Ijaw, Itsekiri Reach Power-Sharing Deal After Tinubu’s Intervention

A major breakthrough has been recorded in the lingering dispute over electoral ward delineation in Delta State following a power-sharing agreement reached between representatives of the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities.

The agreement, which followed the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, was reached on Friday night during a meeting convened by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, at the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.

Under the terms of the agreement, both ethnic groups resolved to adopt a rotational arrangement for the House of Representatives seat in the proposed Warri Federal Constituency II.

According to the resolution signed by representatives of both nationalities, the Ijaw ethnic group will occupy the seat for the first two consecutive terms before it rotates to the Itsekiri nationality for another two terms.

The agreement is expected to ease tensions that have trailed debates surrounding electoral ward delineation and political representation within the Warri axis of Delta State.

Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro, and Dr Eric Omare signed the agreement on behalf of the Ijaw nationality, while Sir A.S. Mene and Chief Robinson Ariyo signed for the Itsekiri group.

National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while Olorogun Victor Okumagba and Chief Westham Adehor served as witnesses.

Stakeholders described the development as a significant step toward promoting peaceful coexistence, political stability and equitable representation among the affected communities.

The agreement also underscores ongoing federal efforts to address longstanding inter-ethnic disagreements through dialogue and consensus-building rather than confrontation.

Observers say the accord could help create a more stable political environment ahead of future electoral activities in the area while strengthening relations between the two ethnic nationalities.