Collins Eselemor challenges Ayiri to public debate over Warri ownership - Pebnews

Prince Collins Eselemor, President of the Warri National Congress, has Monday challenged Ayiri Emami to a public debate over the ownership of Warri, saying the issue is bigger than politics and individual interests.

Speaking at a World Press/Peace Conference organized by Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo stakeholders in Warri, Prince Eselemor said he was compelled to speak because “what is at stake is bigger than him and bigger than politics. Politics come and go, but Wafarians remain.”

The Warri National Congress president questioned the standing of Ayiri as a spokesperson for the Itsekiri nation. 

“Where are the first eleven of the Itsekiri for Ayiri to come on board and be their voice box?” he asked. “It is not only disheartening, it is a disgrace to the Itsekiri nation if they allow Ayiri to be their voice box, to talk for them, to allow a stark to talk for you.”

Prince Eselemor warned that anyone using the issue of delineation as a basis to cause trouble in Warri, the cosmopolitan city, would be called out. 

“I dare Ayiri to a public debate on the ownership of Warri,” he declared. “I want him to come and tell me, and let us tell the world who owns Warri.”

The conference brought together representatives of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups to discuss unity and peace in Warri amid ongoing discussions on delineation and historical claims.