PANDEF Commends Oborevwori’s Peace Efforts In Warri, Urges Restraint Among Stakeholders
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Stella Omona
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his efforts to sustain peace and unity in the Warri area amid tensions arising from ward delineation disputes.
In a statement issued by its National Chairman, Chief Godknows Boladei Igali, made available to Daily Independent on Thursday PANDEF praised the governor’s engagement with key stakeholders across the state, describing his interventions as a significant step toward preserving harmony among the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities.
The group noted that before his visit to Warri on June 8 to meet with leaders of the three ethnic groups over emerging conflicts linked to ward delineation, Governor Oborevwori had earlier convened similar peace meetings in Asaba aimed at fostering dialogue and preventing the escalation of tensions.
PANDEF urged community leaders and residents to remember the long-standing bonds that have united the people of Warri for centuries, stressing that the area’s rich cultural heritage transcends political disagreements and boundary disputes.
According to the forum, Warri remains one of Nigeria’s most culturally diverse and historically significant cities, where the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo peoples have lived together, traded, intermarried and shared common traditions over generations.
“The cultural bonds among the people of Warri are a priceless heritage, far stronger than any boundary line on a map or political differences,” the statement said.
The organization also appealed to youths in Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North Local Government Areas to resist divisive tendencies and avoid being used to fuel conflict.
PANDEF emphasized that the future prosperity of the Warri area depends on maintaining peace today, urging young people to reject inflammatory messages, particularly on social media, and work towards preserving the region’s legacy of unity and coexistence.
Reaffirming its commitment to peacebuilding, the forum pledged to continue undertaking confidence-building measures across communities to strengthen trust and reinforce unity among the various ethnic groups.
It also expressed readiness to support initiatives that promote justice, fairness and development for all communities in the Warri area.
“Consistent with its mandate, PANDEF will continue to play its role in peacemaking and peacebuilding while supporting all efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace and development in the region,” the statement added.
