The Warri South-West Unity and Development Forum, WSWUDF, has dismissed recent criticisms leveled against the Member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. (Chief) Thomas Ereyitomi, and the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, describing the claims as “unfounded, misleading, and disconnected from the realities on ground.”
The Forum stated its position at a press briefing in Warri, where it declared full support for the continuous representation of both leaders at the National Assembly and the Delta State House of Assembly, respectively.
According to the WSWUDF, its membership comprises “highly experienced and credible leaders drawn from all ten wards in Warri South West Local Government Area, including Itsekiri and Ijaw stakeholders, with deep-rooted understanding of the political and developmental realities in the area.”
“We have carefully reviewed the claims made by the Itsekiri Grassroots Coalition, particularly their assertion that Chief Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi (JP) has failed and their call to stop the continued leadership of Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor. We state clearly that these claims are unfounded, misleading, and disconnected from the realities on ground,” the Forum said.
The group described Ereyitomi as a “silent achiever and a detribalized Nigerian” whose status as a ranking member in the House of Representatives gives Warri Federal Constituency strategic influence.
“This influence translates into access, project facilitation, and sustained engagement with federal institutions. His role ensures that Warri Federal Constituency is not sidelined but remains visible and relevant at the national level,” the statement reads.
It warned that “replacing such experience with uncertainty would be a direct setback to the constituency’s progress”.
The WSWUDF said Speaker Guwor’s elevation to Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, after serving as the Treasurer of the group, reflects “competence, trust, and proven capacity”.
They added that the position strengthens the voice of Warri South-West and ensures direct access to legislative coordination at the highest level.
“The Speaker has consistently demonstrated the capacity to carry both Ijaw and Itsekiri interests along in a balanced and inclusive manner. Such leadership must be preserved, not undermined,” the Forum stated.
On Ethnic Politics, the group condemned attempts to introduce ethnic sentiment into political discourse, describing the trend as “dangerous and counterproductive.”
“Ethnic politics divides communities, weakens governance, and distracts from the real issues of performance and development. Warri’s strength lies in unity, and that unity must not be compromised for political convenience”, it said.
The Forum further claimed that “those amplifying these negative narratives are not grounded in the realities of the people,” describing them as largely present on social media and operating “as content creators rather than active participants in community development and governance.”
“Warri South-West and Warri Federal Constituency cannot be misled by noise,” the statement added.
The WSWUDF noted that the leadership of the Local Government has “consistently shown confidence and satisfaction” with the representation provided by Ereyitomi and Guwor.
“We therefore state unequivocally our full support for Chief Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi (JP), Member representing Warri Federal Constituency, and Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly and Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria.
“We strongly support their continuous representation and leadership, as they embody experience, influence, and proven capacity. The direction is clear, protect progress, sustain influence, and stand firmly with tested leadership,” the Forum declared.
The 3 paged address was presented at a press briefing by the Forum’s Coordinator, Pastor Arex Akemotubo, who was flanked by key stakeholders from across the ten wards of Warri South-West Local Government Area, including Amb. Fred Igere, Chief Hon. Rose Tull, Hon. Omare Gabari, and Hon. Austin Tonfawei, among others.
