2015: Ijaw leaders lobby Warri Monarch, ILOT for Jonathan

Ahead of the February 14 Presidential and National Assembly elections, some Ijaw Chiefs under the auspices of Ijaw Leaders of Thought, representing the five kingdoms of Ijaw, Egbema, Isaba, Ogbe-ijoh, Gbaramatu and Diebiri Kingdoms have paid the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II and the respected Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILOT to canvass Itsekiri support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid.  

Our Correspondent reports that the delegation which was led by Chief Tunde Smooth, also included the Pioneer Chairman of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief Wellington Okrika, Chief Ebimami, Chief Clark Beneowei and the Delta State Commissioner of Special Duties, Abuja, Hon. Joel Bisima.

They canvassed for a peace committee comprising the Ijaws and Itsekiris in Delta State, where controversial issues affecting both tribes will be discussed and resolved, so as to form a synergy to avert possible breakdown of law and order between both neighbours.

Responding, the Warri Monarch welcomed the development, stating that the peaceful relationship between both tribes should be sustained at all times, adding that PDP’s vote is secured as far as Warri Kingdom is concerned.       

The delegation also visited the Warri home of Chairman of Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILOT, Pa. J.O.S Ayomike where they equally solicited the support of members of ILOT for the election of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa/Kingsley Otuaro for Delta State governorship and Senator James Manager who is seeking a fourth term at the National Assembly at the expense of Itsekiri and Isoko ethnic nationalities.

A cross section of the Itsekiri & Ijaw Leaders of Thought at Pa. Ayomike’s house

The Chairman of ILOT, Pa. J.O.S Ayomike in his response stated, “let us obey the rule of law. You are our brothers and sisters, but you do not involve us. When you went to Bayelsa, you did not involve us. Do we really exist? We (Itsekiris) are completely set aside. God forbid if Jonathan does not win the election, we are afraid you will start with us”.

Pa. Ayomike asked the Ijaw delegation, “can I still be welcomed if I go to Ijaw communities?” According to the ILOT Chairman, when he was the Commissioner of Agric, Health and Information many years ago, he went to various Ijaw communities and slept there for 14 days in peace, but wondered if that can still be possible with the present relationship between Ijaw and Itsekiri.

He admonished the Ijaw leaders to go back home and tell their youths to return to the era when Ijaws and Itsekiris lived together peacefully.

The Ijaws leaders assured Pa. Ayomike that he can go home (the Riverine Communities of Warri South-West) anytime he wants and nothing will happen to him or any other Itsekiri.

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