The Warri crisis is an enduring occurrence and legacy of colonial manipulation, historical obliteration, and geographical thievery. Like a festering wound, this decades-long conflict continues to suppurate, fuelled by the combustible forces of ethnic tensions, disputes over political control, and the struggle for access to oil revenue. The festering scars of this crisis run deep, with over 200,000 people displaced by the conflict between 1999 and 2006, and a staggering 700,000 displaced by violence in Delta State overall.

At its core, the Warri crisis revolves around competing claims of ownership and belonging among the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo ethnic groups. The Itsekiris claim Warri as their homeland, whilst the Ijaws and Urhobos assert their own historical and ancestral ties to the land. This dispute has been further complicated by colonial legacy, with the British colonial administration exacerbating existing tensions through their policy of indirect rule and manipulation of traditional institutions. The resultant power imbalance has had far-reaching consequences, shaping the trajectory of the conflict and rendering it increasingly intractable.

In a just and divine order, when a thief of any magnitude is caught, they lose their false inheritance, and the original owner reclaims their rightful possession. The Warri Ijaws and their leaders have fought a long and arduous battle to address the gross violation of their right to self-determination, bleedingly and with uncomfortable patience, enduring psychological trauma to restore their humanity, their history, their geography, their voice, and their right to political participation. Their struggle is a testament to the resilience of a people determined to reclaim their fundamental rights, which were crumbled and ethnocentrically suppressed through colonial and postcolonial agencies and governmentalities. This struggle is neither violence nor subjugation, but a courageous stand for justice, equality, and the recognition of their inherent dignity.

The Supreme Court’s fair judgment and INEC’s sincere and valid ward delineation exercise are significant milestones in this journey. It is imperative to note that these developments do not justify the vilification of Warri Ijaw leaders like Tompolo and Tantita, who are not national enemies, but rather citizens with sacred responsibilities to their nation. The notion that they are enemies of the state is a misguided narrative that should be put to rest.

The question remains: Who is more Nigerian between the Itsekiris and Ijaws? The answer is simple: both are equally Nigerian, with equal rights and responsibilities. The satanic campaign against Tompolo, Tantita, and the Warri Ijaws should cease, as it is unjust and unpatriotic. If the Ijaws were the ones caught importing arms, the story would have been different. However, the fact that an Itsekiri patriot was caught with sophisticated weapons of destruction in the midst of the trouble in Warri, sparked by the ward delineation exercise, points to the desperate and crude approaches employed to secure justice. Only desperate parties apply crude and desperate approaches to secure justice. The fact that some individuals resort to such tactics underscores the need for a more nuanced and equitable approach to resolving the Warri crisis.

The people of Warri can now begin to heal the wounds of the past and forge a more harmonious future, with the Federal Government, INEC, and the Senate President playing a proactive role in ensuring that the rights and dignity of all parties are prioritised.

Warri is a vibrant celebration of ethnic diversity, where inclusivity is valued and cherished. It is not the traditional headquarters of the Itsekiris, but rather a melting pot of cultures, where the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo ethnic groups converge. The notion that Warri is a homeland exclusively for one group is a narrow perspective that neglects the rich tapestry of cultural heritage that Warri embodies. In reality, the ancestral spirits of the Itsekiri people reside in Ode Itsekiri, the land they founded, not in Warri. It is there that their history, culture, and traditions are deeply rooted.

Ode-Itsekiri is the spiritual and historical heartland of the Itsekiris, it is their ancestral roots and, therefore, their homeland. Why then, is Warri given precedence over Ode Itsekiri, which is affectionately referred to as Big Warri? Is it not again divine order to make a younger brother a Senior brother? Or a stranger your biological father? Is it time to re-evaluate the significance of ancestral homelands and settlements, and to prioritise the rights and dignity of all parties involved. By acknowledging the historical and cultural contexts of each ethnic group, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable solution to the Warri crisis.

A homeland is a sacred and ancestral land, passed down through generations, its ownership woven into the very fabric of tradition and heritage. It is a land of unbroken lineage, where the roots of identity, culture, and history run deep, nourished by the stories and struggles of those who came before. It is a land that holds the memories of ancestors, the whispers of ancient traditions, and the rhythms of timeless customs. A homeland is not just a geographical location; it is a repository of collective memory, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the enduring spirit of a people.

As we reflect on the Warri crisis, it is essential to acknowledge the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped the conflict. The Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo ethnic groups each have their own unique stories, struggles, and traditions that are deeply rooted in their ancestral lands. By recognizing and respecting these differences, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable solution that prioritizes the rights and dignity of all parties involved.

The journey towards peace and reconciliation begins with a single step – a step towards understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. Let us take that step today, and work towards a future where the people of Warri can live in peace, prosperity, and harmony.

In the class and realm of visionary leaders, one name stands out – Government Ekpemupolo, affectionately known as Tompolo. A shining exemplar of courage, resilience, and dedication, Tompolo has etched his name in the annals of Ijaw history. With unrelenting passion for the welfare of his people, he has become a guiding light for the Niger Delta region. As a champion of progress and development, Tompolo’s leadership has transformed lives and communities.

As a stalwart son of the Niger Delta, Tompolo’s leadership is a catalyst for change, illuminating the path to a brighter future for all. His steadfast dedication to the progress of Nigeria and the well-being of its diverse populace is a testament to his visionary character. Through cultural advancement and intellectual empowerment, Tompolo fosters a culture of innovation, creativity, and critical thinking.

By harmoniously blending tradition and modernity, Tompolo bridges the gap between the Ijaw nation’s rich heritage and the demands of a rapidly changing world. He preserves and promotes Ijaw cultural traditions, while embracing modern technologies, ideas, and innovations that drive progress and development.

Through his transformative leadership, Tompolo has revitalised the centuries-forgotten mangrove communities, turning them into thriving centres of culture, development, and knowledge generation. These once-neglected areas now pulsate with new life, as Tompolo’s initiatives have sparked a spiritual risorgimento, awakening the community’s potential and fostering a sense of pride and purpose.

By his spiritual and cultural activism, Tompolo has reconnected the Ijaw nation with the prototype ancestral energies on the sacred Agadagba island, reviving ancient traditions and rekindling the spiritual flame that once burned bright. This reconnection has not only strengthened the Ijaw people’s bond with their heritage but has also infused them with a renewed sense of identity, purpose, and belonging.

Tompolo’s leadership style is reminiscent of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew, who transformed a small island nation into a thriving economic powerhouse through visionary leadership, pragmatism, and a deep understanding of his people’s needs. Like Lee Kuan Yew, Tompolo has demonstrated a tireless work ethic and a profound commitment to his people’s welfare, prioritising their needs and working tirelessly to build a brighter future for generations to come.

Tompolo leads as the true breed of ideal leader that the Ijaw nation needs – a champion of the people, a guardian of their heritage, and a visionary for their future. His leadership is characterised by wisdom, integrity, and a deep understanding of the Ijaw nation’s unique challenges and opportunities.

By building bridges between the Ijaw nation and the rest of the world, Tompolo promotes cross-cultural understanding, global cooperation, and mutual respect. He champions initiatives that showcase Ijaw heritage, traditions, and values, while embracing the diversity and richness of global cultures.

Tompolo’s legacy serves as a shining example of devotion to community, nation, and humanity. His unyielding dedication inspires a new generation of leaders, fostering a culture of compassion, justice, and peace. Through his remarkable journey, Tompolo has demonstrated that true leadership is not merely about power, but about empowering others, uplifting communities, and forging a better world for generations to come.

In the esteemed realm of public service, where visionary leaders shape the destiny of nations, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro stands as a paragon of transformative excellence. As the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Otuaro has been orchestrating a symphony of progressive reforms, imbuing the initiative with renewed vitality and purpose. His appointment has been a masterstroke, yielding a cascade of innovative endeavours that have redefined the programme’s trajectory.

With great commitment to excellence, Dr. Otuaro has been the driving force behind the PAP’s resurgence, leveraging his vast experience and acumen to navigate the complexities of the Niger Delta region. His leadership has been a strength of hope, illuminating the path towards sustainable development, peace, and prosperity.

Under Dr. Otuaro’s stewardship, the PAP has undergone a metamorphosis, emerging as a bastion of hope and opportunity for the Niger Delta region. Some notable achievements that underscore his impact are as follows:

Dr. Otuaro has breathed new life into vital programmes, including foreign scholarships, marine training initiatives, vocational training, and empowerment schemes, which had previously been suspended. Over 2,000 students have been deployed for scholarships in various universities in Nigeria and abroad, kindling a sense of promise and possibility among the youth.

Chief Dennis Otuaro’s administration has engaged extensively with stakeholders, including ex-agitators, community leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youth groups from the Niger Delta, fostering a greater sense of community involvement and support for the amnesty initiative. This inclusive approach has been instrumental in building trust and cooperation among the various stakeholders.

Dr. Otuaro launched a transformative three-day training focused on leadership, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and mediation for Niger Delta ex-agitators, stakeholders, and beneficiaries. This initiative has equipped participants with essential skills for effective leadership and conflict resolution, empowering them to become agents of change in their communities.

Under his leadership, the PAP has been sanitsed and repositioned to effectively execute its mandate, with a focus on transparency and accountability. This renewed emphasis has made the programme more result-oriented and productive, yielding tangible benefits for the Niger Delta region.

The PAP Boss, has built partnerships with institutions, such as the Nigerian Army Resource Centre and the Bayelsa State Medical University, to tackle challenges in the Niger Delta region, including the shortage of medical professionals. These strategic alliances have been pivotal in addressing the region’s pressing needs and fostering sustainable development.

His administration has demonstrated a commitment to empowering the youth and fostering development in the Niger Delta, with a focus on sustainable progress and peace in the region. This dedication to the well-being of the Niger Delta’s inhabitants has been a hallmark of Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, inspiring hope and confidence among the populace.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves deep-seated commendation for appointing Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. This appointment is one of the best decisions that favours both the Vision of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the youths of the Niger Delta.

Through Dr. Otuaro’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, the PAP has undergone a significant transformation, yielding tangible benefits for the Niger Delta region. We are confident that under Dr. Otuaro’s stewardship, the PAP will continue to thrive, empowering the youth and fostering development in the region.

Ben Binebai