Urges President to caution Ayiri Emami, Itsekiri leaders

A prominent Ijaw leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, High Chief Michael Johnny, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his timely intervention in resolving the dispute arising from the recent Ward Delineation Exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State.

Johnny, who spoke during a world press conference in Warri on Tuesday, said the Ijaws, Urhobos, and Itsekiris have accepted the President’s directive, which he described as a decisive step toward putting the ward delineation controversy to rest.

He, however, urged President Tinubu to caution Chief Ayiri Emami and some Itsekiri stakeholders against attempts to alter the outcome of the process already concluded and published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that such actions could trigger unnecessary tension in the area.

The Ibe-Penadouwe of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State stated that INEC had carried out its constitutional responsibility by implementing the final report on the ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency.

According to him, individuals or groups attempting to undermine the President’s directive were acting in pursuit of personal interests rather than the collective peace and development of the constituency.

He called on security agencies to closely monitor the activities of those who may seek to disregard the resolution reached through the intervention of the President.

While assuring that the people of the area remain committed to peace, Johnny appealed to Itsekiri leaders and other stakeholders to avoid actions capable of undermining the existing harmony among the ethnic groups in Warri.

He noted that President Tinubu’s intervention came at a critical moment and helped prevent the dispute from escalating into another ethnic crisis in the constituency.

The Ijaw leader maintained that the presence of Ijaws in Warri South Local Government Area had already been affirmed by INEC, adding that the creation of three wards for the Ijaw people in Warri South was appropriate and acceptable.

Johnny further stated that Ijaws and Urhobos in Warri Federal Constituency would mobilize support for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, in appreciation of his commitment to peace and fairness.

He also commended the creation of additional State Constituencies in Warri South West and Warri North Local Government Areas, describing the development as a step that would promote sustainable peace and inclusive representation.

“I call on the Ijaws, Urhobos, and Itsekiris in Warri Federal Constituency to unite and work together for the progress, peace, and development of the constituency,” he said.