Group backs Mulade Sheriff for Warri Federal Constituency, cites track record on peace, unity, development

A prominent non-governmental organization, the Care Centre for Sustainable Development (CCFSD), has endorsed Chief Mulade Sheriff for the Warri Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing him as a tested advocate for peace, unity, environmental justice, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

The endorsement was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Director of the organization, Mrs. Hope Eze, in Asaba, Delta State.

According to the group, Sheriff’s long-standing commitment to advocacy, youth empowerment, conflict resolution, and accountability in oil-producing communities makes him the most qualified candidate to represent the constituency under the platform of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Eze stated that Sheriff’s years of activism and community engagement have distinguished him as a credible voice for the people of the Niger Delta, especially at a time when many oil-producing communities continue to grapple with poverty, unemployment, environmental degradation, and infrastructural neglect despite contributing immensely to Nigeria’s economy.

“Chief Mulade Sheriff has consistently championed environmental justice, youth empowerment, peace building, and accountability in oil-producing communities,” she said.

“With his recent PhD from Delta State University, Abraka, it is clear he came prepared. He is the best man for the job, and his voice will be the loudest in the hallowed chambers when elected.”

The organization noted that understanding the Sheriff’s advocacy journey requires a deeper look into the realities of the Niger Delta region, which remains the economic backbone of Nigeria through crude oil production but has continued to suffer decades of environmental pollution, oil spills, gas flaring, poor infrastructure, and economic hardship.

According to CCFSD, these challenges gave rise to a generation of activists and community leaders committed to demanding justice, fairness, and development for the region, with Sheriff standing out prominently among them.

As National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Sheriff has reportedly led several campaigns focused on environmental protection, human rights, peacebuilding, youth development, and conflict resolution across the Niger Delta.

The group said he has remained vocal in demanding better living conditions, improved healthcare, quality education, modern infrastructure, and employment opportunities for host communities that contribute significantly to the nation’s oil wealth.

CCFSD also highlighted the Sheriff’s role in promoting peace during periods of unrest and militancy in the Niger Delta, noting that he consistently advocated dialogue and non-violent engagement as alternatives to conflict.

The organization further described him as a respected peace advocate whose interventions have earned him recognition in various quarters, including references in some media reports as a “United Nations Peace Ambassador.”

On youth development and economic growth, Sheriff has repeatedly called on the Delta State government to prioritize industrialization and job creation to tackle the growing challenges of unemployment and poverty.

According to the group, he has consistently warned that infrastructure projects alone cannot effectively address insecurity without deliberate economic policies that create opportunities for young people.

Beyond regional issues, Sheriff has also remained outspoken on national governance matters. He has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors to focus more on governance and economic recovery rather than premature political campaigns ahead of future elections.

His public interventions have often focused on the effects of inflation, rising poverty levels, and the daily struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians.

CCFSD further noted that the Sheriff’s traditional title as the “Ibe-Serimowei” of Gbaramatu Kingdom has strengthened his influence and grassroots connection across the region.

Over the years, his contributions have attracted recognition from several organizations and professional bodies.

In 2017, the Ijaw community in Lagos honored him as “the voice of the voiceless” in recognition of his advocacy for marginalized communities in the Niger Delta.

Similarly, in 2024, the Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, decorated him as a patron for his contributions to peacebuilding, youth empowerment, environmental advocacy, and media development.

The organization also referenced the Sheriff’s position on oil revenue management, particularly his call for the direct payment of the 13 percent derivation fund to host communities rather than state governments.

According to Sheriff, many oil-bearing communities remain grossly underdeveloped despite decades of oil exploration and huge revenue generation from their lands.

He has equally spoken strongly in defense of judicial independence, describing the judiciary as “the last hope of the common man” and cautioning against politically motivated interference in the nation’s justice system.

CCFSD therefore called on political stakeholders, traditional institutions, youth groups, women organizations, and residents of Warri Federal Constituency to support Sheriff’s aspiration, insisting that his wealth of experience in advocacy, community development, environmental justice, and conflict resolution uniquely positions him to provide effective representation at the National Assembly.

The group maintained that the 2027 elections present an opportunity for the constituency to elect a representative with deep grassroots understanding, national visibility, and a proven commitment to the welfare of the people.