Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE House of Representatives candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDP) for Warri Federal Constituency, Comrade Sheriff Mulade PhD, has pledged to make the restoration of ecosystems damaged by oil exploration and the revival of key economic projects central to his legislative agenda if elected in the 2027 general election.
The peace and environmental ambassador made the pledge on Tuesday, September 22, when he formally presented his aspiration to the people of Oporoza at the palace of the King of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders and supporters of the NDP across multiethnic divides of the constituency.
Speaking against the backdrop of longstanding environmental concerns in the oil-producing communities of the constituency, Mulade said oil exploration had severely affected the environment, ecosystems and quality of life of residents.
He said his proposed representation would focus on using legislative action to address environmental degradation, promote economic development and create employment opportunities.
He also identified the Escravos Free Trade Zone and the proposed Gbaramatu Deep Seaport as major projects requiring renewed government attention.
According to him, reviving the free trade zone and advancing the deep seaport project could stimulate economic activity, create jobs and provide new opportunities for communities across Warri Federal Constituency.
Addressing the gathering, Mulade said the constituency needed stronger representation at the National Assembly to ensure that its interests received adequate attention from the Federal Government.
“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 on the NDP platform was influenced by the emergence of his candidacy, adding that he intended to use the opportunity to confront the environmental and developmental challenges facing 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 said the environmental consequences of oil exploration required urgent legislative intervention, particularly in communities where the activities had affected ecosystems and the environment.
“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 said economic recovery would form another important part of his agenda, promising to pursue the revival of the Escravos Free Trade Zone and support the development of the proposed Gbaramatu Deep Seaport.
“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 pledged to work with traditional rulers across the constituency to strengthen relationships among the various kingdoms and communities, arguing that greater cooperation would help create an atmosphere conducive to peace and development.
“We cannot continue to fight and deprive ourselves of good things and expect to grow.”
He further said his campaign was being driven by supporters rather than an individual sponsor, describing his aspiration as a collective effort to secure representation for the various ethnic groups and communities within the federal 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.”
The NDP State Chairman, Mr Emeka Umerah, said the party was founded on ideology rather than sentiment and described Mulade’s candidacy as an opportunity for an Ijaw candidate to seek representation for the constituency.
Umerah pledged the party’s support for Mulade and said it would work towards his election, arguing that his emergence could contribute to peace and development in the area.
“When Comrade Mulade came, we thought it was high time an Ijaw man represented Warri Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.”
He described the NDP as a relatively new political party but said it had distinguished itself by avoiding internal litigation and court disputes.
“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.”
The King of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oboro-Gbaraun II, said Mulade’s selection by the NDP was appropriate, while noting that traditional rulers had an important role in advising their communities and contributing to their development, even though they were not politicians.
The monarch, however, cautioned against excessive spending during elections, warning that candidates who incur heavy campaign expenses could be tempted to recover such costs after assuming office.
He urged voters and supporters to ensure that political campaigns did not become financially burdensome for candidates.
“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.”
Oboro-Gbaraun II also called on Mulade’s supporters to reject violence and concentrate on securing credible representation for the constituency.
“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.”
The monarch, who described Mulade as a chief in Gbaramatu Kingdom, said he considered him capable of representing the constituency at the National Assembly.
“Sheriff Mulade as a chief in this Kingdom is capable of this position.”
He concluded by offering his encouragement and prayer for the NDP candidate.
