Breakthrough in Warri: Ijaw to Take First Turn as Ethnic Groups Sign Power-Sharing Pact
A major breakthrough has been recorded in the protracted political dispute between the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities in Delta State, as leaders of both groups have agreed on a rotational arrangement for the newly created Warri Federal Constituency II.
The constituency, carved out to comprise Warri South-West and Warri North Local Government Areas, will operate a power-sharing formula under which the Ijaw nation will occupy the seat for the first two terms before it rotates to the Itsekiri nation.
The agreement followed interventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and was reached at a meeting convened by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as part of efforts to address growing tensions over political representation in the Warri axis.
Documents made available to our correspondent show that Deacon Kingsley Otuaro and Barrister Eric Omare signed the agreement on behalf of the Ijaw nation, while Chief A.S. Mene and Barrister Robinson Ariyo signed for the Itsekiri nation.
The agreement was witnessed by Chief Victor Okumagba and Chief Westham Adehor.
Political observers and community stakeholders have described the deal as a significant step toward promoting peace and stability in Warri South-West and Warri North, areas that have witnessed recurring disagreements over political representation and resource-related issues.
The rotational arrangement is expected to reduce tensions between the two ethnic groups and provide a framework for equitable participation in the representation of the new federal constituency.
Sources familiar with the discussions said the resolution of the Warri Federal Constituency II issue marks only one phase of broader efforts to address contentious political concerns in the Warri area.
Attention is now turning to Warri South Local Government Area, where stakeholders are expected to continue consultations aimed at reaching a similar consensus.
The development is being viewed as one of the most significant political understandings between the Ijaw and Itsekiri nations in recent years and could shape the future of political representation in the Warri region.
