Delta elders, youths stop political campaigns in their communities over alleged neglect

The Utagba-Ogbe Council of Chiefs and Elders, backed by the Kingdom’s President General, has banned all political campaigns across Kwale, Utagba-Ogbe Kingdom, Delta State effective immediately.

All political actors, government representatives, and stakeholders have been put on notice: no campaigns in Kwale until until the Ndokwa nation receives concrete justice for decades of exploitation, neglect, and darkness and justice is served.

The ban followed a peaceful protest by residents under the “Light Up Ndokwa Nation” campaign, who gathered at the main gate of Government House in Asaba on Wednesday to demand the connection of Ndokwa Nation to the Okpai Independent Power Plant.

The protest, led by Comrade Stanley Ado on behalf of Ndokwa Nation comprising Ndokwa West, Ndokwa East, and Ukwuani Local Government Areas, brought renewed attention to the area’s prolonged lack of electricity despite hosting the Okpai Independent Power Plant.

“Despite hosting a major Independent Power Plant, IPP, in Kwale, the host community has remained completely off-grid for over 16 years.

“Electricity generated from our land is stepped down and transmitted to Obosi, distributed across multiple states and even the general capital territory, while we are abandoned in darkness. This is not only an injustice, it is an insult.” they said.

The council further noted that Ndokwa nation has sustained Nigeria’s economy for more than six decades, with over eight oil and gas companies operating on its soil. Yet, the chiefs say, there is “little to show in terms of basic infrastructure, social amenities, or meaningful development.”

“Roads remain deplorable, communities are underdeveloped, and the people, they declared, have been continually ignored. Enough is enough, the statement reads.

The chiefs are demanding immediate government action to fully finance the stepping down of power within Ndokwa Nation, not promises, not rhetoric, not symbolic gestures, but visible, measurable change.

“This is not business as usual. The patience of our people has been stretched beyond limits. We will no longer fold our arms while our resources are exploited and our future neglected.”

The council warned that the kingdom is “united, resolute, and prepared to defend their collective interest within the bounds of the law.

“History is recording, and posterity will judge all actions taken, or not taken, at this critical moment. God Almighty is watching, and the people are taking notes.”

Meanwhile, the Delta state government again affirmed its determination to resolve the long-standing electricity challenges affecting Ndokwa nation.

Addressing the protesters on behalf of the government, Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Johnson Erijo, assuring residents that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori remains attentive and responsive to the needs of all communities across the state.

He praised their orderly and peaceful conduct, noting that such civic engagement creates room for meaningful dialogue.

He urged the protesters to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that the administration is firmly committed to inclusive development and equitable distribution of infrastructure across all parts of the state.

Erijo emphasized that the Oborevwori administration is committed to sustained collaboration with key stakeholders to deliver stable and reliable electricity to all communities.