KWALE/Nigeria: The Utagba-Ogbe Council of Chiefs and Elders in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, have announced a sweeping ban on all political campaigns within their community, citing prolonged neglect and the continued lack of electricity despite hosting a major Independent Power Plant.
The directive, issued jointly with the Utagba-Ogbe President General, declared that no political actor or stakeholder would be allowed to canvass for support in the community until tangible steps are taken to address what they described as years of injustice.
In a strongly worded statement, the community leaders expressed outrage that Kwale, which hosts a significant power generation facility, has remained in darkness for over 16 years, while electricity generated from its soil is transmitted to other parts of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory.
They described the situation as both unjust and deeply insulting, stressing that the host community has been unfairly excluded from the benefits of resources located within its domain.
The chiefs further lamented that the wider Ndokwa area has, for decades, contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy through oil and gas production, yet continues to suffer from poor infrastructure, underdevelopment, and lack of basic social amenities.
According to them, the condition of roads and the general state of communities reflect years of neglect and abandonment by successive governments.
Drawing a clear line, the leaders insisted that no campaign activities would be tolerated in Kwale until the government takes immediate responsibility for ensuring the stepping down of electricity to the host community.
They demanded that the process be fully funded and executed without further delay, warning that the people would no longer accept political promises or symbolic gestures in place of real action.
“This is not business as usual. Our patience has been stretched beyond limits,” the statement said, adding that the community would no longer remain passive while its resources are exploited without commensurate benefits.
While affirming their commitment to lawful conduct, the chiefs maintained that they are united and resolute in defending the interests of their people.
They also warned that history would hold leaders accountable for their actions or inaction at this critical time, insisting that the demand for justice in Kwale can no longer be ignored.
