A media practitioner has urged all members of Ugbai Quarter and other stakeholders in Kunukunuma Federated Community in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, to not allow disagreements over leadership to lead them to repeat the damaging pattern in the Niger Delta whereby communities turn against themselves while other interests benefit from their divisions, urging those seeking leadership to be prepared to make the sacrifices needed for the development and growth of the community.

The call was made in a statement by the Brand Director of PENGlobal, Mr. Abai Francis, and a stakeholder of the community, on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) in response to disagreements by members of the quarter over who, among the various interests, should emerge as the sole candidate nominated by the quarter for the chairmanship position in Kunukunuma.

Mr. Abai urged the leadership and members of Ugbai to protect the unity of the quarter and the wider community as discussions continue about who should emerge as the next chairman of Kunukunuma.

"The quarter’s (Ugbai) leadership, stakeholders, youths and other members are advised to reject any attempt to create distrust or disaffection among them for the purpose of producing a preferred candidate," he said, adding that "Leadership succession should not become a cause of division among people who share a common history, identity and interest."

The media practitioner also called for restraint as guided by maturity, cautioning all stakeholders to refrain from media engagement over their disagreement, as doing so will breed more disaffection and make reconciliation difficult.

"I encourage all members to address their differences through calm dialogue and consultation, as one big family, rather than resorting to media exchanges and propaganda which may deepen disagreements and make reconciliation more difficult.

"Kunukunuma and the Niger Delta have long suffered the consequences of internal conflicts. When communities turn against themselves, outside interests can benefit from the divisions, while the people remain burdened by poverty and underdevelopment. Ugbai Quarter and the entire community must not allow disagreements over leadership to repeat this damaging pattern.

"Leadership should not be imposed through deception, intimidation or force. It should emerge from a collective decision that reflects the people’s will and is guided by fairness, integrity and a commitment to service. Those seeking leadership must also be prepared to make the sacrifices needed for the development and growth of the community.

"The future of Kunukunuma depends on its people’s ability to resolve differences peacefully and work together, and I use this medium to call on stakeholders to uphold peace, pursue dialogue and place the common good above personal or factional interests. They should therefore choose constructive engagement and mutual respect over public attacks," he added.