From Francis Sadhere, Delta

Renowned peace and development advocate, Mulade Sheriff, has called on the major ethnic nationalities in Delta State to put aside their differences and embrace peace and unity in order to promote sustainable development and attract investments that will benefit all Deltans.

Mulade, who hails from the state and serves as the National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), made this passionate appeal during a press interaction over the weekend. He urged the Urhobos, Itsekiris and Ijaws—the state’s major ethnic groups and key drivers of its economy—to desist from actions that threaten peace and hinder the progress of the state.The United Nations Peace Ambassador and environmental rights activist decried the ongoing inter-ethnic tensions that have, in his words, “chased away investors and delayed development.”“We cannot continue to fight ourselves, oppose development, and chase away investors that will create employment opportunities for our teeming youths because of selfish interests,” Mulade said.“I want to strongly appeal and advise our revered traditional rulers and political leaders to shun hatred and embrace peace, unity, and development for the interest and progress of our dear state,” he noted.Mulade, who holds the traditional title of Ibe Serimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, emphasized the crucial role of ethnic harmony in attracting meaningful investments and fostering economic growth in the state.He asserted that no meaningful development can take place in an environment riddled with discord and disunity.He also expressed optimism about the leadership at both the federal and state levels, noting that the current administrations are actively working to reposition Delta State for greater economic opportunities.Mulade’s comments come at a time when the state is witnessing a series of high-profile infrastructure projects and investment summits aimed at repositioning Delta as a hub for commerce and industry in the South-South region.According to him, the three dominant ethnic nationalities in the state must work collaboratively with government and non-governmental stakeholders to harness the state’s vast human and natural resources for the benefit of all residents.“Delta State is blessed with an abundance of human capital and natural endowments. Rather than fighting ourselves, let us harness the potentials of influence across the state to support the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu so that Deltans can fully enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he stated.Mulade’s call for unity resonates amid ongoing advocacy efforts by civil society organizations and traditional institutions to deepen inter-ethnic dialogue and collaboration in Delta State.The CEPEJ boss further emphasized the need for inclusive governance, respect for traditional authorities, and active youth engagement as key strategies to strengthen peaceful coexistence.He added that long-term peace in the state would not only attract more investors but also ensure that development projects are equitably distributed and sustained across the state’s diverse communities.Stakeholders from different parts of the state have already begun responding to Mulade’s call, with some community leaders pledging to initiate peace-building dialogues in their domains. Observers believe that if such unity efforts are sustained, they could significantly alter the state’s development trajectory.Mulade Sheriff, a respected voice in both local and international peace-building platforms, concluded his remarks with a renewed appeal to all Deltans: “Let us choose the path of peace and progress. The time for ethnic rivalry is over. It is time to build together.”

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Ikebiri Elites have commended Bayelsa State Government for its swift intervention in the recent chieftaincy tussle in the community, saying that the quick response of Governor Douye Diri to nip the crisis on the bud demonstrates his commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Ikebiri Kingdom.

Speaking with newsmen separately in Yenagoa and Port Harcourt over the weekend, Chairman, Board of Trustees of Ikebiri Development Foundation (IDF) and General Superintendent of Kingdom Grace Mission Inc. , Yenagoa, Dr. Kiyaramo Timiebi pointed out that the proactive approach of Senator Diri showcases the government’s dedication to effective governance and community harmony.He urged the community’s leadership to prioritize peaceful coexistence among communities in the kingdom.According to him, “peaceful communities are more attractive to investors, organizations, and government agencies, which can lead to increased resources and opportunities for development, including funding for community projects, infrastructure development, and social programs.”By nullifying the suspension of the paramount ruler, HRH Ododo Francis Timi (IkeVIII), and setting up a panel of inquiry, the state government has taken a significant step towards resolving the immediate and remote issues that led to the dispute.”Ikebiri Development Foundation has implicit confidence in the 12-member panel, chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Irorodamie Komonibo, with a mandate to look into the immediate and remote issues and work towards finding a lasting solution.”Peaceful coexistence empowers community members to take ownership of their development and well-being. By working together and supporting one another, community members can build a brighter future for themselves and their community,” Kiyaramo reiterated.In his remarks, a member of IDF, Pastor Jonathan Ayawei who applauded the state government’s quick intervention through the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo in resolving the issues that led to the purported suspension of HRH Francis Ododo Timi (Ike VIII), implored both parties to bury their hatchets and seek unity, oneness, forgiveness, and peace for the general development of the community and its citizenry and avoid further escalation of the matter in anyway.Ayawei further noted that: “Peaceful coexistence fosters a sense of unity and belonging among community members, enabling them to work together towards common goals. This unity helps to strengthen social bonds, reduce tensions, and promote a sense of shared purpose.”He reiterated that by prioritizing peaceful coexistence, community leaders can reduce the risk of conflict and violence, which can be destructive and hinder development, adding that a peaceful atmosphere creates a safe and stable environment, allowing community members to live without fear of harm or persecution.Cornelius Timighe, a retired manager with Total Energies and board member of IDF, stressed the need for collaboration between government and communities for development, pointing out that peaceful coexistence enables community members to collaborate and work together, leveraging their diverse skills and expertise, which would lead to innovative solutions, improved problem-solving, and more effective community development initiatives.Also, speaking, retired permanent secretary and board member of IDF, Mrs. Violet Mama noted that peaceful coexistence creates an environment that would be conducive for sustainable investment and infrastructural development, allowing community leaders to implement initiatives that benefit the community in a long-term, reiterating that such initiatives would promote economic growth, social justice, and environmental sustainabilit

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has appealed to ex-agitators in the Niger Delta to remain vigilant and resist the efforts of some politicians, who are bent on destabilizing the region for selfish ends.

Otuaro noted with concern the recent rise in politically-charged rhetoric and coordinated attempts by some politicians to pit ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the programme against the Federal Government even ahead of the 2027 elections. He spoke at the end of the second batch of the three-day strategic Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation Training organised by the PAP from July 30 to August 1, for its stakeholders in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.Otuaro, who presented certificates to the workshop participants and later hosted them to a reception at the PAP headquarters, admonished ex-agitators not to be deceived by such politicians and their antics.He described these moves as reckless and unnecessary as there is no basis for anyone to cause destabilisation given the Tinubu administration’s commitment to the development and socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta.He stressed that President Tinubu was massively supporting the programme’s human capital development and empowerment schemes for ex-agitators and beneficiaries.Otuaro, while urging the participants to play their role as leaders, said, “We can all see the commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Ex-agitators and beneficiaries in general should not be deceived and distracted by some politicians.”Be assured that nobody will do it better than President Tinubu. As Niger Delta people, we have to thank the President for his genuine love for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and our region as a whole.“The President Tinubu administration has shown goodwill to our people, not just in words, but in action. The President has expanded the budget of the programme, allowing us to reach more beneficiaries and strengthen our reintegration and rehabilitation initiatives.‘’Furthermore, Niger Deltans have been appointed to strategic positions in key ministries and agencies. This level of inclusion is unprecedented and deserves acknowledgement. All we need to do is to be united for the President.”He urged all ex-agitators and stakeholders in the region to reflect on the progress made and not allow themselves to be used by political actors who do not have the interest of the region at heart.He said their focus should be on peace, stability, and development of the region, adding that “any call for confrontation or disaffection at this time is not only misplaced but also harmful to the gains we have recorded.”According to him, the Tinubu administration means well for the Niger Delta and it is important that his goodwill is reciprocated with support, unity, and constructive engagement.Otuaro reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the PAP would continue to serve as a platform for sustainable human capital development, empowerment, and regional peace.He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders to continue sensitising the youths to resist being used as tools of political destabilisation, emphasising that lasting progress can only be achieved through cooperation, not conflict.