The Chairmen of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Ika South and Ika North-East local government areas of Delta State, Comrades Emmanuel Nwanma and Nnamdi Memeh, have died in a fatal vehicle accident.

The tragic accident, which occurred on Monday, July 21, 2026, has plunged the Ika nation, local government workers, and the labour movement in Delta State into mourning.

The main cause of the crash has not been ascertained as details surrounding the accident are still sketchy.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Area, Hon. Hunkamma Monday Odigwe, described the death of Comrade Memeh as a monumental loss to the council and the entire local government workforce.

In a condolence message, Odigwe recalled that when he assumed office two years ago, he met a union leader whose guiding principle was “The Workers First.”

“I am deeply pained by his passing because we had built a strong working relationship that would have been of immense benefit to all,” he said.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed union leaders.

Similarly, the Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, Jerry Ehiwarior, expressed profound grief over the death of Comrade Emmanuel Nwanma.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Onwuka, Ehiwarior described the late NULGE chairman as a committed labour leader whose dedication to workers’ welfare and industrial harmony earned him widespread respect.

He said Nwanma was a calm, dependable and selfless leader who consistently placed the interests of workers above personal considerations while promoting peace, dialogue and understanding.

“His passing has created a painful void that will not be easily filled. The council has lost a dependable partner, the workforce has lost a courageous representative, and our local government has lost a man whose contributions will continue to be remembered for years to come,” the statement said.

Ehiwarior extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, the leadership and members of NULGE, staff of the Ika South Local Government Council, friends and associates.

He prayed God grant the departed eternal rest and comfort all those mourning their loss. (The Nation)