CDHR Elects New Delta Leadership, Declares Rule of Law, Good Governance Key to Sustainable Development

By Trust Akpobasa 

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Delta State Chapter, has elected a new crop of state executives with a renewed commitment to advancing human rights, justice, and accountability, declaring that good governance, the rule of law, and environmental justice remain indispensable to achieving sustainable development in Delta State.

The new leadership emerged during the 2026 Biennial State General Conference and Election of the organization held on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, at Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. The conference brought together delegates, human rights defenders, civil society activists, legal practitioners, and stakeholders from various CDHR units across the state under the theme, "Good Governance and the Rule of Law: Pathways for Sustainable Development in Delta State."

The event commenced with the introduction of special delegates and dignitaries, followed by the accreditation of statutory delegates and a formal call to order by the outgoing Chairman of the State Caretaker Committee, Comrade Solomon Eseoghene Onoruerome, who welcomed participants and urged members to remain steadfast in defending the rights of citizens and promoting democratic values.

Delivering the keynote address, renowned legal practitioner and human rights advocate, Sir Barr. John Larry Ojukoko, underscored the importance of the rule of law as the bedrock of responsible leadership, democratic governance, and national development. He maintained that no society can attain meaningful progress where justice is undermined and the rights of citizens are disregarded.

Speaking further on the conference theme, Ojukoko described environmental degradation as one of the most serious forms of human rights abuse confronting communities, particularly in the Niger Delta. He noted that environmental pollution continues to threaten lives, destroy property, undermine public health, and deprive thousands of residents of their means of livelihood.

He therefore called on governments at all levels, regulatory agencies, multinational oil companies, and community leaders to uphold environmental justice by enforcing existing environmental laws, protecting the rights of affected communities, and promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.

Participants at the conference also deliberated on strengthening democratic institutions, encouraging citizens' participation in governance, protecting fundamental human rights, and repositioning the CDHR to respond more effectively to emerging human rights challenges across Delta State.

A major highlight of the conference was the peaceful election of new state officers to pilot the affairs of the organization. Following the conclusion of the electoral process, delegates unanimously elected Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen as Chairman of the Delta State Chapter. Other elected officials include Comrade Chika Maduh (Udu Unit 3) as State Secretary, Comrade Tega Claims (Udu Unit 1) as Assistant State Secretary, Comrade Igbimor A. Trust (Okpe Unit 1) as Vice State Chairman, 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.

The conference also constituted a new Electoral Committee comprising Comrade Elder Parker S. Ojor (Udu Unit 1) as Chairman, Comrade Onotu S. Ufuoma as Member, and Comrade Dafe Blessing Edinli as Secretary.

In his acceptance remarks, the newly elected State Chairman, Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, thanked delegates for the confidence reposed in him and the new executive, assuring members that the leadership would prioritize unity, transparency, accountability, and service.

He pledged to strengthen the organization's human rights advocacy, expand grassroots engagement across the state, and ensure that the CDHR remains a strong voice in the defence of justice, the protection of vulnerable citizens, and the promotion of constitutional democracy.

The conference concluded with a collective call on government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and the general public to work together in entrenching good governance, protecting fundamental human rights, and upholding the rule of law as the surest pathway to lasting peace, social justice, and sustainable development in Delta.