CDHR Elects Derrick Agberen Delta Chairman, Vows to Reunite Factions, Strengthen Human Rights Advocacy

By Ezekiel Kagbala 

UGHELLI SOUTH, DELTA STATE – The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Delta State Chapter, has elected renowned human rights activist, Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, as its new State Chairman, with a pledge to reunite members, restore unity within the organization, and intensify the fight against human rights abuses across the state.

Agberen emerged chairman during the chapter's state congress and election held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area, following a peaceful, transparent and constitutionally guided electoral process witnessed by delegates from various CDHR units across Delta State.

The congress commenced with the accreditation of delegates, presentation of the stewardship report by the outgoing administration, and the formal dissolution of the Caretaker Committee led by Comrade Solomon Eseoghene Onoruerome.

Following the dissolution, a three-member Electoral Committee was constituted to conduct the election in line with the provisions of the CDHR Constitution. The committee was chaired by Comrade Elder Parker S. Ojor (Udu Unit 1), with Comrade Onotu S. Ufuoma as member and Comrade Dafe Blessing Edinli as secretary.

The election was conducted peacefully and was widely adjudged by delegates as free, fair and credible, reflecting the collective will of members from the various CDHR units across the state.

The exercise was supervised in accordance with the constitution of the organization and monitored by representatives of government agencies, civil society organizations and observers, including the Director-General of the Ernest Bebenimibo Foundation (EBF), Mrs. Joann Eseroghene Onoruerome.

Among notable personalities who played active roles in the successful conduct of the congress were Comrade Ambrus Okoduwa, the National Internal Auditor of CDHR, Comrade John Osaigbovo, and other senior members of the organization.

Other officials elected to serve on the new State Executive Council are Comrade Igbimor A. Trust (Okpe Unit 1) as Vice Chairman, Comrade Chika Maduh (Udu Unit 3) as State Secretary, Comrade Tega Claims (Udu Unit 1) as Assistant State Secretary, Comrade Nosa Godswill (Udu Unit 3) as Publicity Secretary, Comrade Amata Faith (Udu Unit 1) as Internal Auditor, and Comrade Castrocollins Abegha (Udu Unit 3) as State Treasurer.

Speaking shortly

after taking the oath of office, Agberen thanked delegates for the confidence reposed in him and members of the newly elected executive, describing their election as a collective mandate to rebuild the chapter and restore confidence in the organization.

He pledged to pursue reconciliation among members, saying his administration would work tirelessly to unite all factions and reposition the Delta State chapter as a formidable voice for justice, accountability and democratic governance.

"Our mission is to unite the family of CDHR in Delta State. We will not be in conflict with fellow human rights activists; our struggle is against oppression, injustice and those who violate the rights of our people," he said.

The new chairman also promised to strengthen grassroots human rights advocacy, expand the organization's presence across the state, and promote greater collaboration with civil society organizations, government institutions and development partners.

According to him, the new leadership will prioritize transparency, accountability and effective service while championing campaigns for good governance, environmental sustainability, the rule of law and the protection of vulnerable citizens.

Agberen further assured members that the Delta State chapter would remain steadfast in defending constitutional democracy and ensuring that victims of human rights violations have a strong platform through which justice can be pursued.

The successful conclusion of the congress was widely hailed by stakeholders as a significant milestone for the organization, with many expressing optimism that the emergence of the new leadership would foster reconciliation, strengthen institutional unity and usher in a new era of vibrant human rights advocacy in Delta State.