By Sunday Apah

The Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, has been called upon to prevail on the Caretaker Committee of Owhase Community, led by Chief Johnbull Phophen, to conduct a free, fair, and credible election to prevent potential conflicts within the community.

In a letter signed by Austin Egoruomare Nyekigbe, Esq, the legal representative of Mr. Peter Victor Efegbere, and addressed to the council Chairman, it was emphasized that holding a transparent election is crucial to maintaining peace and order.

The letter highlighted concerns about alleged attempts by the Chief Johnbull Phophen-led caretaker committee to delay the election and install his rival, Mr. David Elohor Efegbere, in violation of the community’s constitution.

The correspondence stated, “It is imperative that the tenure of Mr. John Adunu as the President-General of Owhase Community ended on the 6th of January, 2024. Following this, a 5-Man Caretaker Committee, led by Chief Johnbull Phophen, was appointed by the Owhase Community to oversee the community’s affairs and organize elections for leadership positions within a two-month period.

“In March 2024, the tenure of the Caretaker Committee was extended until the 16th of June, 2024. Additionally, in January 2024, leadership positions were allocated to various streets and families within the community, with the roles of President-General and Assistant Financial Secretary being assigned to the Efegbere sub-family of the larger Omarayearue family.

“Our client is a member of the Efegbere subfamily of the larger Omarayearue family in Owhase Community, Udu Local Government Area, Delta State. Due to this connection, two sons of the Efegbere subfamily, Mr. Peter Victor Efegbere (our client) and Mr. David Elohor Efegbere, expressed interest in contesting for the position of President-General of Owhase Community.

“The duo purchased nomination forms, underwent screening, and received clearance. They were then informed by the Elders’ Council of Owhase Community that the election date would be communicated to them.

“However, our client was not given a specific election date. As a result, the leadership dispute caused unrest in the community, prompting a report to the Nigeria Police Station, Ovwian/Aladja Divisional Headquarters. This action aimed to prevent a breakdown of law and order and ensure peace, justice, and equity when the Caretaker Committee, led by Chief Johnbull Phophen, failed to conduct a smooth, transparent, and credible election for the position of President-General.

“As a result of these events, in July 2024, the Divisional Police Officer of the Nigeria Police Station, Ovwian/Aladja Divisional Headquarters, instructed the Caretaker Committee to organize a fair and credible election for the parties within thirty (30) days. Despite this directive, the Caretaker Committee has yet to conduct the election.

“To date, no election has taken place, and no candidate has been elected as the President-General of Owhase Community.

“We have received reliable information that the Caretaker Committee, headed by Chief Johnbull Phophen at the behest of Mr. David Elohor Efegbere, has finalized plans to install Mr. David Elohor Efegbere as the President-General of Owhase Community without holding an election, going against the wishes of the people and the clear provisions of the Community’s Constitution.

“Our client has informed us that, in pursuit of their dubious goals, Mr. David Elohor Efegbere led a group of armed individuals to various Elders and members of the Owhase Community, pressuring and intimidating them into swearing him in as the President-General. These individuals have been causing chaos in the community.

“Our client and their supporters feel wronged, and if the leadership dispute is not resolved properly, it may escalate into lawlessness, hostility, violence, and loss of life and property in Owhase Community.

“In light of the above, we urge you to intervene in this matter and instruct the Caretaker Committee led by Chief Johnbull Phophen to organize a transparent, fair, and credible election between the involved parties to prevent further unrest, violence, bloodshed, and loss of life and property in Owhase Community and Udu Kingdom at large.”

By Sunday Apah 

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Friday, expressed his commitment to fostering a strong partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to deliver sustainable large-scale projects that will improve the socio-economic well-being of the people of Delta State.

During a meeting in Asaba with the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, and his team, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of addressing the numerous abandoned NDDC projects in the state and the region.

He affirmed his administration’s willingness to collaborate with the NDDC to finalize existing projects and initiate new ones.

Governor Oborevwori praised Ogbuku for his efforts to enhance transparency and accountability within the NDDC, urging increased engagement with stakeholders to align development strategies.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by the NDDC in completing projects and highlighted instances where his administration had successfully completed projects, such as the Bomadi road bridge.

Regarding ongoing projects like Sector C 2, which involves the Ughelli to Asaba route, Governor Oborevwori noted that even though these are federal roads, his administration is actively involved in their completion.

He cited examples like the DSC and Effurun roundabouts as federal projects that his government is also working on, underscoring the commitment to addressing infrastructure needs in the region.

Governor Oborevwori further highlighted the proactive approach taken by his administration in addressing infrastructure projects, noting the engagement of Julius Berger for road projects essential to the daily lives of the state’s residents, despite these roads being federally managed.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining and improving infrastructure for the benefit of all road users in the region.

He underscored the significance of partnerships, not only with multinational corporations but also with state governments, as crucial for successful project implementation.

The Governor stressed the need for alignment between the NDDC and the governors of the Niger Delta region to facilitate coordinated planning and avoid duplication of efforts in project budgeting.

Governor Oborevwori recounted an incident where a contractor falsely claimed credit for a road project completed by the state government, leading to confusion and unnecessary expenditure.

He emphasized the necessity of clear communication and collaboration to prevent such occurrences in the future, ensuring that funds are allocated appropriately and contractors are held accountable for their work.

In an effort to promote transparency and accountability, Governor Oborevwori pledged to inform the NDDC of any state interventions in projects within their jurisdiction to prevent contractors from fraudulently collecting payments for incomplete work.

He cited examples such as the Ugono road, where the state government stepped in to complete a stalled project, demonstrating a commitment to delivering quality infrastructure for the benefit of the community.

He also emphasized the importance of responsible contract awarding, pointing out that awarding contracts without adequate financial backing can lead to contractor payment delays and project abandonment due to frustration.

He stressed the need for effective collaboration between the state government and the NDDC to ensure successful project execution.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of the NDDC as the oldest interventionist agency in the country, Governor Oborevwori highlighted the region’s significant contribution to the nation’s oil production and emphasized the necessity of tangible benefits for the region.

He cited challenges with the East-West road and urged the NDDC to consider providing interim solutions to address pressing infrastructure needs in the region.

Governor Oborevwori encouraged a focus on impactful projects that would leave a lasting legacy in the region, underscoring the importance of partnership and collaboration for the mutual success of the region and its people.

He reiterated the state’s commitment to working closely with the NDDC to drive progress and development in the region.

He called for enhanced project monitoring by the NDDC to ensure accountability and value for money in project delivery.

He expressed Delta State’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC on critical projects that require additional support, offering to either take over or engage in joint ventures to facilitate project implementation for the benefit of the state’s residents.

The Governor, reaffirmed the state’s willingness to engage in meaningful partnerships with the NDDC to advance the region’s development goals and serve the best interests of the local communities.

Governor Oborevwori elaborated on his recent decision to take charge of the Ohoror-Bomadi road, emphasizing its crucial role in facilitating access to the Akugbene road, a necessary route for further development initiatives in the region.

Dr. Ogbuku earlier articulated the purpose of his visit to Delta, highlighting the discussions on mutually beneficial topics between the NDDC and the Delta State Government.

Recognizing Delta as the leading oil-producing state in Nigeria, Dr. Ogbuku indicated that the state would receive a significant allocation from the recently approved NDDC budget.

Furthermore, Dr. Ogbuku outlined the NDDC’s commitment to fostering a transparent and accountable organization that serves the interests of the people of the Niger Delta region.

He sought collaboration with the Delta State Government and Chevron for the construction of the Omadino-Okerenkoko-Escravos Road and associated bridges, noting the potential economic benefits this project would bring to Delta State upon completion.

Dr. Ogbuku also mentioned the NDDC’s initiative to create a database of Niger Delta youths to identify opportunities aligned with their skills and interests for growth prospects.

Additionally, he announced that KPMG had been tasked with designing a Corporate Governance Structure for the NDDC, underscoring the agency’s commitment to implementing robust governance practices for enhanced effectiveness and transparency.

By Sunday Apah

Hon. Emakpor Odogu, the Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Community Development, has called upon the residents of Isoko South Local Government Area to rally behind the governor’s M.O.R.E. Agenda for the advancement of the state.

Speaking at the annual general conference of the Emede community in Isoko South, Odogu stressed the importance of grassroots backing for the governor’s initiatives.

He asserted that Governor Oborevwori’s leadership is a product of divine ordination, and he is dedicated to serving Delta State during this critical period.

Odogu commended the governor’s unwavering commitment to enhancing infrastructure and fostering human capital development throughout the state.

Furthermore, he underscored the dedication of his own office to partnering with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth organizations, women, and the private sector to advance the M.O.R.E. Agenda.

He also called upon influential individuals from the Isoko community, both locally and internationally, to actively participate in promoting community development in Delta State.

Hon. Comrade Warri Ovoke Friday, the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council in Delta State, and HRM Johnson Egbo, the Ovie of Emede kingdom (Ewhiri I I), encouraged Isoko residents and all Deltans to support the governor’s positive vision for the state.

They urged notable members of the Isoko community, whether residing at home or in the diaspora, to play an active role in the development of the Isoko ethnic nation.