CDHR Udu Unit 1 Elects Efe Vincent, Lawyer Warns Against Abuse of Government Power

By Ezekiel Kagbala

UDU, DELTA STATE — The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Udu Unit 1, Delta State, has elected Comrade Efe Vincent as its new Coordinator, with a call on citizens, lawyers and civil society groups to resist abuse of power and intensify the fight for accountability.

Vincent emerged with the majority votes on Saturday, September 12, 2026, during the unit’s biennial conference held under the theme: “Government and Citizens’ Rights: Where to Draw the Line; Corruption and Its Impact on Human Rights.”

The conference, which attracted legal practitioners, government representatives, security personnel, human rights activists and CDHR officials, focused on the growing challenges of insecurity, poor infrastructure, corruption, citizens’ rights and government accountability.

Delivering the keynote address, a Delta-based legal practitioner, Barrister Lawrence Shaguna Ayowa, declared that government power was not absolute, warning that citizens must not surrender their fundamental rights to the authorities.

Ayowa said, “Without citizens, there is no government,” stressing that citizens have the right to demand accountability and criticise government policies.

He identified insecurity and bad roads as major concerns in Udu, noting that “a better environment is a right.”

The lawyer urged legal practitioners and human rights organisations to work together to challenge rights abuses and hold public authorities accountable.

He, however, cautioned activists and citizens to exercise their rights responsibly, saying criticism must be constructive and should not be used to promote violence.

Ayowa also warned against using national security as a justification for suppressing fundamental human rights, stressing that security and human rights should not be treated as enemies.

The Chairman of CDHR, Delta State Chapter, Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, said the organisation’s commitment to protecting human rights remained the force uniting its members.

Agberen condemned the alleged extortion of motorists on roads, saying CDHR would continue to “give voice to the voiceless” and stand against oppression.

The National Auditor of CDHR, Comrade John Osaigbovor, reaffirmed that fundamental rights belong to every citizen and must be protected.

Also speaking, the Udu Zonal Administrator of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority, Mrs Enifome Efe-Urhobo, said DESTMA remained committed to promoting safety and order on the roads.

The election was conducted by a three-member electoral committee led by Elder Parker Ojor Alamin Abru.

Other members elected alongside Vincent are Comrade Andrew Uche Ofuani, Deputy Coordinator; Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, Secretary; Comrade Excel Ogheneruese Oghenejevwe, Assistant Secretary; Comrade Kelly Aigbe, Treasurer; and Comrade Ogude Tejiri Okpako, Executive Member.

The outgoing Coordinator, Comrade Charles Oviri, welcomed delegates and dignitaries to the conference and urged members to remain committed to the defence of citizens whose rights are violated.

Participants at the conference called for stronger civic education, responsible governance, greater public accountability and sustained resistance to human rights abuses in Udu and beyond.