New Year 2026: Ijaw Leader Mulade Charges President Tinubu, Governors on Accountability, Economic Relief
By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Environmental activist, Chief Sheriff Mulade, PhD, has bare out his mind to the authority and leaders of our nation in his January 1, 2026, message even when many celebrated the new year with fireworks and festivities, he stood by the water’s edge with the weight of his people’s future on his mind.
For the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu, the New Year wasn’t just a change of the calendar—it was a final call for a nation at a crossroads.
His Message to the Presidential Villa
From the heart of the Niger Delta, Mulade’s voice carried a sharp message to Abuja. He acknowledged the grim reality: despite the dawn of 2026, the “common man” was still trapped in a vice of economic hardship.
Addressing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mulade bypassed the usual political pleasantries. He urged the President to look beyond the cold numbers of macroeconomics and focus on the “daily realities” of the hungry. His plea was simple but firm: stop focusing on the next election cycle and start focusing on the next meal for the citizens.
He called for a shift toward “purposeful governance”—policies that prioritize human dignity over political maneuvering.
The Bridge to the Riverine Communities
Turning his gaze toward his home state, Mulade shared a message of “cautious praise” for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He recognized the cranes and construction crews currently transforming Delta’s major city centers into modern hubs.
”The infrastructure revolution is visible,” Mulade noted, but his eyes turned back to the winding creeks where the Ijaw and Itsekiri people live. These water-bound communities are the “live wire” of the economy, fueling the state through the Blue Economy, as well as oil and gas.
”Extending infrastructure to these areas isn’t just a favor,” Mulade emphasized. “It is a necessity for peace. When people feel recognized, they tend to maintain peace. When they feel forgotten, the foundation of stability shakes.”
The 1.7 Trillion Naira Turning Point
As the National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Mulade pointed to a specific beacon of hope: Delta State’s N1.7 trillion budget for 2026.
To Mulade, this isn’t just a number on a spreadsheet; it is a moral contract. He challenged the government to ensure every naira is anchored in:
• Accountability: No more “distractions” or “leakages.”
• Transparency: Showing the people exactly how their resources are spent.
• Collective Responsibility: A partnership between the leaders and the led.
A Call for Unity in the Creeks
Before the New Year’s sun reached its peak, the Peace Ambassador made one final appeal—not to the leaders, but to his neighbors. He called on the various ethnic groups of Delta State to lay down old grievances and embrace a “collaborative peace.”
His logic was grounded in practical reality: Investors do not come to war zones. To create jobs and lift the state out of poverty, the people must first create an environment where progress can take root.
As 2026 begins, Chief Mulade Sheriff remains the “Watchman of the Creeks,” hopeful that this year will be remembered not for its challenges, but for the moment Nigeria finally began to listen to its people.
See his full message:
New Year 2026: Ijaw Leader Mulade Charges President Tinubu, Governors on Accountability, Economic Relief
A prominent Ijaw leader, peace advocate, and renowned human and environmental rights activist, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has welcomed Nigerians to the New Year 2026, urging governments at all levels to embrace prudence, accountability, and purposeful governance focused on delivering electoral promises rather than being distracted by the next election cycle.
Mulade, the Ibe-Serimowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, made the call in a New Year message he issued at Okerenkoko Community, Gbaramatu Kingdom Delta State, on New Year’s day.
In his message the renowned peace ambassador reflected on the prevailing socio-economic realities confronting the nation and the responsibilities of leadership at a critical time in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
According to him, Nigerians are currently grappling with severe economic hardship, a situation he noted demands urgent, people-oriented responses from the Federal Government.
The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), specifically charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to intensify efforts aimed at easing the burden on citizens through inclusive and sustainable economic policies that prioritize the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“It is imperative to state that Nigerians are going through hard times in the economy,” Mulade said, and added that “The Federal Government must therefore ensure that policies are people-focused, addressing the daily realities of citizens and restoring hope, stability, and confidence in governance.”
Turning attention to Delta State, the peace and development advocate commended Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as an ongoing infrastructural development revolution across major city centres of the state.
He noted that visible improvements in roads and urban infrastructure reflect the administration’s commitment to development.
However, Mulade urged the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure that the benefits of development are evenly distributed across the Delta State in 2026, particularly by extending similar infrastructural projects to the riverine communities, predominantly occupied by the Ijaws and Itsekiris.
“These riverine communities are the sources and live wire of the state’s economy, through Blue marine economy, Oil and Gas,” he stated. “Extending infrastructure to these areas will give the people a greater sense of belonging, strengthen citizen participation, and promote collaboration and partnership in driving sustainable peace and continuous development in Delta State.”
He emphasized that inclusive development remains a critical factor in maintaining peace in the Niger Delta, stressing that communities that feel recognized and supported are more likely to cooperate with government policies and development initiatives.
Mulade also called on citizens, especially Deltans, to play their part in fostering peace and stability, noting that government efforts alone are insufficient without public cooperation.
“As citizens, we must give government, particularly Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori maximum support to ensure a peaceful and secured Delta,” he said. “Peace is essential to attracting and wooing investors who can create employment opportunities and drive development in our dear state,” he added. Let me specifically appealed to the various ethnic groups in Delta State to support and promote collaborative efforts for sustainable peace in the state that will foster peaceful coexistence among themselves for socio-economic stability and development in 2026..
The Ijaw leader congratulated Nigerians, particularly the people of Delta State, on the dawn of the New Year 2026, expressing optimism that the year would usher in better living conditions and greater opportunities for the nation.
He expressed hope that the 2026 budget with N1.7 trillion, Delta State would mark a turning point toward responsive governance, economic relief, and sustainable development anchored on peace, accountability, transparency and collective responsibility.