By BONIFACE AKARAH

A youth group, the Niger Delta Youth For Good Governance (NDYFGG), has called on Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to uphold political equity and sustain stability in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

In an open letter dated April 20, 2026, NDYFGG National President, Lucky Ukueku, urged the governor not to be swayed by what he described as “self-serving political actors” seeking to disrupt existing power-sharing arrangements in the council.

Ukueku said Ughelli South comprises three political blocs—Out-Jeremi, Olomu, and Ewu kingdoms—and noted that a long-standing rotational arrangement has guided the distribution of key political offices among them.

“For the sake of fairness, a rotational arrangement has long guided political offices among the three blocs,” he stated.

He, however, alleged that the arrangement was previously distorted during Ewu Kingdom’s turn to produce the council chairman, leading to political imbalances.

According to him, the current House of Assembly member representing the area, Festus Utuama, should be allowed to complete a second term in line with established practice.

“For fairness and equity, he should be allowed, like others before him, to complete a second term,” Ukueku said.

The NDYFGG leader also defended the performance of the current council chairman, Lucky Avweromre, describing his leadership as impactful and people-oriented.

“Since the return of democracy in 1999, Ughelli South has not witnessed local leadership as responsive and impactful as that of Hon. Dr. Avweromre and Hon. Utuama,” he said.

Ukueku alleged that some political actors were attempting to undermine the two officials for personal gain, including efforts to impose godfatherism and influence the distribution of public funds.

“Hon. Utuama is being targeted because he refused to submit to godfatherism, while the council chairman faces resentment for rejecting corrupt proposals,” he claimed.

He further warned that any disruption of the current political structure could destabilise the area and weaken support for the governor’s administration.

“If not for their loyalty and political maturity, many aggrieved persons would have defected to opposition parties,” Ukueku added.

The group called on the governor to intervene and maintain the existing balance of power in the local government.

“Do not allow greedy and selfish leaders in Ughelli South to dismantle the existing political structure that is currently stabilising the LGA,” he said.

Ukueku also urged the governor to rein in associates allegedly working against the current leadership in the area.

“Let the peace and balance in Ughelli South be sustained for the benefit of our people,” he said, adding that “anyone fighting the existing leadership structure is working against the interest of your government and the people.”

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