…Chides Ughelli South LG Council Officials for Bypassing Community Constitution
By Sunday Apah
The people of Ekwaba Quarters, Egbo-Uhurie Community, Ughievwen Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area, have rejected the alleged election of Mr. Gift Moke as President General of the community.
They described the election as a gross deviation from the community constitution, orchestrated by officials of the council who conducted the election.
The community members expressed their grievances during a protest at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Isoko Road, Ughelli, Delta State, on 30th December 2025.
Speaking on behalf of Ekwaba Quarters, Mr. Efeduma Najophen, Mr. Bishop Makililo, and Mr. Ufuoma Omatie described the incident as a mere charade perpetrated by the officials of the Ughelli South Local Government Area who conducted the election.
They stressed that the local government council has no jurisdiction in the conduct of Ekwaba Quarters’ community election, except in an observatory capacity.
According to them, “We came to the NUJ Secretariat to inform the world of the oppression meted out to us by the council officials. We believe the council was not fully aware of the nature of their actions.
“We want Nigerians, relevant authorities, and the international community to take note of this grave and troubling incident involving the unlawful interference and hijacking of a duly constituted community election.
“The election was supposed to be conducted in accordance with the community constitution and established democratic processes, using recognized and authorized delegates drawn from families and stakeholders within Ekwaba Quarters.
“The approved delegates included the following: Tineru Family: Felix Ejenavi, Austin Makililo, Emmanuel Fashion, Chief Gabriel Eko, and Monday Gbekebo; Jovwe Family: Soldier, Dickson Omatie, Paul Akwa, Ochuko Solomon, and Michael Udu; Ekromogbe Family: Enajophe Efeduma, Bright Dukuye, Taye Orogu, Chief Koko Phopho, and Felix Roze.
“Contrary to these lawful arrangements, officials of the Ughelli South Local Government Area Council allegedly intervened by introducing an unauthorized list of delegates that did not conform to those constitutionally empowered to vote.
“Through this action, the election was effectively hijacked, circumventing all agreed procedures.
“An individual who had already been overwhelmingly rejected by the community was forcefully installed as winner.
“This individual failed to meet constitutional requirements for the position and has, in the past, repeatedly disrupted election processes through inflammatory conduct and deliberate obstruction of voting whenever outcomes were unfavorable to him.
“The community has consistently rejected his leadership. It is our position that, having lost the confidence and support of the people, this individual colluded with the Local Government Council to impose himself through illegitimate means.
“There are serious concerns regarding his character, as several past issues associated with him do not align with the values, norms, and way of life of Ekwaba Quarters.
“More disturbing was the presence of armed police and military personnel, who allegedly engaged in sporadic gunfire, causing fear and panic among residents. This intimidation prevented community members from freely exercising their franchise. What should have remained a peaceful civil and community matter was instead militarized.
“The people of Ekwaba Quarters rejected the imposed outcome. Peaceful protests ensued, and stakeholders sought redress by engaging the monarch and other traditional authorities in the region.
“We are deeply concerned that if this unlawful act is not urgently and appropriately addressed, it may lead to a breakdown of law and order in the community and have long-term negative effects on political stability, communal harmony, and the overall welfare of Ekwaba Quarters.
“We reiterate the following critical questions: How did this process originate, and who authorized it? On what legal basis did the Local Government Council override a constitutionally recognized community election?
“Why was an individual who did not meet constitutional requirements declared winner? Who authorized the deployment of armed police and military personnel to a purely civil and community matter? Why was a peaceful process militarized instead of protected?
“We call on the general public, the Delta State Government, relevant security and oversight agencies, the Federal Government of Nigeria, civil society organizations, human rights bodies, and the international community to urgently intervene, investigate this matter, and ensure accountability, justice, and respect for democratic principles.
“The people of Ekwaba Quarters remain committed to peace, lawful conduct, and dialogue. However, we will not accept intimidation, illegality, or the erosion of our constitutional and communal rights,” the trio concluded.
