the Supreme Court. They expressed optimism about the governor's "MORE AGENDA," which aims to enhance sustainable economic development across Delta State.

 The forum in their appeal emphasized  the historical marginalization of the Ijaws in Warri North, saying that since the LGA's creation in 1991, the chairmanship has predominantly been occupied by individuals from the Itsekiri ethnic group.

According to the Egbema Group, it was only through the intervention of the previous administration led by Senator Dr Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa  that an Ijaw man, Hon. (Capt) Smart Yomi Asekutu, was appointed as council chairman, there by  breaking the long-standing Itsekiri jinx and dominance.

The EGYPF provided a comprehensive list of past chairmen to illustrate this imbalance, noting that for 29 years, the position had been held exclusively by Itsekiris. They emphasized the contribution of the Egbema Kingdom to the state's economy, being a major oil-producing area hosting companies like Chevron Nigeria Ltd, Elcrest/NPDC, and Conoil.

The Egbema ljaw Group argued that the current peace in Warri North is largely due to the equitable political intervention allowing an Ijaw chairman. They fear that without continued fairness, ethnic tensions might resurface because it denotes denial and  political slavery to the People of Egbema kingdom.

The letter also highlighted the lack of significant political representation and appointments for the Ijaws at both state and federal levels. Despite having a larger population and voting strength, the Ijaws have not held positions such as State House of Assembly member, House of Representatives member, or Senator.

Citing the Nigerian Constitution's provisions for equitable representation, the EGYPF described the current situation as a breach of federal character principles which is detrimental to the ethos of democracy.

The ljaws of Egbema strongly  called for the continuation of an Ijaw man se Chairmsn North and an equal rotation of all  elective positions between the Ijaws and Itsekiris in Warri North LGAR  to ensure lasting peace and fairness, in the overall interest of all stakeholders across board.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Delta Attorney General Swears in Okumagba as New National President of the Association of Justices of the Peace ***** Okumagba Unveils 7-Pillars Reform Agenda

Patani Remembers Magdalene as High Chief (Dr) Egukawhore Celebrates His Mother’s 5-Year Memorial."

PTI Defends Its Reputation Against Misleading Sahara Media Report By Wilson Macaulay Effurun, Delta State July 12 2025 The Management of the prestigious Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, has vehemently refuted a sensational and malicious report published by Sahara Reporters on July 10, 2025, which alleged that students of the foremost oil and gas institution study in “flooded classrooms and snake-infested hostels” despite a ₦39 billion budget. Describing the publication as “baseless, mischievous, and an orchestrated attempt to malign the integrity of the institution,” PTI Management said the report is not only factually inaccurate but also a deliberate attack on the hard-earned reputation and progress of the institution under its current leadership. In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the management declared: > “There are absolutely no flooded classrooms or snake-infested hostels within the Institute. These claims are complete fabrications devoid of any evidence or truth.” Management further challenged Sahara Reporters to produce any verifiable photographic or video proof to substantiate its claims. > “If such conditions exist as alleged, Sahara Reporters should have no difficulty presenting concrete evidence. Until then, their report remains a reckless misrepresentation aimed at misleading the public.” PTI clarified that all its lecture halls, laboratories, workshops, and hostels are structurally sound, properly ventilated, electrically powered, and routinely maintained. The Institute prides itself on maintaining a safe and conducive academic environment for learning, innovation, and professional development in the oil and gas sector. The management in clear terms described the publication as the work of “unscrupulous elements seeking to sow discord and cast aspersions on the steady infrastructural development PTI has recorded in recent years.” As a center of excellence in petroleum training and manpower development, PTI has, under its current administration, seen remarkable transformation in terms of physical infrastructure, digital modernization, and student welfare programs. The Institute continues to attract local and international recognition for its cutting-edge research and high-impact training curriculum. While assuring stakeholders, parents, and the general public of its unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of its students, the management reiterated its call for responsible journalism and urged media practitioners to verify facts before rushing to publication. “We remain focused on our mandate and will not be distracted by smear campaigns designed to derail our progress.”