The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide president, Jonathan Lokpobiri has urged members of the Ijaw ethnic group to refrain from making provocative statements that could destabilize the fragile peace among ethnic groups in Rivers State.
In a video clip shared by Voice TV, Lokpobiri expressed concern over the increasing tension sparked by inflammatory remarks, particularly from figures within the Ijaw Nation. He warned that such rhetoric if unchecked, could lead to unnecessary conflict in the state.
“Please, most of us who are making these unguarded inflammatory statements are people that we sometimes clap for without cautioning them,” Lokpobiri said. “There is no war between the Ijaw and Ikwerre or any other ethnic group.
If the Ikwerre ethnic group had responded to us with the unguarded statements that came from the Ijaw Nation, there would be war already in Rivers State.”
His comments come amid rising political and ethnic tensions in the state, which has seen a renewed power struggle following the 2023 general elections. Lokpobiri’s appeal appears to be a call for leaders and stakeholders to prioritize peace and unity over ethnic rivalry.
He stressed the importance of mutual respect and dialogue especially among community leaders and public figures, adding that Rivers State cannot afford another round of ethnic-based violence.
Community groups and civil society organizations have welcomed the minister’s remarks, urging political actors to tone down divisive rhetoric and focus on reconciliation and development.
With the state already grappling with economic and security challenges, many believe that preserving interethnic harmony is critical to ensuring long-term stability.
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