Insignia
By John Egie
Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups in Warri have called for transparent investigation and prosecution of all suspects, including the serving British Army officer, other aides and the traditional ruler allegedly involved in illegal importation of arms in a plot to cause mayhem and repeat the gory Warri Conflict (1997-2003).
At a joint press conference by representatives of the two ethnic groups held last Wednesday, they said the plan to instigate unrest in Warri was targeted at Ijaw and Urhobo communities and was intended to stall the delineation process of the Warri Federal Constituency.
They noted that the plot was a grave threat to peace and democracy and commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for their swift action in apprehending the suspects.
They called on the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to ensure full accountability and issue an official statement on the alleged arms stockpiling.
They warned against actions and threats to sabotage national economic assets in the oil and gas industry in Delta State supposedly in protest against INEC’s compliance with the Supreme Court ruling in issue of delineation of electoral wards in Warri Federal Constituency and called for categorization of such actions as acts of terrorism and be treated accordingly.
They accused some Pan-Yoruba groups of issuing statements that tend to threaten the peace in the Niger Delta region claiming that such interventions were orchestrated by Itsekiri leaders trying to pressure the Federal Government and derail the delineation.
They therefore appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow his office to be manipulated by sectional interests.
They asserted that the Ijaws constitute the majority in Warri North and Warri Southwest while Urhobos make up the majority in Warri South LGA.
The delegates at the joint press conference restated their commitment to peaceful coexistence and democracy and strongly demanded INEC to complete the delineation exercise without a hitch, and on the Federal Government to ensure that justice is served on those who allegedly attempted to plunge Warri and the Niger Delta region into conflict..
Representatives of the Ijaw nation at the press conference were: Hon. Dembo-Denbofa Oweikpodor, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, Chief Arthur Akpodubajaye, Dr Joel Bisina and Comrade Emmanuel Igetei.
Those who represented Urhobo ethnic group were: Chief John Eranvor, Chief Westham Adehor, Olorogun Victor Okumagba and Hon Mark Ikpuri.
Meanwhile, the Warri Indigenous People. Movement (WIPM) in response to the April 30, joint press conference said claims of accusation against an Itsekiri-born British officer to incite unrest in Warri were unverified.
WIPM Chairman, Hon Kingsley Tenunah in a statement issued on Monday, May 5, described the joint conference as “reckless and ethnically inflammatory”.
The group insisted that the Olu of Warri has no ties to any alleged arms dealings.
WIPM accused Ijaw and Urhobo of intentionally pressuring the DSS to prolong the detention of the British officer despite a lack of evidence and a clarification by the British Government.
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