This post has already been read at least 1189 times!

The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Projects and Policies, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, has reaffirmed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori remains firmly committed to sustaining the peace Delta State has enjoyed for over two decades.

Speaking on “The Faculty”, a programme aired on Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Asaba, on Wednesday, Ifeajika recalled the violent crisis that engulfed Warri between the Ijaws and Itsekiris from 1997 to 1999, describing it as a dark period that left bitter memories.

“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 in Warri and witnessed the conflict first-hand, has consistently emphasized the need to preserve peace, noting that no responsible leader would allow such hostilities to return.

“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 stated.

He stressed that the Governor’s recent comments on peace were unfortunately misconstrued and twisted out of context 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 added.

Ifeajika urged all stakeholders to embrace dialogue and development-oriented conversations rather than stoking division, insisting that peace must continue to endure in Delta for progress to thrive.

“As His Excellency has stated, we cannot compromise on sustainable peace in Warri. That is why he spoke in language that we all understand.

“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,” he said.

This post has already been read at least 1189 times!