By Efe Onadjae

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Delta State, Capt. David Omatseye has said that Warri Federal Constituency requires stronger, more result-oriented representation at the National Assembly, declaring that the oil-rich area can no longer afford what he described as ineffective legislative engagement.

Omatseye said the economic significance of Warri to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector makes it imperative that the constituency be represented by a lawmaker with the experience, influence, and negotiating capacity to attract tangible development and policy attention.

“Warri deserves more than space-fillers,” he said, stressing that the constituency’s strategic importance must be reflected in the quality of its representation.

The APC stalwart formally declared his ambition to contest the Warri Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections, saying his decision was driven by what he described as the urgent need to reposition the constituency for greater impact within the Nigerian federation.

“It is no longer news even to the blind and deaf that the current representation has not met the expectations of well-informed and highly critical members of the constituency,” Omatseye said.
He added that legislative representation must go beyond routine participation in plenary activities to proactive engagement capable of influencing policy decisions and attracting federal presence to the constituency.

“Representation must be made clear, not a tea party. It is not a time to fizzle away with inanities that have no direct, positive, pragmatic and impactful bearing on the area you represent,” he stated.

Omatseye identified environmental degradation in oil-producing communities as a critical issue requiring urgent legislative attention, noting that decades of oil exploration have negatively impacted livelihoods across several parts of Warri Federal Constituency.

According to him, communities such as Ugborodo, Kurutie, Ureju, Omadino, Ugbodede and Koko continue to face ecological challenges that require deliberate legislative advocacy for remediation and compensation.

“This is one sore point that has upended the environmental integrity and ecological serenity of our area,” he said, pledging to champion laws that would strengthen environmental accountability and ensure sustainable development in affected communities.

He also emphasised the need to address youth unemployment as part of broader efforts to reduce crime and social unrest within the constituency, noting that economic empowerment remains key to sustainable peace.

“With impactful human capital development initiatives for our youth, we can assuage their hyper nerves. When youths are gainfully employed, there will be none available to perpetuate violence,” he said.
The aspirant disclosed plans to support the establishment of technology hubs and resource centres across riverine and upland communities to expand access to skills acquisition and innovation-driven opportunities.

On communal tensions in parts of the constituency, Omatseye advocated sustained dialogue and respect for the rule of law as essential tools for maintaining unity and stability.

“We must promote those values and virtues that unite us for more socio-economic development rather than burn bridges of unity,” he said.

Highlighting his experience, Omatseye pointed to over three decades of involvement in labour union leadership and community development, including roles in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

He said his background in negotiation and advocacy has equipped him to effectively engage stakeholders and attract development projects to Warri Federal Constituency.

“My decision is not an afterthought. It is borne out of a noble call to provide service to my fatherland, humanity and God Almighty,” Omatseye added.