The Warri South-West Unity and Development Forum, WSWUDF, has issued a strong response to a recent publication by the Itsekiri Democratic Forum, describing it as misleading and potentially capable of inciting ethnic tension in Warri South-West Local Government Area.

The Itsekiri group had, in the publication, demanded that it was the turn of the Itsekiris of Warri South-West to represent the constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly.

In a statement addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Friday, the Forum’s Coordinator, Pastor Arex Akemotubo, clarified several claims made in the publication.

On the claim that “two Ijaw men” occupy both the Council Chairmanship and the House of Assembly seat, Akemotubo said: “This claim is false, deceptive, and intellectually dishonest.

“The records are very clear. When Hon. David Tonwe, an Itsekiri son, served as Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Council, Hon. Daniel Mayuku, also an Itsekiri son, was simultaneously representing Warri South-West Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly.”

He also corrected the assertion about the number of terms served by Hon. Daniel Mayuku, stating: “Public political records clearly show that Hon. Daniel Mayuku was a four-term member of the Delta State House of Assembly representing Warri South-West Constituency.”

Regarding the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, the Forum said: “Rt. Hon. Guwor remains one of the most prominent and respected political leaders produced by Warri South-West in modern times. As Speaker, he has brought honour, visibility, stability, and maturity to legislative governance in Delta State.”

The Forum stressed the need for peace in the area, warning against divisive statements.

“The peace of Warri South-West is bigger than the ambition of any politician,” Akemotubo said.

The group commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his leadership style and urged all ethnic groups to work together.

“Warri South-West belongs to all ethnic nationalities. Peace, unity, and development must remain our collective priority,” the statement concluded.