Warri, Delta State – Leaders of the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities have reached a landmark power-sharing agreement concerning the proposed Warri Federal Constituency II, bringing a significant breakthrough to the long-standing dispute surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) ward delineation exercise in Delta State.
The agreement follows the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who stepped into the matter amid growing tensions among ethnic groups in the Warri axis over electoral representation and political boundaries.
The controversy began after INEC conducted a ward delineation exercise aimed at redefining electoral wards and constituencies in the Warri area. The exercise sparked disagreements among the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo communities, each expressing concerns over political representation, voting strength, and the potential impact of the new electoral structure.
In response to the escalating tensions, President Tinubu convened a high-level meeting involving representatives of the affected ethnic groups and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The President urged all parties to embrace dialogue and directed stakeholders to work toward a peaceful and mutually beneficial resolution.
Following a series of consultations, representatives of the Ijaw and Itsekiri nationalities met under the supervision of federal authorities at the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja. The meeting was chaired by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and attended by senior government officials, including Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.
At the end of the discussions, both ethnic groups agreed on a rotational arrangement for the House of Representatives seat in the proposed Warri Federal Constituency II.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Ijaw nationality will occupy the seat for the first two consecutive terms, after which the position will rotate to the Itsekiri nationality for another two consecutive terms. The arrangement is designed to promote fairness, inclusiveness, and political stability within the constituency.
The agreement was signed by prominent representatives of both ethnic groups. Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro, and legal practitioner Eric Omare signed on behalf of the Ijaw nationality, while A.S. Mene and Robinson Ariyo represented the Itsekiri nationality.
Federal Government representatives endorsed the agreement as a demonstration of commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and national unity.
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