By Jesse Ese
National News – The National Youth Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Donben Donyegha, has called on residents of Warri to shun violence following tensions arising from the ward delineation exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking to journalists in Warri, Donyegha urged all parties affected by the outcome of the exercise to embrace peace and dialogue, regardless of their grievances.
According to him, the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic groups have coexisted peacefully for generations, and such harmony must be sustained to support the economic revival and development of Warri.
He warned that those promoting violence may have forgotten the devastating consequences of past conflicts, noting that the city is yet to fully recover from the destruction caused by the 1999 Warri crisis.
“Warri has not completely recovered from the effects of the 1999 crisis, which almost crippled its economy and forced several oil and gas companies to relocate their operational bases to Lagos and Port Harcourt. More than two decades later, many of them have not returned. We must not allow history to repeat itself,” he said.
The PANDEF youth leader stressed that the organisation, as a leading socio-cultural, economic and political body in the Niger Delta, would continue to advocate peaceful coexistence among the region’s ethnic nationalities.
He said no individual or group should be allowed to instigate violence or destroy lives and property, adding that such actions would only worsen the lingering effects of previous conflicts in the area.
Donyegha also urged youths across the region to unite against criminal elements terrorising communities rather than engage in ethnic hostilities.
“Our common enemies are the bandits and other criminal elements killing innocent people and destroying property. At this critical time, we should unite to protect our communities and defend our region from insecurity,” he said.
He commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for convening critical stakeholders from the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic groups in a bid to maintain peace, describing the initiative as timely and commendable.
The PANDEF youth leader, however, called on the state government to establish a panel of inquiry to investigate the root causes of the lingering dispute and recommend lasting solutions. He also urged security agencies to closely monitor the situation and act decisively while maintaining neutrality.
He warned that individuals found inciting or sponsoring violence should be held accountable, stressing that the region should focus on attracting investments and promoting development rather than conflict.
Donyegha further advised youths not to allow themselves to be recruited by troublemakers, urging them instead to reject any attempt to use them for acts capable of disrupting public peace.
As part of efforts to complement the state government’s peace initiative, he appealed to youth leaders and other stakeholders from the affected ethnic groups to remain calm while plans are being made for broader engagements aimed at fostering lasting peace in Warri.
He added that young people should focus on meaningful activities that promote the prosperity of the region and serve as ambassadors of positive change, rather than becoming agents of violence.
“Youths are often the greatest victims of crises. We must therefore reject violence, embrace dialogue and preserve the harmonious coexistence that has long existed in our region,” he stated.
