Delineation : Itsekiri Group Urges Youths to Shun Confrontation
The Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition has appealed to aggrieved Itsekiri youths protesting the ward structure uploaded by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, to embrace dialogue and avoid confrontation with political leaders.
The coalition, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Prince Collins Edema, acknowledged the frustration of the youths over the ward delineation issue, but described their visits to the residences of prominent political leaders to demand intervention as counterproductive.
It urged the youths to sheathe their swords, warning that their grievances should not be allowed to create unnecessary tension, deepen divisions or undermine the collective interests of the Itsekiri nation.
Insisting that the concerns over political representation deserved urgent attention, the group called on political leaders to demonstrate accountability, courage and commitment by engaging stakeholders and exploring appropriate institutional and legal channels.
The statement stressed that the struggle for Itsekiri political interests required wisdom, patience, strategic engagement and unity rather than confrontation.
"The Itsekiri nation needs unity, not division; strategic engagement, not confrontation; responsible leadership, not mutual recrimination," it stated.
The coalition also urged community leaders, political stakeholders and other Itsekiri organisations to rise above partisan interests and work together towards finding a lasting solution to the controversy.
It, however, clarified that its appeal for peace was not intended to silence the youths or diminish the seriousness of their concerns, insisting that the protection of Itsekiri political interests must go hand-in-hand with the preservation of peace and unity.
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