Ebenezer Adurokiya , Warri
In a grand and heartwarming event, the people of Oporoza in Gbaramatu Kingdom gathered at the palace of the King of Gbaramatu Kingdom to welcome the House of Representatives candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDP) for Warri Federal Constituency, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, PhD, as he formally presented his aspiration to the people ahead of the 2027 general election.
The gathering, which took place on Tuesday, September 22nd, brought together community leaders, traditional authorities and supporters of the NDP, with Mulade outlining his plans for the constituency and seeking the support of the traditional institution and the people.
He said his ambition was driven by the need to give the people of Warri Federal Constituency a stronger voice at the national level and draw greater government attention to the challenges confronting the area.
Mulade said his priorities would include environmental protection, economic development, employment creation and the revival of major projects capable of transforming the constituency.
He specifically identified the Escravos Free Trade Zone and the proposed Gbaramatu Deep Seaport in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, as projects he would seek to advance through legislative action if elected.
He also promised to work with traditional rulers across Warri Federal Constituency to promote unity among the different kingdoms and communities, arguing that greater cooperation among traditional institutions would help foster peace and development.
Addressing the gathering, Mulade said the people of the constituency deserved effective representation at the National Assembly.
“The voices of the indigenes of Warri Federal Constituency must be heard across Nigeria and in the National Assembly.
“Our voices must be heard to draw the necessary attention of government to some of the benefits that we deserve in this axis.”
He said his decision to contest under the NDP followed the emergence of his candidacy and expressed confidence that his representation would focus on addressing environmental degradation and other longstanding challenges in the constituency.
“My vision is to revive Warri and its environs. Warri Federal Constituency is blessed with natural resources and the entire nation depends on the natural resources, and the Warri Federal Constituency is endowed with those resources.”
Mulade further said oil exploration had contributed to environmental challenges in the area and pledged to use a legislative mandate, if elected, to push for measures aimed at protecting the ecosystem and improving the welfare of residents.
“With the challenges facing our people in terms of the environment as a result of oil exploration activities that have destroyed our ecosystems and environment, and even the air we breathe, I believe sending me to the National Assembly on this assignment will put an end to the destruction of our ecosystem.”
He identified the revival of the Escravos Free Trade Zone as one of his major legislative priorities, saying its development, alongside the Gbaramatu Deep Seaport, could create economic opportunities and reduce unemployment in the constituency.
“If elected in 2027 by the grace of God, there are certain things that we will revive. One of such things is the Escravos Free Trade Zone.
“The foundation of the free trade zone was laid some years ago but because we lack quality and capable representation, it went under the carpet.
“I promise you that will be my first bill to be moved in the National Assembly.”
Mulade also promised to engage traditional rulers across the constituency in building stronger relationships among the various kingdoms, saying unity among traditional institutions would encourage greater cooperation among their subjects.
“We cannot continue to fight and deprive ourselves of good things and expect to grow.”
He stressed that his campaign was not being financed by an individual sponsor, but by supporters who believed in his aspiration to represent the constituency.
“I am not a sponsored candidate; I am sponsored by the people. I am sponsored to speak for you. We are going to the National Assembly to represent Agbaramatu Kingdom, the Urhobo and Itsekiri nations and other kingdoms in the Warri Federal Constituency.”
Also speaking, the NDP State Chairman, Mr Emeka Umerah, said the party was founded on ideology rather than sentiment and explained that Mulade’s emergence presented an opportunity for an Ijaw candidate to seek representation for the constituency.
Umerah said the party would support Mulade’s candidacy and expressed confidence that his election would contribute to peace and development in the constituency.
He also appealed to the traditional ruler of Gbaramatu Kingdom to bless the candidate and lend his support to the aspiration.
“When Comrade Mulade came, we thought it was high time an Ijaw man represented Warri Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.”
The NDP chairman described the party as relatively new but said it had distinguished itself by avoiding litigation and internal court disputes. He pledged the party’s support for Mulade’s campaign as it prepares for the 2027 election.
“We are new as a party, but NDP is the best party in Nigeria because we don’t have any litigation and court cases anywhere. We are going to support him with any means possible so that we will win this election. I believe that Sheriff Mulade will bring the peace and development that the Kingdom lacks.”
In his remarks, the King of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oboro-Gbaraun II, said Mulade’s selection by the NDP was appropriate, while stressing that traditional rulers had a role to play in advising and contributing to the development of their communities despite not being politicians.
The monarch also cautioned against excessive campaign spending, urging supporters and voters to ensure that candidates were not forced to spend beyond their means during elections and subsequently seek to recover such expenses after assuming office.
He called on Mulade’s supporters to avoid violence during the political process and focus on securing credible representation for the constituency.
“One thing we have to tell the masses is that we should not allow our candidate to spend hugely in the election and end up not achieving all that they have promised during the campaign because they want to recover all they spent during the campaign.”
The monarch urged supporters to work selflessly for the candidate they believed would best serve the constituency and advised those campaigning with Mulade to shun violence.
“I want to advise those that are moving with him to stay away from violence. What we need is the true person to represent us so that the person can work accordingly and be a true representative.”
Oboro-Gbaraun II, who described Mulade as a chief in Gbaramatu Kingdom, said he considered him capable of representing the constituency in the National Assembly.
“Sheriff Mulade as a chief in this Kingdom is capable of this position.”
The monarch concluded by directly praying for and encouraging the NDP candidate, saying: “Sheriff Mulade, you are capable.”
For a better society
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