CDHR elects new leadership in Delta with rights activist, Agberen as Chairman

Rising from its 2026  Biennial General Conference, the Delta State Branch of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR have elected a new leadership to pilot its affairs in the next two (2) years with Warri based human right activist, Comrade (Amb.) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen as State Chairman. The CDHR elected Agberen with others as Executive members of the Committe on Saturday July 25 at Otokutu Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area. 

Other members of the newly elected Executive includes, Comrade Chika Maduh (Udu Unit 3),Comrade Tega Claims (Udu Unit 1), Comrade Igbimor.A.Trust(Okpe Unit 1), Comrade Nosa Gods will (Udu Unit 3),Comrade Amata Faith (Udu Unit 1)
and Comrade Castrocollins Abegha (Udu Unit 3) as Secretary,Assistant State Secretary, Vice State Chairman, Publicity Secretary, Internal Auditor, State Treasurer respectively.

The theme for the Biennial Conference was, "Good Governance and the Rule of Law: Pathways for Sustainable Development in Delta State."

Our Correspondent who monitored the exercise, report that delegates unanimously elected Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen as Chairman with the others, under a peaceful atmosphere. 

The newly elected excos were sworn in by the constituted Electoral Committee members nominated by the congress as the constitution demands. 

Those in the Electoral Committee includes,Elder Comrade Ojor Parker as Eleco Chairman, Comrade Blessing as Eleco Secretary and Comrade Onotu S. Ufuoma as a member.

The election commenced with the introduction of special delegates and dignitaries.

It was followed by the accreditation of statutory delegates and a formal call to order by the outgoing Chairman of the State Caretaker Committee, Comrade Solomon Eseoghene Onoruerome, who welcomed participants and urged members to remain steadfast in defending the rights of citizens and promoting democratic values.

In his acceptance speech,the newly elected CDHR Chairman,Comrade Agberen appreciated the delegates for the confidence reposed in him and the executive. 

He assured members of the CDHR that his leadership would prioritize unity, transparency, accountability, and service.

Comrade Agberen also pledged to strengthen the organization's human rights advocacy as well as expand grassroots engagement across Delta State.

Comrade Agberen also said he will ensure that the CDHR remains a strong voice in the defence of justice, the protection of vulnerable citizens, and the promotion of constitutional democracy.

Earlier in a keynote address, renowned legal practitioner,Sir. (Barr.) John Larry Ojukoko, underscored the importance of the rule of law as the bedrock of responsible leadership, democratic governance, and national development. 

He maintained that no society can attain meaningful progress where justice is undermined and the rights of citizens are disregarded.

Ojukoko described environmental degradation as one of the most serious forms of human rights abuse confronting communities, particularly in the Niger Delta. 

He noted that environmental pollution continues to threaten lives, destroy property, undermine public health, and deprive thousands of residents of their means of livelihood.

He urged governments at all levels, regulatory agencies, multinational oil companies, and community leaders to uphold environmental justice by enforcing existing environmental laws, protecting the rights of affected communities, and promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.

Participants deliberated on strengthening democratic institutions, encouraging citizens' participation in governance, protecting fundamental human rights, and repositioning the CDHR to respond more effectively to emerging human rights challenges across Delta State.

The conference ended with a collective call on government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and the general public to work together in entrenching good governance, protecting fundamental human rights, and upholding the rule of law as the surest pathway to lasting peace, social justice, and sustainable development in Delta.

Present at the Biennial Conference were Human Rights Defenders, Civil Society Activists, Legal Practitioners, and Stakeholders from various CDHR units across the State.