As Youths And People Of Warri Federal Constituency Must Choose Peace Over Conflict

Engr. Jude Gbaboyor has called on the youths and people of Warri Federal Constituency to resist every attempt to drag them into violence over the ongoing ward delineation issues, stressing that those encouraging young people to take up arms against their neighbors will never send their own children to fight.

According to Gbaboyor, many of those beating the drums of war have their children safely studying in prestigious universities within Nigeria and abroad, building successful futures for themselves, while attempting to persuade other people's children to engage in violence that could destroy lives, communities, and opportunities.

He urged youths across the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities to understand that no political, ethnic, or personal interest is worth sacrificing their lives, ambitions, and the peace of their communities.

"Violence has never been a solution to disputes. It only leaves behind pain, destruction, economic hardship, and underdevelopment. The future of Warri belongs to its youths, and that future can only be secured through peace, education, enterprise, and unity," he stated.

Addressing the concerns surrounding the ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, Gbaboyor appealed to all stakeholders to exercise restraint and embrace lawful and peaceful means of resolving their differences.

He emphasized that the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo people have coexisted for generations, sharing communities, businesses, friendships, and family ties, and therefore should not allow any disagreement to destroy the longstanding bonds that unite them.

"The ward delineation matter should be pursued through legal channels, dialogue, consultations, and all constitutional mechanisms available. In every democratic society, disagreements are inevitable, but they must be resolved through reason, understanding, and respect for the rule of law rather than threats, violence, or calls for war," he said.

Gbaboyor further noted that any crisis in Warri would affect everyone regardless of tribe, political affiliation, or social status, adding that history has repeatedly shown that conflicts often benefit only a few individuals while the larger population bears the burden of insecurity, displacement, economic losses, and loss of lives.

He called on community leaders, traditional rulers, political leaders, youth groups, religious leaders, and all concerned citizens to unite in promoting peace and discouraging inflammatory statements capable of creating tension in the area.

"The Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo people have more to gain from cooperation than conflict. Warri must not be allowed to descend into crisis. Let every grievance be addressed through legal and democratic processes. Let dialogue replace hostility, and let understanding replace suspicion," he added.

Engr. Jude Gbaboyor concluded by urging all residents of Warri Federal Constituency to choose peace over violence, dialogue over confrontation, and unity over division, stressing that peace remains a collective responsibility and the foundation for the continued growth, stability, and development of the area.

"The future of Warri depends on the choices we make today. Let us choose peace."