BREAKING: Ijaw, Itsekiri Seal Historic Power-Sharing Pact After Tinubu's Intervention

A major breakthrough has been recorded in the long-standing political dispute surrounding the controversial ward delineation exercise in Delta State, as the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities have agreed to a power-sharing arrangement for the proposed Warri Federal Constituency II following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

The landmark agreement was reached on Friday during a high-level peace meeting chaired by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and attended by representatives of the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups, alongside top government officials, including the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.

The deal comes barely 24 hours after President Tinubu convened a crucial stakeholders' meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, June 11, where he directed leaders of the affected ethnic nationalities to work out a mutually acceptable political framework capable of sustaining peace and stability in the Warri Federal Constituency.

Under the terms of the agreement, the House of Representatives seat for the proposed Warri Federal Constituency II will rotate between the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups. The Ijaw nationality will occupy the seat for the first two consecutive terms, after which it will rotate to the Itsekiri nationality for the subsequent two terms.

The arrangement is widely seen as a significant confidence-building measure aimed at addressing tensions arising from the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) ward delineation exercise and fostering peaceful coexistence among the constituent ethnic groups in the Warri axis.

Representing the Ijaw nationality at the meeting were former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro, and renowned legal practitioner, Dr. Eric Omare, while the Itsekiri delegation was represented by Sir A.S. Mene and Chief Robinson Ariyo.

The agreement was formally endorsed on behalf of the Federal Government by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Also present as witnesses were respected Delta leaders, Olorogun Victor Okumagba and Chief Westham Adehor.

Political observers have described the agreement as a major step towards resolving the lingering controversy over electoral representation in the Warri Federal Constituency and a testament to President Tinubu's commitment to promoting dialogue, inclusiveness and lasting peace in the Niger Delta.

The development is expected to ease tensions in the area and pave the way for a more harmonious political atmosphere ahead of future elections.