ASABA, July 2, 2025 — There was tension in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State this week as residents staged a peaceful protest to express their frustration over what they described as years of neglect, marginalization, and underdevelopment.
Speaking during an interview in Asaba on Wednesday, Hon. Collins Egbetamah, the member representing Udu in the Delta State House of Assembly, said the people had every right to speak up, adding that their complaints were valid.
“The people of Udu know what they are going through, and the truth is that what they are saying is real,” Egbetamah said. “This neglect has been going on for years across different administrations, and that’s why they are speaking out now.”
“Udu Feels Left Out”
Hon. Egbetamah acknowledged that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has been doing commendable work across Delta State, especially in areas like Warri, Uvwie, and Asaba. But he said those same efforts are not being felt in Udu.
“You see the projects in Uvwie, the flyover in Warri, roads in Asaba, and many more in health and education,” he said. “But the people of Udu are not feeling that same level of development — and they are saying: ‘Please remember us too.’”
The lawmaker described Udu as “highly underdeveloped”, with its main road — the Udu road — full of potholes and drainage issues. He listed neglected areas such as Oleri to Emadadja, Orhuwhorun to Owhrode, and the road to Otor-Udu, which houses the local government headquarters, as major pain points.
“That road from the Udu bridge to Otor-Udu and Essien is a death trap. During the rainy season, it’s in terrible shape. If the Governor fixes just that road, it will solve so many problems for thousands of people,” he added.
“People Want Real Development, Not Political Projects”
Egbetamah also criticized the way some projects are selected in the area, claiming that some of them only benefit a few individuals.
“Some roads that the government listed are not really helping the general public,” he said. “You cannot say you’ve done something meaningful when it’s only a politician’s street that was fixed. People want projects that affect their everyday lives.”
He called on the Governor to involve elected representatives like himself in planning development projects to ensure that the real needs of the people are considered.
“As their representative, I know their pain. When leaders don’t consult us, they might think they’re helping, but they’re missing the real issues,” he said.
Despite all the frustrations, Hon. Egbetamah asked the people of Udu to remain calm.
“Your message has been heard. Let’s be patient. Everything cannot be done overnight, but I believe the Governor has a listening ear and a big heart,” he concluded.
Government Fires Back: “This is Political”
Meanwhile, the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has dismissed the protest as a political move.
Speaking with reporters in Asaba, Aniagwu claimed that some individuals are deliberately spreading false information to make the government look bad ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“These people are trying to mislead the public. The government is working hard across all 25 local government areas, including Udu,” he said.
Aniagwu said the Governor’s administration has ongoing projects in Udu — including roads, schools, and health centers — and urged youths not to fall for politically motivated propaganda.
“We are not only working in places that voted for us. Development is not a reward for votes. It’s our duty, and we are fulfilling it,” Aniagwu said.
Oil & Gas Commissioner (Also from Udu) Speaks on Protest
Also reacting to the protest, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor, the Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas and a prominent son of Udu, acknowledged that residents are asking for more development.
He said he first heard about the protest while in his office and quickly asked around to get more information. He later visited the protesting groups and listened to their concerns.
“They’re not protesting violently — they are simply asking for more government attention. And I understand their frustration,” Uviejitobor said.
He explained that while the government has started some projects in Udu, many of them are still ongoing and not yet fully visible. He encouraged residents to be patient, assuring them that more developments are on the way.
When asked whether Udu people had a say in the kinds of projects being done, Uviejitobor said project selection is not always in his hands. However, he expressed confidence in the Governor’s leadership and commitment to fairness.
“Let’s be patient,” he said. “The Governor has good plans for everyone, including Udu.”
What’s Next for Udu?
As of now, there is calm in Udu, and community leaders are urging the youth to avoid further protests while giving the government time to respond.
The people of Udu are hoping that their outcry will lead to real and lasting improvements, especially in road infrastructure, drainage systems, education, and healthcare.
While government officials maintain that development is ongoing and fair across the state, the residents of Udu are watching closely — waiting for promises to turn into real projects that benefit everyone, not just a few.
