GOVERNOR SHERIFF’S SELF-CENTERED POLITICAL INTEREST: A LOOMING CATALYST FOR CRISIS IN WARRI__

By Uche Alvin

The leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, expresses deep concern and utter dissatisfaction with the recent statement credited to the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

One of the hallmarks of responsible and visionary leadership is the ability to place the collective interest of the people above personal or partisan considerations. Unfortunately, Governor Sheriff’s recent remarks run contrary to this principle. His assertion that his votes in the 2027 election are of greater importance than the peace, lives, and properties in Warri Federal Constituency is not only unbecoming of a Chief Security Officer of a State but also an affront to the people of the constituency.

The Warri Federal Constituency today sits precariously on the edge of a possible relapse into crisis, a reality that all stakeholders pray and work daily to avert. The tension is palpable, the risks evident, yet rather than taking proactive steps to forestall conflict, the Governor appears fixated on the narrow prism of his political future. A leader who should at this critical moment be convening stakeholders and deploying mechanisms for peacebuilding has instead chosen to abdicate his responsibility.

This troubling disposition explains why the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, emboldened by a culture of impunity, could conspire with elements of the Nigeria Police to commit an injustice against the Ijaws of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom by dismantling the publicity materials of their revered Monarch. Such reckless acts, left unchecked, are capable of inflaming passions and provoking avoidable unrest.

It is, therefore, not misplaced to describe Governor Sheriff’s posture on the ongoing INEC Ward Delineation Exercise as a dangerous weapon capable of igniting crisis in Warri. As a body committed to peace, justice, and the protection of our people, the IYC Western Zone calls on the Governor to immediately retract his unfortunate statement and tender an unreserved apology to all ethnic nationalities in Warri Federal Constituency.

We urge him to rise above partisan calculations, embrace his duty as Chief Security Officer of the State, and engage critical stakeholders in dialogue aimed at preserving peace and stability. Warri cannot and must not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition.

The time to act is now; before words and inaction sow the seeds of avoidable conflict.

Signed:
Comrade Nicholas Igarama
Chairman IYC Western Zone

Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Esq.
Secretary

Comrade Tare Magbei
Information Officer