Growing Tensions in Egbema Kingdom Spark Leaders’ Appeal for Tranquility
By Wilson Macaulay
WARRI
Amid mounting tensions in Egbema Kingdom, Delta State, stemming from their exclusion from the list of commissioners-designate for screening, the kingdom’s leaders have issued a statement, appealing for calm. The statement, titled “NOMINATION OF CABINET COMMISSIONERS BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE: EGBEMA LEADERS CALL FOR PEACE,” and endorsed by Hon. Bishop Sunny Jero (JP), President of Egbema Political Forum, and Amb. Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP), General Secretary of the forum, addresses all aggrieved sons and daughters of Egbema Kingdom, urging them to embrace peace and tranquility.
The leaders expressed genuine concern over the situation, recognizing the absence of Egbema Ijaw representatives in the executive cabinet of the state government under the leadership of His Excellency Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State. They state, “We the political leaders of Egbema kingdom under the umbrella of Egbema Political Forum, the apex political organization in Egbema, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State wish to call on all aggrieved sons and daughters of Egbema Kingdom to give peace a chance, over the non-inclusion/ consideration of Egbema Ijaw sons and daughters for appointment as Commissioner designate into the executive cabinet of the state government led by His Excellency Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori the Executive Governor of Delta State. It indeed calls for serious concern.”
“However, this call became necessary as there were series of agitations and threats following the nomination of the State Cabinet members which could degenerate to a crisis situation.”
“We are not opposed to any group or individual yearning for equity in the sharing of the spoils of politics in Warri North, having considered the role played by the Ijaws of Egbema kingdom in the emergence of our amiable Governor.”
As responsible political leaders, they express worries about the grievances and bitterness expressed by various stakeholders, fearing that it may lead to polarization within the PDP family and even a breakdown of law and order if left unaddressed. Therefore, they call on all stakeholders to exercise restraint while they seek to engage Governor Oborevwori in a constructive dialogue to resolve the raised issues amicably.
“We, therefore, call on all stakeholders to exercise restraint while we make efforts to interface with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of the state with a view of resolving all the issues raised amicably.”
The leaders show confidence in Governor Oborevwori’s understanding of grassroots politics and his goodwill towards all Deltans, emphasizing his capacity to promote fairness, equity, and justice. They believe that the Governor, being a friend of Egbema, as evidenced by the massive mobilization during the last election, will take the necessary steps to address the concerns raised by the Egbema community.
“We are mindful that His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sherrif O. E. Oborevwori being a grassroots politician understands the dynamics of politics having good intention for all Deltans and ours cannot be in isolation. His Excellency can be trusted to promote fairness, equity, and justice being a friend of Egbema hence the massive mobilization during the last election.”
“We, therefore, believe that the executive Governor of our dear state is capable to do the needful to address our issues.”
In conclusion, they make a heartfelt appeal to all well-meaning sons and daughters of Egbema to maintain calmness and patience as they engage the Governor on the pertinent issues concerning the Egbema Kingdom.
“It’s on the above premise we appeal to all well-meaning Egbema sons and daughters to be calm while we engage the Governor on the Egbema issues.”
