Warri: NBM reaffirms commitment to peace, unity amongst Itsekiris, Ijaws, Urhobos

Following the recent tension between the Itsekiris, Ijaws and Urhobos in Warri Federal Constituency, as a result of the controversial ward delineation report released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, NBM, Warri Zone, has reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity and mutual coexistence amongst the three ethnic nationalities. 

Fresh Angle International, can report that NBM made the fresh commitment during a press briefing held in Warri, Delta State, Sunday September 14

Their position, was contained in a communique issued by Mr. Preye Niger, on behalf of the NBM Warri Zone. 

The communique reads: "The Neo-Black Movement of Africa, Warri Zone, having observed with deep concern, the recurring tensions and disputes between the Urhobo and Itsekiri peoples of Warri, Delta State, hereby issues this communiqué to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peace, unity and mutual coexistence.

"As a Pan-African movement grounded in the values of justice, brotherhood and human dignity, we recognize that the divisions within our communities are injurious to collective progress.

"Development has been slowed, trust weakened, and opportunities for shared prosperity lost. 

"In the words of an African proverb: “When brothers fight to the death, a stranger inherits their property.” 

"It is therefore imperative that reconciliation be pursued as a matter of urgency and necessity.

"We recognize the following as guiding principles for reconciliation and harmony,Dialogue and Mediation Platforms: Establish community-based councils consisting of respected elders, youth leaders, religious figures and civil society representatives from Urhobo and Itsekiri  communities. 

"These platforms will provide structured avenues for dialogue, mediation and sincere resolution of grievances. ‘A problem shared is a problem half solved’.

"Shared Development Agenda: Promote collaborative projects in education, healthcare and infrastructure that serve all three groups equitably. 

"Such efforts will demonstrate that peace is the true foundation of progress. “When the roots of a tree are united, its branches give shade to all.”

"Cultural Exchange and Integration: Encourage inter-community festivals, sporting activities and cultural awareness initiatives to celebrate shared heritage and foster mutual understanding.

"Youth Empowerment and Collaboration: Implement programs that equip youths with entrepreneurial skills, vocational training and peacebuilding knowledge, ensuring they view one another as partners in progress rather than rivals. 

“The youth are the palm tree on which tomorrow’s roof will rest.

“Justice, Fairness and Transparency: Guarantee that disputes of political, economic or social nature are addressed impartially, transparently and with equity. The canoe does not go forward if each paddler is rowing their own way.”

According to Mr. Niger: "The NBM of Africa, Warri Zone, is convinced that genuine reconciliation among the Urhobo and Itsekiri peoples, will usher in lasting peace, accelerated development and shared prosperity. Warri must rise as a beacon of harmony, providing an example for Nigeria and Africa.

"We therefore call on traditional rulers, community leaders, government authorities and all well-meaning citizens of Urhobo and Itsekiri descent to join hands in advancing this noble cause. As another African proverb reminds us: “A family tie is like a tree; it can bend but it cannot break.

“While this communiqué emphasizes Urhobo–Itsekiri reconciliation, we also acknowledge the Ijaw people, who have experienced their own disputes with the Itsekiri. 

"We believe the same spirit of dialogue, fairness and mutual respect must extend to them, so that all communities in Warri and Delta State may live in unity and collective progress.

Peace is possible,! Unity is achievable! 

Progress is inevitable, when reconciliation is pursued in sincerity!". 

A member of the body of founder, NBM of Africa, Warri Zone, Engr. Fred Okoh, appealed to the people of Warri to shun every form of violence and unrest and embrace dialogue.

According to him, only dialogue will take the three tribes to the height they desire. 

He also urged politicians and community leaders to wake up to their responsibilities as well as respect the rule of law.

"Posterity will judge everyone the part you have played for your community", Okoh, stated.

He opined that if the rule of aw is respected, we will not get to the point where lives are being threatened with crisis and unrest on daily basis. 

Another member of NBM, Warri Zone, Prince Stanley Emiko (Jnr.) maintained that the call of the NBM is peace in the whole of Warri metropolis.

Prince Emiko said: "We are still battling and struggling to come out from the damage of the last crisis that we had during the 90's. We've not been able to come out from that crisis. So, we don't need any uprising in Warri. What we need is peace.

“Our major message, goes to the community leaders. We have a lot to do. We must continue sensitizing our youths, because if the youths are allowed to just be youths, we don't know what youthful exuberance can lead to. We must continue to sensitize our youths. Peace is inevitable. What we need is peace."

 Prince Emiko, maintained: “We are all one. If you go elsewhere, nobody asks where you come from. We want Warri to go back to the old Warri that we knew. Warri is just going down by the day.”

Prominent Warri Socialite and member of NBM, Hon.(Barr.) David Oki, who also addressed newsmen, said the rule of law is the panacea to peace and unity in Warri.

While describing the law, as the mirror to the society, Hon. Oki, averred: “We're training our children to higher institutions. If they graduate, where will they work? All companies have left Warri to Port-Harcourt.

“The 1996 crisis is enough to teach us lessons. We should cooperate and make Warri what it is. Development and progress of the Oil City should be sustained. Once it's 10pm, Warri is like a grave yard. There's no night life in Warri. Night life is part of economy. So, we pray we should cooperate and make sure there's peace, love and harmony."

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