Governor Oborevwori reaffirms peace commitment in Delta State, urging unity and sustainable development to prevent return of past conflicts in Warri

Governor Oborevwori’s peace commitment was reaffirmed by his Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Projects and Policies, Olisa Ifeajika, who stressed the Governor’s dedication to sustaining the two decades of peace in Delta State.

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Speaking on Thursday during “The Faculty” programme on Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Asaba, Ifeajika recalled the violent Ijaw-Itsekiri crisis in Warri from 1997 to 1999 as a dark chapter that left deep wounds.

“We have been enjoying peace in the state since those turbulent years when the Ijaws and Itsekiris were at daggers drawn. The enmity was terrible, but today, God intervened, and we now have peace,” he said.

He explained that Governor Oborevwori, who grew up witnessing the conflict firsthand, has consistently emphasised the need to preserve peace.

“When the Governor spoke, he spoke like an insider, like a son of the soil. His message was clear: for as long as he remains in office, there will be no war.

What he wants today is peace because war is not good and nobody should preach it,” Ifeajika added.

Addressing recent misunderstandings, Ifeajika said the Governor’s comments on peace were twisted by mischief-makers.

“The Governor was only cautioning that since we have had enough crises in the past, we should now focus on peace and development. His appeal was that if the state can sustain peace till 2031, successive leaders will be encouraged to ensure such fighting never happens again,” he noted.

Ifeajika urged all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and development over division, stressing that peace is crucial for Delta State’s progress.

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“As His Excellency has stated, we cannot compromise on sustainable peace in Warri. That is why he spoke in a language that we all understand,” he concluded. “His statement cannot be misinterpreted to mean that the people of Warri can fight after his term. Our people must continue to live as one because no meaningful development can occur without peace.”