By Johnson Ebigide

Eugene Azuka Uzum has enjoined mischief makers and blackmailers in Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State, who involve themselves in any form of disinformation to tarnish the image of individuals or groups in the constituency, the state and beyond, to desist from the infamous act.

Uzum who is a policy analyst and core member of the Delta Unity Group (DUG), an association of the progressives for good governance, stated this against the background of a publication on the Facebook, purporting a planned move by the DUG to dump the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state.

He frowned at such unverifiable disinformation of the public, primarily to taint the integrity and sterling qualities of some individuals in Ika Nation, describing the fabricators of such glaring falsehood as not only mischief makers, but unrepentant blackmailers.

Uzum wondered what such mischief makers and blackmailers in Ika Nation stood to gain from involving themselves in, what he termed, political insensitivity and ought-right hatred for their brothers and sisters from the same Ika homeland.

He said that the DUG with the clear vision of the founding leaders of the group across the state had not derailed from its mission statement, geared towards good governance in the state and the country, adding that those planning to cast aspersions on the noble goals of the group were enemies of the public.

Uzum maintained that not only had Ika Nation benefitted from the inspiring need for good governance as espoused by the DUG, but that it had started showing some positive results of accountability and responsiveness in the governance of the state.

By Sunday Apah

Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode, has revealed that construction work will soon begin on the Express Junction Ovwian to ECN road.

Oyibode, who made this known during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Urhobo Ex-Agitators at the Council Secretariat on Monday, July 21, 2025, stated that the Delta State Ministry of Works has commenced scoping of the road.

He described the scoping as a major step toward addressing one of Udu’s most pressing infrastructure challenges.

He commended the proactive measures taken by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, under whose administration this project was initiated, and assured the people of Udu that improved conditions for road users are on the horizon.

The Udu council chairman stated further that his administration is committed to being open, inclusive, and focused on delivering tangible benefits to the area.

He expressed gratitude to the group for their visit and goodwill and emphasized the importance of unity in building a peaceful and prosperous future for Udu.

Earlier, Chief Ese Arigo, the National Chairman of the Urhobo Ex-Agitators and Senior Special Assistant on Security to the Delta State Governor, thanked Olorogun Oyibode for the warm reception.

He explained that the visit was part of a familiarization tour across Urhobo-speaking local government areas aimed at strengthening ties with local councils.

Chief Arigo noted that the Ex-Agitators group comprises former militants who have embraced peace and are now making meaningful contributions to society.

Many members are actively serving in various capacities within the Delta State Government, including roles as Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants.

He pledged the group’s unwavering loyalty to Oyibode’s leadership and requested additional support in empowerment initiatives to sustain their reformed journey.

By Sunday Apah

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Delta North Senatorial District has officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for re-election in the upcoming 2027 elections.

This decision was made during a meeting held on Sunday in Boji Boji Owa, Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, which was chaired by the state’s Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA. The attendees agreed on the endorsement, citing the positive contributions of both leaders as key factors for their re-election.

Hon. Victor Nwokolo, the representative for Ika Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, initiated the motion for the endorsement of both the President and the Governor. The motion received a second from Hon. Emeka Nwobi, the Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, and was unanimously accepted by all present.

During the meeting, Delta North Senatorial Chairman of the APC, Ogbueshi Adizue Eluaka, highlighted the pivotal role of Sir Monday Onyeme as the leader of the party in the district.

Sir Onyeme expressed his gratitude for the strong turnout, stating, “I am genuinely inspired by the enthusiasm and unity demonstrated here today, which shows we are prepared to elevate the APC in Delta North. Your presence signifies our collective purpose and determination.”

He continued, “For us to achieve significant success in 2027, we must unite from the ward level up to the local government areas; our unity is our greatest asset, and we must safeguard it at all costs. Loyalty to the party and respect for our leadership are essential; if we want the APC to flourish, all members of the government—both elected and appointed—must set a strong example and wholeheartedly support the party’s framework.”

Former Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, emphasized the importance of the party’s focus on securing victories for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in the 2027 elections.

Engr. Omeni Sobotie, the state chairman of the party, characterized the meeting as an assembly of “key players who can win elections in Delta North,” urging members to remain united in order to bolster the APC’s strength in the district.

Among those contributing to the discussions were Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, Hon. Pascal Adigwe, Hon. Doris Uboh, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, Elder Moses Iduh, and Sir Chamberlain Dunkwu, all of whom reiterated their commitment to securing victories in future elections.

By Sunday Apah

Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents the Delta Central Senatorial District, has asserted that the establishment of Ethiope State offers a crucial chance to address historical disparities, empower the Urhobo Nation, one of Nigeria’s key ethnic groups, and create new avenues for economic and social progress, improve governance, and safeguard cultural heritage.

During a public hearing held by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review at the Chief D.S. Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa on Saturday, Senator Dafinone, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committees on Local Content and Legislative Compliance, stressed that the proposed state aims to rectify the long-standing inequities faced by the Urhobo community—Nigeria’s fifth-largest ethnic group and predominant residents of Delta State.

The senator pointed out that the Urhobo people have historically experienced systemic exclusion in Nigeria’s current state configuration, despite their significant population and economic contributions. He stated that establishing Ethiope State would “correct this imbalance, ensure more equitable resource distribution, and accelerate infrastructural advancements.”

According to submissions from the Urhobo people, the proposed Ethiope State would include two Urhobo kingdoms in the Warri South Local Government Area, the Urhobo population in Patani Local Government Area, and all eight local government areas predominantly inhabited by the Urhobo. Dafinone argued that this geographic consolidation would embody the “demographic and administrative foundation for statehood” overlooked by the existing framework.

In addition to addressing historical grievances, Senator Dafinone underscored the substantial economic opportunities that Ethiope State could offer, noting that the Urhobo occupy some of Nigeria’s most productive oil fields. However, he lamented that their communities remain economically underdeveloped and excluded from decisions regarding resource management.

“While Urhoboland is a significant oil-producing area, residents have minimal influence over how these resources are governed or reinvested,” he stated. “The creation of Ethiope State would empower local control over resources, stimulate economic development, and promote responsible resource management under the guidelines of the Petroleum Industry Act.”

He elaborated on the solid economic potential of the proposed state, citing “considerable oil and gas reserves,” “extensive fertile land suitable for large-scale agriculture,” and “access to coastal regions and seaports such as Sapele and Warri, which provide vast opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, and maritime trade.” Dafinone also mentioned the presence of “valuable mineral resources” and “extensive forest reserves with substantial timber yields.”

He remarked, “According to the 1999 Constitution, proposals for new states must fulfill specific criteria, including popular support, defined territorial boundaries, economic feasibility, and legislative endorsement. Ethiope State meets these requirements, making it one of the most viable and legally sound proposals for state creation in Nigeria today.”

“Establishing Ethiope State would create a more coherent administrative structure, grounded in shared cultural values and identity. This would lead to more effective service delivery, greater citizen involvement, and policies tailored to local needs.

“With statehood, the Urhobo people would gain the autonomy to define their developmental priorities, implement localized policies, and assume responsibility for governance. This self-determination would enhance civic engagement and accountability.

“Ethiope State would be in a better position to pursue targeted development strategies to meet the needs of its residents, covering areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and industrialization.

“Recognizing statehood would validate the contributions of the Urhobo people to the Nigerian Federation, elevate our political status, deepen our sense of belonging, and bolster national unity and stability.”

Dafinone also highlighted the existing infrastructure as a strong institutional base, mentioning “Delta State University, Abraka; the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun; the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun; Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara; Federal Polytechnic, Orogun; and Delta State College of Physical Education, Mosogar,” along with key industrial assets such as “Delta Steel Company in Aladja and Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company Limited.”

Senator Dafinone reiterated that the formation of Ethiope State is not only feasible but also “essential” to rectify historical injustices, promote equity, and secure the rightful place of the Urhobo people within Nigeria’s federal structure. He framed the proposal as “a plea for fairness, efficiency, and inclusivity—core principles essential for a functional federation.”

By Sunday Apah

A prominent ex-agitator, High Chief Andabofa Opunama, has called on the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dennis Burutu Otuaro, not to yield to the demands of some selfish beneficiaries who are urging that the increased budgetary allocation for the programme be used for stipend increments.

He stated that the increased Amnesty budget should instead be used for the empowerment of those who were at the forefront of the struggle but were not enlisted, as well as for supporting the widows of those who died during the struggle and for building infrastructure for impacted communities in the Niger Delta, among other priorities.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Chief Opunama explained that those agitating for salary increases are primarily those who hold many slots—ranging from 50, 100, 200, to 300 slots and so on.

According to him, “These greedy beneficiaries know that when the stipend is increased, they will benefit more at the detriment of the larger population of the Niger Delta region.”

“The Presidential Amnesty Programme was created by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to mitigate militancy and violence, address environmental degradation, promote youth empowerment and rehabilitation, and foster peace and stability.

“And indeed, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has been focused on reintegration and infrastructural development to promote peace and stability in the Niger Delta region,” he added.

Chief Opunama reiterated that the increased budgetary allocation for the Presidential Amnesty Programme should continue to concentrate on its reintegration efforts by identifying the widows of fallen agitators, less privileged individuals, jobless Niger Deltans, and those who were enlisted in the programme under various circumstances. He emphasized the need to engage them in vocational training, education, and economic empowerment opportunities to facilitate their smooth transition back into society.

He pointed out that the PAP can utilize the increased budgetary allocation to rebuild and improve critical infrastructure in the Niger Delta, such as roads, thereby enhancing connectivity and access to remote areas.

Furthermore, the funds can be used to improve healthcare services and outcomes for local communities, construct water projects to ensure access to clean water and sanitation, and encourage active participation from impacted communities in decision-making processes. There should also be a focus on providing vocational training, micro-credit schemes, and entrepreneurial opportunities for men, widows, and the elderly.

“Social support should include targeted assistance for vulnerable groups, such as widows and the elderly, to address their unique needs,” he added.

“By adopting this community-centric approach, ex-agitators can become agents of positive change, helping to rebuild and strengthen the Niger Delta region.

“This shift in focus will ultimately benefit the entire community, promoting lasting peace and prosperity,” concluded Chief Opunama.

By Admin

A political leader in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Prince Elvis Oharisi, Sunday, said the people of the Local Government Area had vehemently rejected former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, hence the people shunned the One Million-Man March organized by the former Deputy President of the Senate.

The march, which held on Saturday, was meant to show support for Omo-Agege’s political aspirations, has sparked significant controversy among the youth.

Oharisi, in a strongly worded statement, said the All Progressives Congress, APC stakeholders in the area, especially the youths, by their actions, have expressed their dissatisfaction with Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, describing him as a desperate and selfish politician, whose aspiration would not augur well for the people.

They insisted that the One Million-Man March lacked genuine purpose and was primarily a platform for promoting Omo-Agege’s personal agenda.

“This event is not about us or the issues that matter to us. It’s simply a means for Omo-Agege to boost his own dwindling political image.

“While we appreciate the importance of political engagement, our leaders must prioritize our welfare over personal ambition.

“Many young people voiced that they are tired of events that do not add value to the polity. We want to see real commitment to our needs, not just grand events that offer little or no substance,” the statement read.

According to him, “the rejection of Omo-Agege’s event serves as a reminder that the people of Ughelli North, particularly, the youth, are a significant force that cannot be overlooked.”

While describing that the one Million-Man March was a show of shame, he said that the fewer than 80 youths who participated, were hired from outside the local government area. He maintained the exercise was a total failure.

Oharisi said that the refusal to participate in the One Million-Man March highlights a broader trend among the youth in Ughelli, who are increasingly disillusioned with traditional political manoeuvres of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.