By Warefa Pereke.
The recent declaration by the Delta State Government asserting that the Itsekiri ethnic nationality is the predominant tribe in Warri North Local Government Area has drawn strong condemnation from the Ezon Efie Media outfit, Egbema branch. The Media outfit firmly disputes this claim, emphasizing that the Egbema Ijaws in Warri North outnumber the Itsekiris, making the government’s statement a significant misrepresentation of the area’s demographic realities.
Delta State is home to several major ethnic groups, including the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw—among others—with distinct communities clustered within various local government areas. Warri North LGA, located within the broader Warri region, is predominantly inhabited by the Ijaw people of Egbema kingdom.
This discrepancy raises serious questions about the level of awareness and on-ground understanding by the Delta State Government officials, including the governor, of the ethnic composition in the regions they govern. The Ezon Efie Media outfit has urged the governor to undertake a thorough and firsthand tour of the riverine and riverine communities in Warri North LGA to fully appreciate the demographics and cultural diversity of the area before making public declarations that may fuel misunderstanding or ethnic tensions.
Furthermore, the Media outfit calls on the governor to exercise greater caution in public communications, weigh his words carefully, and issue a formal retraction of the statement. Proper representation and recognition of ethnic groups are crucial to fostering peace and inclusive governance in Delta State, which thrives on its rich tapestry of varied ethnic nationalities.
Acknowledging and correctly representing the ethnic demographics within Warri North LGA is not merely a matter of population statistics; it is a vital step toward ensuring equitable development, resource allocation, and political representation for the Egbema Ijaw people and other communities residing there. The government’s commitment to inclusiveness will only be credible if grounded in facts and genuine engagement with its diverse citizenry.
In conclusion, the Delta State Government must prioritize accuracy, inclusivity, and sensitivity in its governance narrative to maintain harmony among the state’s ethnic groups. The Ezon Efie Media outfit remains vigilant in defending the rights and recognition of the Egbema Ijaws and calls on all stakeholders to work toward a more united and truthful representation of the state’s rich ethnic heritage.
