IGC Calls on Ijaw Nation to Present New Candidate for Delta Assembly, Declares Guwor Unfit

The Itsekiri Grassroots Coalition (IGC) has called on the Ijaw nation to present an alternative candidate for the Delta State House of Assembly seat representing Warri South West Local Government Area, declaring the current Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, unfit to continue in the role.

This position was made known following the Coalition’s congress held on April 17 in Warri, where the National Coordinator, Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, delivered a strongly worded address expressing concern over what he described as the Speaker’s insensitivity in managing the fragile ethnic balance within the local government.

According to Edema, Warri South West remains a historically delicate area, home to both Itsekiri and Ijaw communities, and was the epicenter of the infamous Warri crisis. He stressed that any representative of the people must prioritize peacebuilding, unity, and responsible leadership.
He, however, alleged that rather than fostering harmony, the Speaker’s recent actions and statements have contributed to rising tensions, accusing him of making remarks capable of inciting division and unrest.

“In a local government as sensitive as Warri South West, leadership must be guided by caution, inclusiveness, and a commitment to peace. Unfortunately, the current representation has fallen short of these expectations,” Edema stated.

On this basis, the Coalition urged the Ijaw nation to take proactive steps in ensuring stability by projecting a new candidate who can better represent the collective interests of all ethnic groups in the area. He suggested that such a candidate could emerge from communities like Ogbe-Ijoh or Isaba, noting that credible alternatives exist within the Ijaw nation.

The IGC emphasized that the call is not rooted in ethnic rivalry but in the urgent need to preserve peace, strengthen coexistence, and prevent a repeat of past conflicts in the region.

The Coalition reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for justice, equity, and peaceful coexistence among all communities in Warri South West, urging stakeholders across ethnic lines to place the long-term stability of the area above individual or political interests.