The Utagba-Ogbe Council of Chiefs and Elders, in collaboration with the Utagba-Ogbe President General, has issued a strong directive halting all political campaign activities in Kwale, headquarters of Ndokwa West Local Government Area.
In a press statement released to the public, the traditional institution declared that no form of political engagement would be permitted in Utagba-Ogbe Kingdom until what it described as “justice” is delivered to the Ndokwa people.
“There shall be NO political campaigns of any kind in Kwale, Utagba-Ogbe Kingdom, until justice is served to Ndokwa Nation,” the statement read, underscoring the community’s frustration over years of perceived neglect and marginalisation.
The leaders lamented that despite hosting a major Independent Power Plant in Kwale, residents have remained without electricity for over 16 years.
They described the situation as deeply unfair, noting that power generated from their land is transmitted to other parts of the country while the host community continues to live in darkness.
“It is both unjust and unacceptable that electricity generated from our land is stepped down and transmitted to Obosi and distributed across multiple states and even the Federal Capital Territory, while the host community is abandoned in darkness,” the statement said.
“This is not only an injustice, it is an insult.”
Beyond power concerns, the council highlighted the region’s long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s economy through oil and gas production.
According to the statement, Ndokwa Nation has hosted more than eight oil and gas companies for over six decades, yet lacks corresponding development.
“Ndokwa Nation has also sustained Nigeria’s economy for over 60 years. Yet, there is little to show in terms of basic infrastructure, social amenities, or meaningful development,” the leaders stated, pointing to poor road conditions and underdeveloped communities as evidence of neglect.
Declaring that the situation had reached a breaking point, the council stressed that the era of unfulfilled promises must end.
“Enough is enough,” the statement emphasised.
The traditional leaders set out clear conditions for lifting the ban, insisting that tangible steps must first be taken to ensure electricity is stepped down within Ndokwa Nation.
They further called on the government to take full responsibility for funding and executing the necessary infrastructure.
“No campaign activities will be tolerated in Kwale until concrete steps are taken to ensure the stepping down of power within Ndokwa Nation,” the statement declared.
“The government must take immediate responsibility and fully finance the process required to make electricity available to the host community.”
Rejecting what they described as empty assurances, the leaders warned that the people would no longer accept political rhetoric without measurable outcomes.
“Ndokwa people will no longer accept promises, political rhetoric, or symbolic gestures—we demand visible, measurable action.”
Reaffirming their unity, the council stated that the community is prepared to defend its interests within legal means, while calling attention to the broader implications of continued inaction.
“This is not business as usual. The patience of our people has been stretched beyond limits,” the statement noted.
“We will no longer fold our arms while our resources are exploited and our future neglected.”
The statement concluded with a solemn reminder of accountability, both to history and to the people.
“History is recording, and posterity will judge all actions taken or not taken at this critical moment.
“God Almighty is watching, and the people are taking notes.”
The statement was jointly signed by the Utagba-Ogbe Council of Chiefs and Elders and the Utagba-Ogbe President General.
