Johnny Hails Tinubu, Oborevwori Over Resolution of Warri Delineation Crisis

A prominent Ijaw leader and key stakeholder in Warri Federal Constituency, Chief Michael Johnny, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sheriff Oborevwori for their timely interventions in resolving the contentious ward delineation crisis in the constituency.

Speaking during a world press conference on Tuesday, Johnny expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for facilitating dialogue among the three major ethnic nationalities in the area — Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri — and for promoting peace following the Supreme Court judgment and the ward delineation exercise conducted by Independent National Electoral Commission.

He also praised Governor Oborevwori for convening peace meetings aimed at fostering unity and mutual understanding among the ethnic groups in Warri, describing the governor as a grassroots leader who understands the critical role of peaceful coexistence in driving sustainable development.

Johnny further commended the Olu of Warri for recent efforts to strengthen ties with neighbouring kingdoms, describing the move as a major step toward reconciliation and lasting harmony in the region.

According to him, the people of Warri have embraced peace and are now more focused on tackling poverty, underdevelopment, and other socio-economic challenges rather than engaging in ethnic tensions.

“Our problem is not among ourselves. Our challenge is poverty and underdevelopment. That is what we should all be confronting together,” he said.

The Ijaw leader, however, expressed concern over statements allegedly made by Chief Ayiri Emami, former Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, which he said could inflame tensions in the area.

He urged security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Navy, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to remain vigilant and prevent any attempt to disrupt the peace currently prevailing in the region.

Johnny maintained that stakeholders from the three ethnic nationalities had accepted resolutions reached during consultations facilitated by the President and relevant authorities, adding that representatives of the groups subsequently drafted and submitted a report reflecting the consensus reached.

He explained that the resolutions were designed to ensure peace and enable the electoral process in Warri Federal Constituency to proceed without disruption.

According to him, political stakeholders are already preparing for the next phase of electoral activities as directed by INEC, expressing confidence that the peaceful atmosphere created through the interventions of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori would encourage broader participation in the democratic process.

Johnny said the people of the constituency remain grateful for the President’s efforts in restoring peace and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote stability, economic growth, and national development.

He also called on traditional rulers across the region to sustain collaboration and continue guiding their subjects toward peaceful coexistence, stressing that no community benefits from violence or conflict.

“Traditional rulers must continue to preach peace and unity. We all have a responsibility to ensure that Warri remains peaceful and that development thrives in our communities,” he stated.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Ijaw people to peace, Johnny urged all stakeholders to respect the agreements reached and support ongoing efforts to sustain harmony in Warri Federal Constituency and the wider Niger Delta region.