A Niger Delta leader and native of Benikrukru community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Joseph Wuruyai, popularly known as Jowurus, has called on other ethnic nationality leaders in the State to refrain from harbouring negative thoughts and hatred against the Ijaw people, cautioning that "the Ijaws are not the problem" of the State.

According to the grassroots and political leader, his comments were in reaction to series of coordinated attacks from other ethnic nationality leaders on the Ijaw people, an action he noted stems from perceived jealousy on the progress the Ijaw people are making.

He said, "We now have a situation in Delta State where leaders of other ethnic groups are resorting to heaping insults on Ijaw people, even instigating violence against them.

"Sometime ago, arms and ammunition illegally brought into this country were seized by the DSS and the information we heard was that the weapons were imported to attack the Ijaw people.

"Tantita, a security company owned by an Ijaw man, is now also under attack by misguided elements who think that running a business has become an ethnic affiliation, despite the many benefits the company has offered even those in the opposition," he lamented.

Chief Wuruyai, who noted that the Ijaws have suffered so much injustice, compared the fourth most populous ethnic group in Nigeria to the people of Israel formerly enslaved in Egypt but destined by God to inherit a land flowing with milk and honey.

"Every achievement the Ijaw people have garnered today, they worked very hard for it," he said, and continued, "They did not sit down and wait for manna to fall from Heaven. So, they should be respected in the Niger Delta region, Delta State inclusive, because without the Ijaws leading on the forefront, most of today's dividends will be a far cry!

"And so, nobody should be jealous of the Ijaw man's progress. Like the Israelites in Egypt, the Ijaws are benefitting from what was theirs but unjustly denied them. All the years that the Ijaw man was cheated on, be it politically, economically or otherwise, he will regain everything back," he assured.

Chief Wuruyai cautioned those hating on the Ijaws to desist forthwith, while he called on Deltans to embrace unity which will foster peace and development in the State, rather than playing the ethnic card.

"I am therefore calling on the leaders in Delta State to shun acts that will be detrimental to our collective growth and development as a people. I repeat, the Ijaw people are not your problem.

"I also urge them to, instead of whipping up ethnic sentiments, to build bridges that will aid peaceful collaboration and promote peaceful coexistence in order to fast track progressive development and growth of our dear State," he charged.

Jowurus cautioned the youths in the State to not fall prey into the hands of misguided elements who are only interested in using the youths to brew and inflict crisis, but are never interested in investing in their future as tomorrow's leaders.

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