Since one of the first ever wars that took place in Mesopotamia in 2700 BCE between Sumer and Elam, the world as a whole or in part have never known peace cumulatively for up to one decade. Each of these wars that followed, including the Nigeria/Biafra war has always been linked to one reason or the other. Some of the many reasons include territorial ambition of some overzealous leaders, struggle for independence or separatist agitation, protest ethnic marginalisation amongst others.
Viewed from many angles, wars of today can be classified as wars without reasons. And these include the one brewing in Warri, Delta state between the Urhobos and the Itsekiris. When Russia invaded Ukraine, the only reason that mind readers saw for it was the fact that the country allowed the United States of America to station her war implements in a certain location that threatened Russia’s military might even when America was noiseless about her actions.
The face-off between Israel and Iran, the former attacked the Arab nation merely because she perceived that Iran was nursing the ambition of launching nuclear weapons, not that that has been proved to threaten the country commonly referred to as America’s 51st state.
In the case of the present rivalry between the Urhobos and the Itsekiris, the only agreeable reason for conflict in the area is ethnic superiority contest. This is meaningless, given the fact that these great nationalities have been meaningfully contributing, not only to the peace and development of Delta state but also to Nigeria as a whole.
Meanwhile, the recent intervention of the governor of Delta state, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori towards ensuring that the conflict does not escalate is a welcome development. It will be deservice to mankind for a few individuals to distract the state from remaining on course as the most peaceful state in Nigeria.
Apart from the display of ‘show of force’ as used in military and police parlance, how can the Urhobos and their neighbours justify the renewed hostilities between them?
Honestly speaking, many parts of Nigeria are desirous of being like Delta state due to her hospitality. One area where this act manifests greatly is the ‘ishegwari’ tradition. Every new comer to the state by way of official engagements often looks forward to this aspect of hospitality. Interestingly, this gesture is mostly promoted by these communities that are at each other’s jugular. This conflict has led to the death of many citizens on both sides of the warring tribes in addition to the economic losses resulting from it.
As the state celebrates 34 years of statehood, it behooves every citizen to collaborate with the government in its efforts aimed at ensuring a more peaceful state. There can never be a meaningful development under an atmosphere of rancor. With the current massive infrastructural development in Warri and its environs, the town is set to return to its economic status of being in the league of economic Hobbs like Lagos and Kano.
Even if the world is tending towards self-destruction through meaningless wars, Delta must do all it can to remove itself from the cage of destruction. Only deliberate and agreed actions by the powers that be can save the people from the awaiting doom.
According to the first secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev; the two most powerful nations of the world had been squared off against each other, each with its finger on the button. You’d have thought that war was inevitable. But both sides showed that if the desire to avoid war is strong enough, even the most pressing dispute can be solved by compromise.
In the present circumstances, the government and the people of Warri (Urhobo, Ijaw or Itsekiri) must put on their thinking caps with a view to encouraging oil companies like Shell to resume business in the oil city. This is the best way to go.
