By Jimitota Onoyume

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Care Centre for Sustainable Development (CCFSD), a non governmental organization, has drummed support for the election of Chief Mulade Sheriff for the Warri Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives on the platform of the National Democratic Congress, NDC.

The group in its statement by the Executive Director Mrs. Hope Eze, described Sheriff as the candidate whose track record aligned with peace, unity, and development.

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

” With his recent PhD degree 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.”

Eze explained that Sheriff’s advocacy on the Niger Delta as a leading environmentalist , is an added advantage, noting that when elected to represent the Warri federal constituency he would attract practical solutions to the challenges of underdevelopment in the area.

“The region produces billions of dollars in oil revenue, yet many communities face poverty, unemployment, pollution, and poor infrastructure. Oil spills, gas flaring, and damaged farmlands have affected livelihoods for decades, giving rise to a generation of activists “, she said.

“As National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), he has led campaigns on human rights, environmental protection, youth empowerment, and conflict resolution.

“He has consistently argued that oil-producing communities deserve better living conditions, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and jobs in proportion to their contribution to Nigeria’s economy. He has also criticized the marginalization of the Niger Delta despite its economic importance”, she added.

The group highlighted Sheriff’s peacebuilding work during periods of militancy and conflict in the Niger Delta.

The group said : ” Sheriff has promoted dialogue over violence is a global Peace Ambassador.

“On youth issues, Sheriff has urged the Delta State government to prioritize industrialization to tackle unemployment and poverty. He has warned that without jobs and economic opportunities, infrastructure alone cannot prevent insecurity.

“Nationally, he has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors to focus on governance and economic relief rather than early politicking. His public statements often address inflation, poverty, and the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

“Sheriff holds the traditional title “Ibe-Serimowei” of Gbaramatu Kingdom, which has strengthened his influence in the region.

“His work has earned recognition from several groups. In 2017, the Ijaw community in Lagos honored him as “the voice of the voiceless” in the Niger Delta. In 2024, the Indigenous Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, decorated him as a patron for his contributions to peacebuilding, youth empowerment, environmental advocacy, and media development.

“Sheriff has been vocal on oil revenue management, calling for the direct payment of the 13% derivation fund to host communities rather than state governments. He argues that many oil-bearing communities remain underdeveloped despite decades of production.

“He has also urged the federal government to safeguard judicial independence, describing the judiciary as “the last hope of the common man” and warning against politically influenced judgments.

” We urge stakeholders in Warri Federal Constituency to support Sheriff’s candidacy. His experience in advocacy, community development, and conflict resolution makes him uniquely qualified to represent the constituency effectively”.