PANDEF Lauds Oborevwori’s Peace Strategy in Warri, Urges Unity Among Ethnic Groups

By Osaro Michael, Benin

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori’s peace approach and strategy in Warri federal constituency, amid growing tensions surrounding the implementation of electoral ward delineations.

In a statement issued on June 9, 2026, and signed by PANDEF National Chairman, Godknows Boladei Igali, the foremost socio-political body for the Niger Delta acknowledged the governor’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and preventing the escalation of conflicts among the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities.

According to PANDEF, Governor Oborevwori had taken significant steps to sustain peace in the Warri Federal Constituency by initiating consultations and dialogue with key stakeholders over the past several months. The group particularly noted that before his visit to Warri on June 8, 2026, where he met with leaders of the three ethnic groups over concerns arising from the ward delineation exercise, the governor had earlier convened similar peace meetings in Asaba.

The organization emphasized the importance of preserving the longstanding relationship among the peoples of Warri, describing the area as one of Nigeria’s most culturally diverse and historically united regions.

“Warri remains one of Nigeria’s most remarkable cities of culture and tradition. For centuries, the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo peoples have lived together, traded together, intermarried, spoken each other’s languages, and built a unique heritage founded on coexistence and mutual respect,” the statement noted.

PANDEF further reminded community leaders, elders, and residents that the historical bonds uniting the people of Warri are stronger than political disagreements or boundary disputes, urging all parties to place peace and collective progress above sectional interests.

The forum also appealed to youths across Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North to resist attempts by individuals or groups seeking to exploit the current situation to create division and unrest.

According to PANDEF, the future prosperity and development of the Warri area depend largely on the ability of its people to maintain peace and unity despite political differences.

The group urged residents to reject inflammatory rhetoric, particularly on social media, and instead work collectively to safeguard the legacy and future of the region.
Reaffirming its commitment to peacebuilding, PANDEF pledged to continue undertaking confidence-building initiatives across communities within the Warri axis to strengthen trust and foster reconciliation among the various ethnic groups.

The organization also assured residents that it would continue supporting all efforts aimed at promoting justice, fairness, equitable development, and peaceful coexistence throughout the area.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions in parts of the Warri Federal Constituency following debates and protests related to the implementation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward and polling unit delineation report, a development that has generated widespread reactions among stakeholders in Delta State.

PANDEF expressed confidence that through dialogue, mutual respect, and responsible leadership, the people of Warri would overcome the current challenges and continue to build on their shared heritage of peace and cooperation.