By Wilson Macaulay
The Egbema Youth Political Forum (EGYPF) has formally appealed to the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Chief Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, urging the retention of the Ijaw ethnic group in the chairmanship position of Warri North Local Government Area (LGA) in the spirit of Peace, equity and justice.
This appeal was conveyed in a Press release signed by Bar Ebigba Stephen Baidi, Chairman, Comrade Karina Yoroki, Secretary, Bar Ebiterighan Divine Ejemi, Spokesman, and Bar Odomiyentimi Festus Eyenmi, Legal Advisor made available to Daily Independent Newspaper.
The EGYPF, representing the Egbema Kingdom within Warri North LGA, commended Governor Oborevwori and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) for their victory at the Supreme Court. They expressed optimism about the governor's "MORE AGENDA," which aims to enhance sustainable economic development across Delta State.
The forum in their appeal emphasized the historical marginalization of the Ijaws in Warri North, saying that since the LGA's creation in 1991, the chairmanship has predominantly been occupied by individuals from the Itsekiri ethnic group.
According to the Egbema Group, it was only through the intervention of the previous administration led by Senator Dr Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa that an Ijaw man, Hon. (Capt) Smart Yomi Asekutu, was appointed as council chairman, thereby breaking the long-standing Itsekiri jinx and dominance.
The EGYPF provided a comprehensive list of past chairmen to illustrate this imbalance, noting that for 29 years, the position had been held exclusively by Itsekiris. They emphasized the contribution of the Egbema Kingdom to the state's economy, being a major oil-producing area hosting companies like Chevron Nigeria Ltd, Elcrest/NPDC, and Conoil.
The Egbema Ijaw Group argued that the current peace in Warri North is largely due to the equitable political intervention allowing an Ijaw chairman. They fear that without continued fairness, ethnic tensions might resurface because it denotes denial and political slavery to the People of Egbema kingdom.
The letter also highlighted the lack of significant political representation and appointments for the Ijaws at both state and federal levels. Despite having a larger population and voting strength, the Ijaws have not held positions such as State House of Assembly member, House of Representatives member, or Senator.
Citing the Nigerian Constitution's provisions for equitable representation, the EGYPF described the current situation as a breach of federal character principles which is detrimental to the ethos of democracy.
The Ijaws of Egbema strongly called for the continuation of an Ijaw man as Chairman in Warri North and an equal rotation of all elective positions between the Ijaws and Itsekiris in Warri North LGA to ensure lasting peace and fairness, in the overall interest of all stakeholders across the board.
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