Four Ethnic Groups Now Make Up Warri Constituency, Mulade Unveils Seven-Point Agenda

By Ezekiel Kagbala

WARRI, Delta State — National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Warri Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election, Chief Sheriff Mulade, has expanded the constituency’s traditional ethnic description to include non-indigenous residents, declaring that Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo and long-term residents must have a place in the constituency’s development plans.

Mulade made the declaration on Monday, during a consultation visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, at the High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo Press Centre, Warri.

Unveiling his proposed Seven-Point Development Compact, Mulade said his agenda would focus on employment creation, economic empowerment, environmental justice, people-oriented projects, accessibility, inclusive representation and peaceful coexistence.

The NDP candidate said Warri could witness significant transformation with his proposed programmes when implemented, declaring that “before the first one year will run out, I will change Warri.”

He argued that non-indigenes who have lived and contributed to the development of Warri over the years should not be excluded from political representation or development planning.

According to him, his representation will adopt a broader representation that recognises the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo and other residents living and contributing to the economy of Warri.

“Those who reside with us, who are non-indigenous, must be represented and we must plan with them,” Mulade said.

He said his proposed representation would be purpose-driven, people-oriented and inclusive, with town-hall meetings serving as a major avenue for determining development priorities.

“The people must be carried along in whatever we want to do. We must meet in town halls and plan the development projects that are best for them,” he said.

Mulade further promised that, if elected, his office would have special advisers drawn from the major ethnic groups and resident communities.

“I will have SA from Ijaw, Urhobos, Itsekiri and non-indigenes. No ethnic group will be left out,” he said.

On economic empowerment, the candidate said youths and women would occupy a central position in his proposed representation, promising to establish an employment desk to connect residents with opportunities from multinational companies and other institutions operating around Warri.

He said his experience as a community chairman had exposed him to ways of creating employment opportunities and attracting interventions, adding that he intended to deploy such experience at the federal constituency level.

“Women are our target for empowerment, while the youths will be targeted for job engagement. We will ensure that no youth is left out,” he said.

Mulade also pledged to remain accessible to constituents, stressing that accountability would require constant interaction between the representative and the people.

“Accessibility is important. I will be accessible and reliable. Our words are our integrity, and I will be reachable,” he said.

Mulade who is the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom described the Seven-Point Development Compact as the proposed blueprint for his legislative representation and constituency development programme if elected.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Chief Akpokona Omafuaire, welcomed Mulade and introduced members of the chapel.

Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, while appreciating the candidate’s visit, described Mulade as a person who had contributed to environmental issues and advocacy in the Niger Delta.

Mulade, who described the media as a critical constituency, said the purpose of his visit was to formally present himself and his development agenda to journalists.

“NUJ is a window to the world. When you speak to the media, you speak to the world. The media is also my constituency,” he said.

The NUJ also applauded the candidate’s presentation of the Seven-Point Development Compact and his emphasis on inclusive representation and engagement with residents across Warri Federal Constituency.

Mulade is seeking the Warri Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 House of Representatives election on the platform of the NDP.