Ijaw and Urhobo Leaders Urge Protesters to Leave Oil Facilities After Tinubu's Call

Leaders from the Ijaw and Urhobo communities in Warri, Delta State, have asked protesters to leave oil and gas facilities. This plea comes right after President Bola Tinubu stepped in to help resolve the situation.

The leaders released this statement on Thursday. They had just finished important meetings with the federal government, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo.

The protests started on Monday due to issues with the new ward and polling unit boundaries set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This change followed a Supreme Court ruling.

The protests quickly spread across many areas in Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South West local government areas. Protesters took over some oil and gas facilities and blocked parts of the Escravos River.

Notable Ijaw and Urhobo leaders, including Godspower Gbenekama, Victor Okumagba, Denbo-Denbofa Oweikpodor, and Westham Adehor, all signed the statement.

The leaders noted that the rising tensions led Governor Oborevwori to hold an emergency meeting with representatives from the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo communities in Asaba on June 8.

They said that the ongoing protests drew the attention of Mr Ekpemupolo, who met with leaders from the three ethnic groups in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom, on June 9. He urged everyone to stay calm and protect the oil and gas facilities.

On Thursday, President Tinubu held a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with leaders of the three ethnic groups.

"At the meeting, Mr President called for compromise, understanding, and the need for the Ijaws, Itsekiris, and Urhobos to live together as Nigerians," the statement revealed.

The leaders shared that the president called for unity among the groups. He also directed stakeholders to create a fair power-sharing plan for political positions across the three local government areas in the constituency.

Tinubu asked community leaders to convince protesters to stop the demonstrations.

In light of this, the leaders of the Ijaw and Urhobo communities in Warri Federal Constituency, after talking with other stakeholders, are now calling on protesting youths and women to leave all occupied oil and gas facilities and the Escravos River.

The leaders see this decision as a sign of respect for the president. They believe it is a chance for everyone to sort out the issues from the boundary changes.

They expressed gratitude to Mr Tinubu, Mr Oborevwori, and Mr Ekpemupolo for their quick actions that helped calm the tensions in the oil-rich region.