COMMUNITY REPORT
NSA Brokers Peace Deal as Ijaw, Itsekiri Leaders Agree on Power-Sharing Formula in Warri
A major breakthrough has been recorded in the lingering dispute surrounding the proposed Warri Federal Constituency II in Delta State, as representatives of the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities have agreed on a power-sharing arrangement aimed at fostering peace and political stability in the area.
The agreement followed the directive of President Bola Tinubu to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to facilitate a peaceful resolution of tensions arising from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) ward delineation exercise in the constituency.
Under the terms of the agreement, the House of Representatives seat for the constituency will rotate between the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups. 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 terms.
The peace accord was signed on behalf of the Ijaw nationality by former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro, and Dr. Eric Omare. Representatives of the Itsekiri nationality, A.S. Mene and Robinson Ariyo, signed on behalf of their ethnic group.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Governor of Delta State.
The agreement is expected to ease tensions in the oil-rich Warri area and strengthen efforts to promote peaceful coexistence, political inclusion, and sustainable development among the various ethnic groups in the region.
Stakeholders have described the accord as a significant step toward resolving longstanding disagreements and ensuring lasting peace in the constituency ahead of future electoral activities.