By Ebikeme Abai
National Democratic Party candidate for Warri Federal Constituency, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has pledged to make the revival of the Escravos Free Trade Zone and development of the proposed Gbaramatu Deep Seaport major priorities of his legislative agenda if elected to the House of Representatives in 2027.
Mulade made the commitment on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, during a consultation visit to the palace of the Pere of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oboro-Gbaraun II, JP, Aketekpe Agadagba, at Oporoza, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The visit formed part of Mulade’s consultations ahead of the election. He had earlier formally launched his campaign for the Warri Federal Constituency seat in August.
Presenting what he described as his development agenda for the constituency, Mulade said Warri and its surrounding communities possessed enormous economic potential that could be unlocked through major maritime, industrial and employment-generating projects.
“The Escravos Free Trade Zone must not remain a forgotten project. It has the potential to attract industries, create jobs, expand trade and open new opportunities for our people,” Mulade said.
He said the proposed Gbaramatu Deep Seaport should also be viewed beyond the immediate interests of Gbaramatu Kingdom, arguing that the project could stimulate wider economic activity across Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State and the country.
“The Gbaramatu Deep Seaport is not only a Gbaramatu project; it is a Warri Federal Constituency project and a project that can benefit Delta State and Nigeria. We must begin to think beyond politics and focus on projects that will create lasting economic value,” he said.
According to Mulade, the constituency has the waterways, coastline, oil and gas resources and human capital required to support a stronger maritime and industrial economy.
“We have the waterways, the coastline, the oil and gas resources and the human capital. What we need is purposeful representation that can bring all these advantages together and turn them into development,” he said.
Mulade, an environmental rights activist, said his years of engagement with oil-producing communities had exposed him to the effects of pollution, unemployment and inadequate infrastructure across the Niger Delta.
“We cannot continue to produce the wealth of this nation and remain poor, unemployed and environmentally devastated. Our people deserve roads, jobs, quality education, healthcare, electricity, potable water and a safe environment,” he said.
He added that his ambition was built around what he called a seven-point development compact, covering employment creation, infrastructure, environmental protection, education, healthcare, maritime development and improved representation.
“I want the people to read the document, ask questions and hold me accountable. This is not a secret agenda. It is a public commitment to the people of Warri Federal Constituency,” Mulade said.
He also called for stronger cooperation among the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities, saying the constituency’s development challenges cut across ethnic lines.
“We may belong to different ethnic groups, but we share the same challenges. Pollution does not know whether a person is Ijaw, Itsekiri or Urhobo. Unemployment does not discriminate. That is why we must unite around development,” he said.
Mulade said he deliberately began the latest phase of his traditional institution consultations in Gbaramatu Kingdom because of his connection to the kingdom and the need to seek the monarch’s prayers.
“I am a son of this kingdom, and I cannot begin this journey without coming home to seek the blessing and prayers of our father, the Pere,” he said.
Responding, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom welcomed Mulade and offered prayers for him, while stressing that traditional rulers should remain above partisan politics.
“We are traditional rulers, not politicians. But we have a duty to advise our people and support anything that will bring development, peace and progress to the kingdom and the constituency,” the monarch said.
The Pere also cautioned candidates and supporters against violence and excessive spending during election campaigns.
“Election is not war. It is an opportunity for the people to choose who they believe can represent them. Nobody should fight or destroy relationships because of politics,” he said.
He urged Mulade’s supporters to campaign on programmes, character and ideas rather than attacks on other candidates.
“Let the people hear what he wants to do. Let them judge him by his plans and his ability. There is no need for insults or violence,” the monarch said.
The Pere further urged Mulade to remain focused on service if elected.
“Do not forget the people who are supporting you today. If you are elected, remember that you are going there to serve the people and not yourself,” he said.
Also speaking during the visit, the NDP Delta State Chairman, Hon. Emeka Umerah, said the party settled on Mulade because of what it considered his previous record of service and public engagement.
“Like it’s always said, a good market will always market itself,” Umerah said, while pledging the party’s support for the candidate.
Mulade was accompanied by Umerah, Chief Okiemute Itemere, Prince Frank Ogunje and other supporters.
The palace visit is expected to be followed by further consultations across communities in Warri Federal Constituency as campaigns ahead of the 2027 election continue.
