A prominent Ijaw leader and peace advocate, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors to prioritise accountability, prudent governance and economic relief as Nigerians enter the New Year 2026.
Mulade said the worsening economic hardship facing citizens requires urgent, people-focused policies rather than political distractions, stressing that leadership at all levels must be guided by responsibility and commitment to campaign promises.
The Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom made the call in a New Year message issued from Okerenkoko community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.
In the message, the renowned human and environmental rights activist reflected on Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, describing the period as a critical moment in the nation’s democratic journey.
According to him, many Nigerians are struggling to cope with rising living costs, unemployment and declining purchasing power, a situation he said demands decisive intervention from the Federal Government.
The National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) specifically urged President Tinubu to intensify efforts at easing the burden on citizens through inclusive and sustainable economic policies.
“It is imperative to state that Nigerians are going through hard times in the economy,” Mulade said. “Government policies must be people-focused, addressing the daily realities of citizens and restoring hope, stability and confidence in governance.”
Turning to Delta State, Mulade commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as visible infrastructural development across major urban centres of the state.
He noted that improvements in road networks and urban infrastructure reflect the administration’s commitment to development and service delivery.
However, the peace ambassador urged the governor to ensure that development projects are evenly spread across the state, particularly to riverine communities predominantly inhabited by Ijaw and Itsekiri people.
“These riverine communities are the live wire of the state’s economy through the blue marine economy, oil and gas,” he said. “Extending infrastructure to these areas will promote inclusion and strengthen peace.”
Mulade stressed that inclusive development is key to sustaining peace in the Niger Delta, noting that communities that feel recognised and supported are more likely to cooperate with government initiatives.
He also called on residents of Delta State to support government efforts by promoting peace and stability, saying development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.
“Peace is essential for attracting investors who can create employment opportunities and drive development,” he said, appealing to ethnic groups in the state to embrace collaboration and peaceful coexistence in 2026.
Mulade congratulated Nigerians, particularly the people of Delta State, on the New Year and expressed optimism that the state’s ₦1.7 trillion 2026 budget would translate into improved living conditions, accountable governance and sustainable development.
