Protest Over INEC Delineation Report for Warri Federal Constituency: Ex-Agitators’ Leader, Aroni appeals for calm

By Philip Onome

Disturbed by the lingering agitations between the Itsekiris, Ijaw and Urhobos in Warri federal constituency over the out come of ward delineation report by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National President of PAP Phase 1 Ex-Agitators’ Leaders of Niger Delta, Chief Aroni Oputu aka (Gen Aroni) has strongly appealed to the three ethnic groups to shield their swords and embrace peace.

Addressing journalists in Warri, the Ex-warlord, who is also a Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Security, said that further breach of peace in the three ethnic groups may lead to unrest, anarchy thereby frustrating the even development already taken place in the state and by extension affecting the federal.

He urged leaders and youths of Ijaw, Itsekiris and Urhobos in Warri to preach peaceful co-existence rather than inciting violence over an issues that can be settle in a technical and legal manner.

According to him, “I urge everyone in the three Warri to remain calm. The INEC’s final report is not out yet. Therefore, if there is any areas in the initial report that is unfair, the leaders have to come together and address the underlining issues instead of allowing violent protest, instigating the youths and making comments necessary of causing another Warri Crises. The fight will not help us rather it will destroy us more; and lives and properties will be lost.”

He noted; “As a former warlord, we know the implementation of crisis and the irredeemable damages. I therefore urge all parties involved to shield their swords and embrace the peace co-existence already enjoyed in the three Warri councils while we await INEC’s final report in the ward delineation.”

The SSA to Delta State Governor on Security further however urged the three Warris to remain calm and stop the unnecessary protest, burning of houses and shuting down flow stations, noting that these will never help the situation rather cause for harm.

“These issues should be handled technically and legally. The Itsekiris Ijaw and Urhobos should remain United because once we fight against ourselves, then there will be enemies within the ethnic groups which will drastically bring underdevelopment in the state.” He noted.