By Lucky Uto
The President General of the Ughelli Descendants Union (UDU), Chief Samuel Akpimegi (JP), has called attention to what he described as the persistent marginalisation of Ughelli indigenes in political appointments at both the state and federal levels.
Akpimegi raised the concern during the unveiling of the Ughelli Kingdom Formidable Movement, an initiative aimed at repositioning the kingdom politically and promoting its developmental interests.
According to him, Ughelli sons and daughters have, for a long time, been excluded from key political appointments, leaving the kingdom without adequate representation in critical decision-making structures of government.
He noted that the absence of Ughelli indigenes in major political offices, including positions in the State House of Assembly and the Senate, has become a growing source of concern among leaders and stakeholders across the kingdom.
Akpimegi explained that the establishment of the Ughelli Kingdom Formidable Movement is a strategic effort to mobilise and unite the people of the kingdom toward reclaiming their rightful place in governance.
The UDU President General added that the initiative has already received the support of the traditional institution and several prominent leaders within the kingdom.
He disclosed that the monarch, along with other influential stakeholders, has endorsed the movement.
He therefore urged all sons and daughters of Ughelli Kingdom to put aside political differences and work together for the collective progress of the kingdom, regardless of their affiliations with political parties such as the APC, PDP, ADC, and the Labour Party.
Chairman of the occasion, Dr Bishop Kingsley Enakerhere, said he agreed to preside over the unveiling because the movement is anchored on unity and community development.
Also speaking, the Special Guest of Honour, Chief Lawrence Emerayo, described the initiative as a platform designed to unite Ughelli communities and strengthen their collective voice in the pursuit of political relevance and sustainable development.
