Banner Online News

By Elumelu Felix

UTAGBA-OGBE/EMU— Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, the NDC Delta North Senatorial Candidate, has expressed concern that communities endowed with substantial natural gas deposits continue to face inadequate electricity supply, insisting that the resources of Ndokwa Nation must translate into power for local homes and jobs for young people rather than merely enriching outsiders.

Ochei spoke on Friday, 23 October 2026, during consultation visits with traditional rulers and institutions in Utagba-Ogbe and Emu Kingdoms, where he led a delegation of party candidates.

At the Obi Ndu Eze Council of Chiefs in Utagba-Ogbe, Ochei outlined his vision for the development of Ndokwa Nation and drew attention to the paradox of gas-rich communities living without reliable electricity. Drawing on his background as a power engineer, he explained how the Okpai Power Plant could be leveraged as part of efforts to improve power supply across Delta North.

He told the chiefs and residents that the plant, located within the district, represents a strategic asset that should be deliberately connected to local demand through stronger distribution infrastructure and closer coordination among operators, transmission and distribution companies, and the state government.

“Your gas must light your homes and create jobs — not just enrich outsiders,” Ochei said, stressing that reliable electricity would stimulate small businesses, attract investment, create employment, and unlock the local economy.

Ochei also called on the people to hold prospective representatives accountable by examining their previous performance and stated plans. He referenced his record as a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, during which he facilitated constituency projects and oversaw the renovation of the Assembly complex.

Other members of the delegation included Dr. Ugochukwu Nwokolo (Overdo), Engr. Edwin Nzei, the NDC candidate for Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, the party’s candidate for Ndokwa West State Constituency, and NDC Delta North chairman Hon. Aaron Udoka Ebenuwa.

The team later proceeded in a procession to the palace of HRM Isaac Obi, the Oduosa I of Utagba-Ogbe. The visit drew public attention, with residents gathering along streets, shops, and market areas in Kwale.

At the palace, Ochei paid respects to the monarch and recalled the passage of the Anti-Kidnapping law during his tenure as Speaker as evidence of his capacity to deliver results. The traditional ruler, accompanied by his council, received the candidates, offered prayers for their aspirations, and urged them to remain committed to the development of Ndokwa Nation.

The consultation continued at Emu Kingdom, where the delegation was warmly received. Ochei assured residents of his commitment to promoting development through effective legislative representation, stressing that reliable electricity must be prioritised because improved power supply could stimulate businesses, attract investment, create jobs, and unlock local economic potential.

HRM Johnson Ekpechi, the Obueweh of Emu Kingdom, expressed support for the candidates’ development agenda, which he said aligns with broader calls for Nigeria to shift from a consumption-driven economy toward one focused on production and value creation.

The visits to Utagba-Ogbe and Emu Kingdoms highlighted electricity, infrastructure, economic transformation, and purposeful representation as priorities for Ndokwa Nation.

Ochei maintained that the region’s natural resources should translate into tangible benefits for its people through policies that support industrialisation, empower young people, and raise living standards.