No Room for Crisis in Warri; Peace a Necessity for Sustainable Development — CEPEJ Boss
Dr. Sheriff Mulade, CEO of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) and Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, has called on the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in the Warri Federal Constituency to continue nurturing peaceful coexistence. He emphasized that peace is essential not just for harmony but also for sustainable development in the region.
He made this appeal during the International Day of Peace celebration in Warri, which this year is themed “Act Now for a Peaceful World.”
Key Messages & Warnings
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Mulade insisted there is no room for crisis after 2031 in Warri Federal Constituency, emphasizing that Warri needs permanent peace more than elections or voters.
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He described peace as the bedrock upon which investments, jobs, and development can thrive: only with a stable, peaceful environment can Warri attract investors and create economic opportunity.
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He urged traditional rulers, youth, and community leaders across Delta State (especially among Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo) to resist being manipulated into fueling ethnic strife, crisis sponsorship, or division. Mulade specifically warned against “ethnic infiltrators” and those who profit from discord.
Why It Matters
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Warri has had a long history of inter-ethnic tensions, particularly among Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo groups. While major crises have abated in recent years, the risk of flare-ups remains if underlying grievances are not addressed.
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Good governance, infrastructure investment, and sustainable development depend heavily on political stability and societal peace. Without peace, efforts in these areas are undermined.
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Peace is not just a moral or cultural good; it's an economic necessity. Investors, businesses, and job creators often avoid areas seen as volatile or unstable. Mulade’s message ties peace directly to growth and development.
Call to Action
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Strengthen the role of traditional rulers, community elders, and youth leaders in peacebuilding as frontline agents against conflict.
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Civic education and peace advocacy: enhancing awareness of the costs of crisis, and reinforcing the value of shared identity and mutual respect.
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Governmental support: for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and political leaders to align their policies with the MORE Agenda, ensuring equitable development for all communities in Warri and surroundings.
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Vigilance against external actors or “sponsors of crisis” who might seek to destabilize peace for personal or political gain.
Conclusion
Dr. Sheriff Mulade’s message serves as a timely reminder: Warri has witnessed periods of turbulence, and its people deserve sustainable peace to thrive. The choice is not between elections or votes; it's between enduring peace and repeated crisis. For Warri to develop socially, economically, and politically, its people must act now, united in peace, justice, and inclusive cooperation.
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