By Sunday Apah

In a historic gathering that brought the spirit of unity and progress, the ancient and revered Otughievwen (Otu-Jeremi) Community has elected Mr. Jacob Bekederemor, popularly known as ‘Don Aziza’, as Chairman, alongside a dynamic team of executives to steer the affairs of the community for the next three years.

The newly elected executives are: Mr. Jacob Bekeredemor, Chairman; Mr. Edakpor Jaho, Treasurer; Mr. Solomon D. Jiruona, Assistant Secretary General; Mr. Henry Sajini, Public Relations Officer; Mr. Edewor Mukoro, Auditor and Mrs. Mrakpor Oghenevwaire Faith, Public Relations Officer II.

In his stirring acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Mr. Jacob Bekeredemor, stated, “today is not about me; it is about us. It is about the collective dream we share for a community that thrives in peace, development, and unity.

“I stand before you not as a ruler, but as a servant. Together with my executive team, we shall work tirelessly to restore our community’s glory, improve our infrastructure, and foster a spirit of brotherhood that transcends every division. I thank you for your trust, and I promise not to betray it.”

Earlier, in a poignant handover speech, the immediate past Chairman of Otughievwen Community, Prince Godwin Djedje, expressed profound gratitude to the community for their unwavering support during his tenure.

“I leave this position with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude,” he said. “Though the journey was not always smooth, we laid a foundation upon which greater things can be built.

“I urge the incoming administration to build on our successes and learn from our challenges. May Otughievwen continue to grow from strength to strength. I thank you all, and I pray that the Almighty guides our new leaders.”

Comrade Gabriel Mukoro, Chairman of the Screening/Election Committee, and Olorogun Samson Janugha, Secretary of the Committee, while declaring Mr. Jacob Bekeredemor and the other elected candidates as winners, highlighted the free, fair, and transparent nature of the election.

“This victory is a testament to the maturity of our democratic process,” Comrade Mukoro declared. “We screened every candidate thoroughly, and the people have spoken with their votes. Mr. Jacob Bekeredemor and his team are the undisputed choice of Otughievwen.

“We charge them to lead with integrity and to always remember that the power they hold was freely to given to them by the people.”

The newly elected Treasurer, Mr. Edakpor Jaho, and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Henry Sajini, in their related speeches, expressed heartfelt thanks to the community for the confidence reposed in them.

“We are humbled by your trust,” Mr. Jaho stated. “I assure you that every kobo that comes into our community’s treasury will be accounted for with honesty and transparency. We shall not let you down.”

Echoing his sentiment, Mr. Henry Sajini added, “My duty is to be the voice of Otughievwen, to project our image positively, and to ensure that our community’s story is told with honour.

“I thank the elders, the youth, and every well-wisher for this opportunity. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress.”

…Says Obakpororo is the best choice for the Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency”

By Sunday Apah

A political pressure group based in Delta State, the ‘Obas Political Movement,’ has pledged to deliver Mr. Johnny Obakpororo, the NDC House of Representatives hopeful for the Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency, as well as other NDC candidates in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.”

Addressing selected journalists in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state, the leader of the group, Chief Ukpebitere Eretakaroma, stated that the group is poised to work with like-minded individuals to change the political narrative of the federal constituency.”

Eretakaroma disclosed that members of the ‘Obas Political Movement’ are spread across the three local government areas of the Federal Constituency.”

According to him, ‘Our job is to deliver Mr. Johnny Obakpororo for the Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency, because he is the most qualified person for the seat in the Green Chamber.'”

“Obakpororo has the pedigree and all it takes to represent the people of the Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.”

“If elected, he will use his wealth of experience and knowledge to attract development and democratic dividends to the constituents.”

“We are calling on all good people of Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency to pray for and support Johnny Obakpororo to emerge victorious.”

Eretakaroma stated further that “Obakpororo has paid his dues. He has been championing the course of the Urhobo nation and is a strong advocate of good governance and representation.

“As the Urhobo Coordinator of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), he has demonstrated strong leadership qualities to the various communities in the three local government areas.

“He has used his office to influence job opportunities for the youths of the Urhobo nation and beyond, due to his generosity, empathy, and magnanimity.

“Therefore, we call on all other contestants to allow Obakpororo to go for the seat of the Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Udu Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber, so he can continue to use his private and leadership experiences to bring quality leadership to our three local government areas.

“‘We need fresh ideas, new energy, and fresh faces in the affairs of our constituency,’ the group added.

...Hails Maturity, Peaceful Conduct of Primaries Across Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Udu Federal Constituency

By Sunday Apah

The Urhobo Coordinator of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Mr. Johnny Obakpororo, popularly known as ‘Obas,’ has secured a resounding highest votes in the just-concluded Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries, sweeping the votes across all wards of the Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency.

Mr. Obas, who is vying for a seat in the House of Representatives on the platform of the NDC, expressed elation at the overwhelming support he received, declaring that the voice of the people had spoken.

He attributed the massive turnout and emphatic endorsement to the deep confidence the people of the U3 Constituency have placed in him.

“The people believed in me and the party I represent. I grew up among them; they know I understand their struggles, and they trust I can provide lasting solutions,” he said.

The primary election recorded an unprecedented number of votes, a feat never before witnessed in the annals of Delta Central or the entire Delta State.

“I am going to the House of Representatives to rewrite the narrative of Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency.

“I am going there to bring real change and development that will positively impact our people. I will not work against their will; I am going there to alleviate their suffering,” Obakpororo declared.

He described the massive show of support as the birth of the “Obas Movement,” a grassroots crusade for the emancipation of the constituency.

He also expressed confidence that the NDC stands a strong chance of winning the general elections in 2027.

In a related statement issued on Friday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, confirmed that official announcements would be made from the national headquarters after the completion of result collation.

According to the statement, the NDC concluded its presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly primaries nationwide between Thursday, May 28, and Friday, May 29, 2026.

The party noted that the exercise recorded massive participation from members and supporters.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alongside security agencies including the Police and DSS, monitored the process in various locations to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines and the maintenance of public order.

“Reports from across the federation indicated that voting and affirmation processes were orderly, transparent, and well-coordinated,” the NDC stated.

Stakeholders commended the maturity displayed by aspirants and supporters throughout the exercise.

The party emphasized that its decision to allow aspirants to participate in primaries before purchasing nomination forms was praised by observers as a first in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Nomination forms will only be sold to successful candidates who emerged from the primaries.

“Supporters noted that the approach introduced by the NDC was aimed at deepening internal democracy and creating a more inclusive platform for participation,” the statement added.

The National Working Committee is expected to finalize the collation of results from the states before issuing official announcements from the national headquarters.

By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, stated on Friday that the accomplishments of his administration over the last three years are due to the grace, wisdom, and mercy of God.

He emphasized that the state’s developmental progress has been made without taking any loans and through careful financial management.

Speaking at the 2026 Delta State Thanksgiving and Praise Day, held at the Dome Event Centre in Asaba, the governor explained that the gathering was a chance to thank God for His guidance as the administration reaches its third anniversary.

In front of political leaders, government officials, clergy, traditional rulers, and residents of Delta State, Oborevwori expressed his appreciation for the public’s backing since he took office on May 29, 2023. He described the journey as “eventful, exciting, and enlightening.”

He pointed out that the past three years have included the introduction of projects and programs focused on people’s needs, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for citizens, along with significant infrastructure developments across the state.

He remarked, “Today, we celebrate three years of this administration. Truly, this is the work of the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes. I will always be thankful to God for choosing me to serve the people of Delta State in this role.”

The governor noted that his administration has overcome various obstacles through divine insight, clear purpose, and responsible financial management.

He stressed that all contracts awarded by his government are funded, and Delta State continues to complete projects and pay contractors without relying on loans.

“We are here to express gratitude to God for granting us the wisdom to carry out development projects throughout the state without borrowing a single kobo from anyone or any bank. Every contract we award has the necessary funds available. We have consistently met our obligations to our contractors,” he said.

Oborevwori also thanked God for the peace and security in the state, noting that peace is essential for growth and investment. He highlighted that Delta remains a leading oil-producing state in Nigeria and is drawing more investors because of its stable conditions.

The governor praised security agencies for upholding law and order and acknowledged former governors, especially Chief James Ibori, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for creating the foundation his administration builds upon.

He also recognized the support of Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, members of the Delta State House of Assembly led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community heads, civil servants, political appointees, and other stakeholders for their role in the state’s advancement.

Encouraging greater harmony among Deltans, Oborevwuri urged citizens to keep supporting the government as it moves into the final phase of its first term.

“Delta State is our home. We have no other state. What matters is how we unite to develop this state. Through unity, Delta will keep progressing and become a model for other states,” he stated.

Earlier, in a sermon titled “Ever Increasing Progress,” well-known cleric Apostle Joshua Selman stressed that lasting progress starts with recognizing God and staying connected to Him.

The cleric praised Delta State’s tradition of holding an annual event to give thanks to God and prayed for ongoing growth, prosperity, and development in the state.

He outlined seven biblical principles for sustained progress: remaining in Christ, avoiding distractions, seeking greater knowledge and insight, showing courage, practicing humility, building important connections, and maintaining a thankful attitude.

Selman also commended Governor Oborevwori’s dedication to development and project completion across the state, urging leaders and citizens to stay focused on their goals despite obstacles and criticism.

The event included a scripture reading by Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme and musical performances by gospel artists such as Dunsin Oyekan, Moses Bliss, Asu Ekiye, Solomon Urete, M & Revelation, Jerry Ekpekuro, and Solo Kings.

A key moment was the cutting of the third-anniversary cake to celebrate the administration’s three years in office.

Among the notable attendees were former governors James Ibori and Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, Senators Joel-Onowakpo Thomas and Ede Dafinone, and House of Representatives members including Francis Waive, Jonathan Ukodhiko, and Nnamdi Ezechi, along with other distinguished guests.

By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has sent heartfelt congratulations to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, on the occasion of his 69th birthday.

In a statement released Thursday in Asaba through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori praised Chief Arenyeka as an experienced politician and a respected leader whose contributions to party politics and the growth of Delta State have been noteworthy.

The governor noted that the APC chairman has consistently distinguished himself through purposeful leadership, political maturity, and a strong commitment to advancing democratic values both within the state and across the nation.

Oborevwori further remarked that Chief Arenyeka’s vast experience and dedication to political inclusiveness have earned him widespread admiration beyond party lines. He commended the chairman’s efforts in strengthening the APC in Delta State, describing them as highly commendable.

The governor also lauded the Itsekiri-born leader for his unwavering advocacy for peace, unity, and progress, calling him a dependable statesman who continues to make significant contributions to public service and political advancement.

“On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Delta State, I warmly congratulate Chief Solomon Arenyeka on the happy occasion of his 69th birthday,” Oborevwori said.

“He is a distinguished political figure whose life has been marked by service, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the growth of democracy and the unity of our dear state and nation.”

Governor Oborevwori concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings on the APC chairman, wishing him good health, wisdom, and many more years of meaningful service to Delta State and Nigeria.

By Sunday Apah

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan is permitted to contest the 2027 presidential election.

In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu upheld a ₦20 million fine against the lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, who filed the case.

The court also imposed a ₦1 million fine against the plaintiff, to be paid in favor of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Justice Lifu further determined that the lawyer lacked the legal standing to bring the suit, as he had not suffered any personal loss from Jonathan’s alleged intention to run in the upcoming election.

The judge noted that both a Federal High Court in Yenagoa and an Appeal Court had previously affirmed Jonathan’s eligibility to contest. Consequently, he stated he was bound by the appellate court’s decision.

He subsequently described the lawyer’s lawsuit as “an abuse of court process” and dismissed it as frivolous.

More Details Later…