BY KELVIN ONYEKACHUKWU, ASABA
In a bid to prevent the escalation of ethnic tensions in Warri, President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to engage key stakeholders from the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in a high-level peace meeting in Abuja.
The closed-door meeting, held at the NSA’s office, brought together a carefully selected group of nine representatives from the three groups following growing anxiety over social media narratives and political interpretations of recent Supreme Court judgments and delineation of electoral wards in the Warri federal constituency.
Tensions briefly flared during the meeting when prominent Itsekiri figure, Chief Ayiri Emami, attempted to record proceedings on his phone, prompting security officials to confiscate the device in line with a strict no-recording policy. In a separate exchange that raised eyebrows, Chief Emami was publicly reminded by Chief Boro Opudu of a past threat, an interaction that visibly dented his assertion of unity.
Presiding over the session, NSA Ribadu clarified that the meeting was not to revisit court rulings or reopen land disputes, but strictly to address the simmering ethnic hostilities in Warri.
“This meeting was convened specifically to douse rising tensions,” Ribadu said. “The Supreme Court judgment stands. It is a constitutional matter and not up for debate. Land ownership was not and is not part of this agenda. President Tinubu has asked all communities to embrace peace. No group will be allowed to fan the embers of violence.”
He emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is acting in accordance with lawful directives and that the Federal Government will not entertain attempts to obstruct or politicize its operations.
“All ethnic leaders must return to their communities and preach peace,” Ribadu said firmly. “The Presidency will not tolerate any incitement. Security has been tightened in Warri, and those found instigating unrest will face the law.”
Observers at the meeting lauded Ribadu’s firm but fair leadership, describing his approach as a reflection of President Tinubu’s resolve to prevent instability in any part of the country.
Meanwhile, federal authorities have warned residents and stakeholders to disregard social media claims of land document destruction and other unverified provocations, insisting such narratives are deliberately crafted to stir tension.
The delineation of Warri wards, as directed by the courts, remains in effect.