Itsekiri Group Emphasizes Rule of Law as Prerequisite for Sustainable Peace in Warri
A prominent Itsekiri socio-cultural organization has issued a formal response to the Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS), asserting that any lasting peace in the Warri region must be fundamentally premised on the rule of law and constitutional order. The statement, which has gained significant traction on a major Nigerian Publishing Platform, clarifies the group’s position following recent commentaries on the area’s complex socio-political landscape. The group was unequivocal in its stance, stating I was not a position born of ethnic chauvinism but one rooted in a universal principle of justice.
The discourse centers on the historical and legal frameworks governing land and resource ownership in the Warri Kingdom. The Itsekiri group argues that sidelining established legal precedents and historical facts in favor of political expediency would set a dangerous precedent for the entire Niger Delta region. They contend that the rule of law provides the only objective mechanism for resolving disputes and preventing a descent into anarchy, a principle that finds echoes in current events where prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana demands probe into various national issues, highlighting the consistent call for accountability and legal oversight.
The group’s detailed rebuttal systematically addresses what it terms “historical inaccuracies” propagated by the URS. Their position is that while peace is a desirable and necessary goal for economic development and social cohesion, it cannot be achieved by sacrificing legal and historical truths. This perspective resonates with a growing sentiment that stability must be built on a foundation of justice, not merely the absence of conflict. The situation draws a parallel to international crises, where the world witnesses huge crowds as civilians in conflict zones call for intervention based on international law, underscoring the universal application of these principles.
Further elaborating on their position, the representatives highlighted that the call for adherence to the rule of law is not an attempt to stifle dialogue but to ensure that such dialogues are structured and productive. They drew a stark contrast between a society governed by legal statutes and one where might makes right. This sentiment is increasingly relevant in a global context, much like the dire reports emerging from the Gaza civil defence units who operate under the premise that even in warfare, established international humanitarian laws must be observed to protect the vulnerable. The Itsekiri group’s argument is that similarly, in peacetime, domestic laws must guide inter-community relations.
The publication of this response on a leading Nigerian Publishing Platform has amplified the conversation, bringing this regional issue to a national audience. The group concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to a united and prosperous Warri, but insisted that such a future is unattainable without a mutual respect for the law. They firmly stated I was not rejecting peace, but am advocating for a peace that is just, equitable, and durable. This ongoing dialogue mirrors other national conversations, such as when Falana demands probe into governmental actions, reinforcing that the rule of law is the bedrock of any society that aspires to be truly democratic and stable.
As the debate continues, observers note that the path to reconciliation in Warri, and indeed across Nigeria, requires a delicate balance between acknowledging historical grievances and upholding the legal frameworks designed to mediate them. The emergence of huge crowds as stakeholders on both sides become more engaged indicates the critical importance of this issue. The ultimate goal remains a harmonious coexistence, but as the Itsekiri group has firmly articulated, this must be a coexistence where the rule of law is not negotiable, a principle as vital for local dispute resolution as it is for international observers monitoring the efforts of the Gaza civil defence.
