Ijaw communities in Delta accuse LGA chairman over alleged lopsided appointments

By Ebi Perekeme 

Ijaw communities in Warri have threatened a showdown with the Warri South Local Government council chairman, Michael Tidi, over what they described as clandestine and nepotistic appointment of an Itsekiri as market master in OgbeIjoh Market.

Speaking to newsmen on behalf of Warri Ijaw communities, Hon. Comrade Ozobo Austin, the national president of Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI, shortly after an enlarged meeting of Ijaw communities in Warri said they would declared a showdown with Michael Tidi, except the Itsekiri Market master be removed from OgbeIjoh Market.

The various Ijaw communities in attendance in the meeting were Meinbutu, Olabrakopre, Ogbokone, Egbemene and others.

While briefing the press, Ijaw Warri communities called on His Excellency senator Ifeanyi Okowa to prevailed on Michael Tidi as the action of the council chairman was capable of threatening the existing peace in Warri.

The Ijaws said Tidi had no justification to appoint an Itsekiri man as Market master in Ogbe-Ijoh Market and that he should be mindful of the drum of war he was beaten.

Ijaws also demanded for an appointment of Ijaw as Market master in Kpessu and Gbangue Markets or else he would have Ijaw to contend with in the shortest time.

The Ijaw stakeholders said the Itsekiri conspiracy was the reason for the abandonment of the Ogbe-Ijoh iron Market and that the appointment of Itsekiri in the market is inimical and were meant to masterminds and further claim ownership of the market.

However, the Ijaws had called on His Excellency Ifeanyi Okowa to prevailed on Michael Tidi ,the chairman of Warri South Local government council in immediate effect to avoid another Warri crisis which may endanger innocent residents.