The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Dafinone to Uduaghan: Stop false Sapele land claims, don’t stoke crisis

    Dafinone to Uduaghan: Stop false Sapele land claims, don’t stoke crisis

    Delta Central lawmaker, Senator Ede Dafinone, has warned that renewed claims of ownership of Sapele land by Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri, were false, provocative, and a threat to public peace.

    He urged Itsekiri leaders and the Uduaghan family to rein him in.

    Reacting to a caveat issued by Chief Uduaghan against the January 24, 2026, foundation-laying of the Orodje of Okpe’s Sub-Palace in Sapele, Dafinone said the claims questioned settled law and established traditional authority.

    Read Also: 2026 holds new hope for Delta Central, Dafinone assures

    The senator, who chairs the Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust Association, stated that all land in Sapele is owned by the Okpe people, stressing that Sapele is an indigenous Okpe town despite its cosmopolitan make-up.

    He cited the Delta State Traditional Rulers Law, which recognises only the Orodje of Okpe as the traditional ruler of Sapele Local Government Area, saying “there is no indigenous Itsekiri community in Sapele and no statutory role for the Olu of Warri there”.

    Dafinone said Chief Uduaghan had no standing to challenge the Okpe monarch, noting that the Alema title is not indigenous to Sapele and that the Orodje has maintained a sub-palace in the town for decades without objection.

  • Okpe palace annex sparks power play, revives Sapele ownership dispute

    Okpe palace annex sparks power play, revives Sapele ownership dispute

    The groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Okpe Kingdom Palace Annex in Sapele has reignited long-simmering disputes over land ownership, traditional authority, and political influence in the oil-rich Delta town, raising fresh concerns over peace amid sharp exchanges between Urhobo and Itsekiri interests.

    On Saturday, January 24, 2026, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), Orhue I, performed the ceremony, describing the project as historic.

    “It gives me great pleasure to witness a historical milestone as I perform the groundbreaking of my new Palace Annex in Sapele township that will serve as a centre for the promotion of our cultural heritage for generations to come,” the monarch said.

    The move drew swift commendation from the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, which hailed the annex as “bold, visionary and statesmanlike,” insisting it was “a strategic, lawful, and dignified response” to territorial disputes.

    “The Palace Annex unmistakably asserts that Okpe land remains Okpe land to be protected, administered, and preserved,” the UPU declared.

    Political endorsement followed, with Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, describing the project as “a reaffirmation of identity, legitimacy and cultural heritage.”

    He added that it underscored “the overlordship of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom as the only recognised traditional ruler in Sapele.”

    However, the development attracted a sharp Itsekiri rebuttal before the groundbreaking, which was contained in a Caveat Emptor, by the Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, where he warned that the action could inflame communal tensions.

    The controversy is layered with intrigue as last year, the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Atuwatse III, paid a widely noted visit to the Palace of the Orodje of Okpe, at Orerokpe, a gesture interpreted as conciliatory amid disputes over the hosting of Itsekiri Day in Sapele and the installation of the Olara-Aja, the oldest man in the Itsekiri community.

    That visit, hailed by observers as statesmanlike, now contrasts sharply with the renewed tensions.

    Within the Itsekiri ranks, moderation has also emerged as Sir Amorighoye Mene, Secretary of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT), argued that Sapele’s land question was family-based, pointing out that both tribes did not need to fight because there already existed strong blood ties.

    “On land ownership in Sapele, it has been clearly stated by the Supreme Court that it is on a family basis,” he said, adding, “the Okpe families that own lands in Sapele are under the Orodje of Okpe. The Itsekiri families that own land in Sapele are under the Olu of Warri.”

    He maintained, “If the Orodje of Okpe wants to open a sub-palace in Sapele, it is within his rights… but he can only do so on the areas owned by Okpe families,” just as he advised all parties against

    A contrasting Urhobo position was articulated by social commentator Ejiro Imuere, who rejected the “misleading propaganda.”

    “There is one misleading propaganda by the Itsekiris who are claiming that Okpe only owns 510 acres of land… this is wrong,” he said, insisting that court records affirmed wider Okpe ownership.

    “The judgment was very clear… the itsekiris did not dispute the Okpe ownership of the other adjoining lands,” Imuere stated, adding that “the itsekiris should be cautioned… and desist from any provocative actions that might threaten the peace and stability of Sapele.”

  • 2027: ADC can’t match APC, Wike not a problem, says Yilwatda

    2027: ADC can’t match APC, Wike not a problem, says Yilwatda

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) is no match for the ruling party.

    Yilwatda also said the political tension between Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara is outside the party’s jurisdiction.

    The ruling party chairman spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, downplaying the electoral value of some opposition coalition leaders like the ADC National Chairman and ex-Senate President, David Mark.

    He expressed confidence that the ruling party is a party to beat, citing some factors that have been attracting opposition governors into the APC fold.

    “We have never asked anybody, we have never appealed to any civil servant. Nobody has forced any civil servant in a letter, verbally, you can bring a video to that effect, and I will apologise. Maybe the opposition is forcing civil servants so they will have numbers,” he stated.

    “ADC is not a match at all (for the APC). For every one person they have, we have five, six of them. If they have David Mark as former Senate President, we have Ahmad Lawan, we have two former Senate Presidents from the South East,” he stated.

    He dismissed claims that the APC is jittery of the opposition, stressing that contrary to insinuations, the ruling party is not forcefully recruiting civil servants into its fold.

    The APC Chairman explained that the party is not worried by the caliber of opposition leaders in the ADC, including the likes of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, ex-Anambra governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Osun governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

    Rivers crisis

    He added that the dispute does not concern the APC leadership because Wike is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while Fubara belongs to the APC.

    “When it comes to the issue between Wike and Fubara, it’s not within my purview as the national chairman of APC. Wike is in PDP, Fubara is in APC,” he said.

    Read Also: Presidency blasts ADC as Lagos tops global tech ranking

    “When it comes to the issue between Wike and Fubara, it’s not within my purview as the national chairman of APC. Wike is in PDP, Fubara is in APC,” he said.

    The APC chairman said the impeachment controversy in Rivers state relates strictly to members of the party in the House of Assembly.

    “The issue of impeachment is not about Wike now; it concerns the APC house of assembly members. That is something I can discuss. It’s an internal matter, and we have mechanisms within APC to resolve such issues,” he added.

    Yilwatda further said internal disagreements should be handled discreetly and with maturity.

    “We don’t put these discussions in the public. Issues can be resolved through in-house activities that require maturity to address,” he added.

    Asked whether Wike is a problem to the ruling party, Yilwatda said “never, never”.

    NELFund

    During the show, he said the APC-led Federal Government has embarked on some intervention programmes to cater to the needs of Nigerians.

    Yilwatda, an engineer-turned politician, cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiative, emphasizing its impact on students and families across Nigeria.

    According to the APC chair, this adjustment helps students manage the ongoing challenges associated with paying their school fees.

    “Most students in Nigeria have difficulty paying their school fees. I know of many who had to withdraw from universities because they couldn’t afford it,” he said.

    He explained that under the NELFUND initiative, students can now access loans that cover their tuition fees, while also receiving a monthly allowance of N20,000, whether they are in school or on holiday.

    “I know a number of them who even support their parents back home, invest in farming, and during holidays, help pay the school fees of their younger siblings in secondary schools within their communities,” he added.

    According to Prof. Yilwatda, over a million students nationwide currently benefit from this program.

    “It’s available to anybody in Nigeria. If you’re a student struggling with school fees, register with your university and put your name forward to access the student loan. We offset your entire school fees, and you get N20,000 every month,” he said.

    He described the program as a social protection system, supporting households and parents across the country.

    “These are households, these are parents. Over a million students have access to it, and all their parents are looking forward to more support through NELFUND,” he stated.

    The APC chairman also touched on other social welfare programs, including health insurance, which has benefited 4 to 5 million Nigerians.

  • Uvwie monarch to unveil biography to mark 18th coronation anniversary

    Uvwie monarch to unveil biography to mark 18th coronation anniversary

    Effurun, headquarters of Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, will host activities next month as the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe I, unveils his biography to commemorate the 18th anniversary of his coronation.

    The biography, titled “Odyssey of Royalty: The Reign of Abe I, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom,” will be formally launched during a week-long series of events scheduled to commence on February 7. This was contained in a statement issued by the monarch’s media consultant, Chief Omafume Amurun.

    Prominent political and traditional leaders expected at the event include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as well as lawmakers, ministers, traditional rulers, and other distinguished Nigerians.

    The ceremony will be chaired by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, while High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, will serve as chief launcher.

    The book will be reviewed by Professor Joe Abugu, SAN, while Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, will serve as chief host.

    Activities lined up for the anniversary include a 21-gun salute, conferment of chieftaincy titles, homage by Uvwie communities, the book launch on February 14, and a thanksgiving Mass on February 18 to conclude the celebration.

    The biography chronicles the reign of Abe I, highlighting his vision, leadership philosophy, and contributions to peace, stability, and development in Uvwie Kingdom. 

    Uvwie Kingdom, widely regarded as one of the most industrialised and strategic areas in Delta State, remains a key economic, cultural, and security hub in the South-South region, with Effurun often described as the “London of Urhoboland.”

  • Oborevwori urges stakeholders on maintenance, protection of infrastructure 

    Oborevwori urges stakeholders on maintenance, protection of infrastructure 

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has urged citizens to maintain and protect government infrastructures.

    He gave the advice yesterday while inaugurating Model Technical College, Omadino in Warri South council area of Delta state.

    He underscored the importance of technical and vocational education as a solution to youth unemployment, emphasising that such institutions would equip graduates to become skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and employers, rather than job seekers.

    The governor hailed the institution as a flagship investment in technical education by his administration.

    “In just two years, we’ve delivered landmark projects without borrowing or burdening the people,” he said, describing the college as a prime example of effective resource management, with contractors paid promptly to ensure timely completion.

    Read Also: APC targeting landslide wins for Tinubu, Oborevwori in 2027

    Oborevwori noted that the college had already begun academic activities before its official opening, signaling its readiness and functionality. 

    He hailed his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for initiating the project, with his administration ensuring its timely completion.

    The state-of-the-art facility includes classrooms, workshops, administrative blocks, laboratories, and an internal road network, all reflecting the administration’s commitment to quality education. 

    The Governor also praised the impressive skills being imparted at the college, citing the articulate student speaker as evidence of effective teaching.

  • APC targeting landslide wins for Tinubu, Oborevwori in 2027

    APC targeting landslide wins for Tinubu, Oborevwori in 2027

    Senator Ede Dafinone representing Delta Central, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised for overwhelming victories for President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori in the 2027 general elections.

    He spoke in Sapele, during the inauguration of the Sapele chapter of the Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie Federal Constituency (OSU), held at the Sapele Local Government Council Secretariat.

    Addressing party members and supporters, the senator said the APC was aiming for massive votes, not narrow margins, to boost the constituency’s political relevance and attract development.

    He said larger voter turnout in Sapele would determine the level of attention the area would receive.

    He urged party members to maintain unity and show loyalty to the state and federal governments, noting that sustained support for President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori was key to delivering dividends of democracy at the grassroots.

    Dafinone congratulated the newly inaugurated OSU executives and assured them of his support, enjoining them to secure clear APC victories across all wards.

    OSU Coordinator, Chief Solomon Ighrakpata, said the group was formed on April 4, 2025, to mobilise support for the performing federal and state governments, drawing members across political and ethnic lines.

    Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in Delta, Kingsley Esiso, said OSU’s mission was to ensure Governor Oborevwori’s re-election in 2027, urging2 grassroots mobilisation, party registration and voter engagement.

    Delta APC Deputy Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, said the large turnout reflected growing confidence in the party as it consolidated ahead of the next general elections.

  • Dickson condemns lobbying for Bayelsa deputy governorship position

    Dickson condemns lobbying for Bayelsa deputy governorship position

    Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, has revealed that the late Deputy Governor, Dr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, turned down repeated appeals to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Dickson said he advised Ewhrudjakpo to join Governor Douye Diri in the APC to prevent political instability in the state, but the late deputy governor declined. He disclosed this at a press briefing in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State.

    According to Dickson, Ewhrudjakpo maintained that defecting to the APC without his political mentor would amount to betrayal, insisting on remaining in the Peoples Democratic Party.

    He added that Governor Diri had on several occasions discussed his intention to leave the PDP for the APC, but he did not see any justification for the move.

    Dickson said that even after Diri defected, he advised Ewhrudjakpo to follow the governor in the interest of the state’s political stability, which he said he had helped to sustain over the past 15 years.

    “Lawrence told me he could not abandon the PDP, which gave him the platform to join the APC while his political mentor remained in the PDP,” Dickson said.

    The former governor recalled that he first encountered Ewhrudjakpo in the late 1990s through his law practice and said he immediately noticed his strong sense of loyalty.

    Read Also: Ewhrudjakpo, Dickson set to dump PDP

    Dickson described his relationship with Governor Diri as cordial and assured of his continued support for the Diri administration for the remainder of its tenure. He said he had no regrets about the choice of Diri and Ewhrudjakpo as governor and deputy governor, noting that both worked together without friction.

    He also criticised what he described as intense lobbying for Ewhrudjakpo’s replacement even before his burial on January 30, adding that with the burial concluded, the nomination of a replacement now rests with the governor.

    “There is no contention about who should nominate a replacement for the late deputy governor.

    “Even though I produced the governor and his deputy, I have neither interfered with the government nor sought any favours.

    “For the six years so far, I have not put Diri under any pressure and will remain so for the remaining two years.

    “Diri has not yet discussed the replacement of Ewhrujakpo with me, and if he tables it, then it can be discussed. It is entirely at his discretion as governor,” Dickson said.

  • ARISE ICT Hub graduates 135 trainees in A’Ibom

    ARISE ICT Hub graduates 135 trainees in A’Ibom

    At least 135 trainees have graduated from the ARISE ICT Hub in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state created by the Governor Umo Eno administration in line with his ARISE Agenda on youth development.

    Eno commended the initiator of the ARISE ICT Hub, Ambassador Sunday Usikhifo, for effectively translating the ARISE Agenda into practical outcomes in the areas of digital skills development, ICT growth, and youth empowerment.

    The commendation was delivered by the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Hon. Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, during the maiden graduation ceremony of the ARISE ICT Hub, where 135 trainees successfully completed the Hub’s ICT training programme. The ceremony took place at the Hub’s headquarters in Uyo.

    Ekpenyong praised Ambassador Usikhifo for commitment and vision, noting that the initiative aligns with the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration’s focus on human capacity development and job creation through the digital economy. 

    He charged the graduates to put their acquired skills to productive use by innovating, creating jobs, and contributing to the State’s economic development.

    Drawing from biblical analogy, the Commissioner cautioned the graduates against burying their talents, assuring them of continued support and integration into advanced training and capacity-building programmes of the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy.

    He further announced the adoption of the Hub’s Head Teacher into the Ministry’s advanced training scheme to enable him retrain and strengthen the capacity of future trainees.

    Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Ekerette Ekanem, congratulated the graduands for their resilience and dedication throughout the training period. 

    He urged them to deploy their skills responsibly and disclosed plans to integrate them into the ARISE Youth-Friendly Centres to further enhance their competencies and position them as ambassadors of the ARISE Agenda.

    The initiator and Director of Studies of the ARISE ICT Hub, Ambassador Sunday Usikhifo, who also serves as Personal Assistant to the Governor on Volunteer Services, encouraged the graduands to remain innovative, continuously improve their skills, and use their knowledge responsibly. 

    He emphasised that their success would support the effective delivery of development dividends under the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration.

    Ambassador Osifo also demonstrated social responsibility by presenting an electric sewing machine and a cash donation of ₦200,000 to a physically challenged tailor to support his business.

    Delivering goodwill remarks on behalf of the Village Head of Uyo, Obong Rev. Aniedi Okon, Obong Udofia thanked Governor Umo Eno for prioritising youth empowerment and applauded Ambassador Usikhifo for establishing the ICT Hub, noting that the initiative would create jobs, reduce crime, and enhance community safety.

    The event climaxed with the presentation of start-up support packages, including laptops and other essential tools, to the graduates, to enable them commence their professional journeys and contribute meaningfully to the digital economy of Akwa Ibom State.

  • Lokpobiri, Ekpo make case for local content at NIES

    Lokpobiri, Ekpo make case for local content at NIES

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo on Monday called for the achievement of local content in the industry.

    Speaking at the Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES 2026) in Abuja, Lokpobiri described local content as basic to the attainment of the growth of African energy and by extension economy.

    His words, “We had the privilege of becoming Ministers. I hear that today’s edition is dedicated to local content. And local content is so fundamental to Africa’s achievement of our energy, you know, growth as a country.”

    The theme of the session was “Local Content: Beyond Compliance: Building African Industrial Powerhouses.”

    He recalled that on assumption of office, one of his initial challenges was local content because the cost of project was higher in Nigeria than elsewhere in Africa.

    Lamenting Lokpobiri added that “And so we had to find a solution. Can’t see the reason why a country that is physically at home will have lower project costs than Nigeria. And so we had to tackle that problem.

    “And we found out that the problem was, you know, misapplication of the local content. Literally, I was a senator when the local content law was passed in 2010. And I was a member of the committee.”

    Similarly, Ekpo said historically, local content implementation has been driven largely by compliance, meeting prescribed thresholds for contracts, labour, and ownership. 

    Read Also: 2027: Diri, Lokpobiri lead APC e-registration drive in Bayelsa, vow to deliver state for Tinubu

    He noted that while this has increased participation, it has not always translated into globally competitive indigenous gas companies, advanced technological capability, or deep and sustainable value retention within our economies.

    Ekpo said the session rightly challenged the stakeholders to move beyond compliance toward performance-driven local content, that is, local content that deliberately builds industrial strength and long-term competitiveness.

    The minister stressed that in the gas industry, this means developing robust indigenous capacity across engineering and project execution, gas processing, pipeline construction, operations and maintenance, fabrication, LNG and FLNG services, gas-based manufacturing, and downstream utilization. It means ensuring that Nigerian and African companies are not only present in the value chain, but productive, innovative, bankable, and export ready.

    Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Patience Oyekunle said the theme the dialogue is timely.

    According to Director Midstream and Downstream, Irene Ikemba, who represented her, across Africa, energy future must be deliberately shaped by capability, competitiveness, and shared prosperity. 

    She said the  Summit theme “Energy for Peace and Prosperity: Securing Our Shared Future” Speaks directly to the task before us. Energy is not merely a commodity; it is a catalyst for stability, industrialisation, and inclusive growth, and National Security.  

  • A’Ibom community gets borehole water, phone charging centre

    A’Ibom community gets borehole water, phone charging centre

    Natives of Ikot Ebo Ikono community in Uyo local government area of Akwa Ibom state have heaved a sigh of relief following the installation of a 5,000 litres borehole facility for them

    The villagers are also excited that the problem of charging their phones have been permanently solved. Hitherto, they used pay to spend between N800 and N1,000 traveling to far-flung areas to charge their phones.

    Their nightmarish experiences were overturned last Saturday by a couple, Mr Mrs Itoro Atakpa and Mr Cavil Inwang, an aide to Governor Umo Eno on Digital Marketing and Social media.

    Atakpa, while presenting the items to the community on behalf of the husband, a native of the community,said it was part of connecting to their roots and giving back to their kith and kins.

    Atakpa said the150 feet borehole has the capacity to store 5,000 litres of water, adding that the facility is powered by two 644 watts bifacial solar panels.

    “Those solar panels power a pump that pumps water from underground up to the tank that you see there. That tank is 5,000 liters in volume and it supplies water to all of the output points that we’ve installed here. 

    “So there’s an outlet at the residence of the pastor of Qua Iboe Church. There is another outlet at our auntie’s house behind.

    “And then as you can see behind me, we have three outlets that are meant for the community, for anyone who wants to come and use water, those are available publicly”, she said.

    Read Also: A’Ibom community resolves land dispute with oil firm

    On the charging of phones, she said: “And as we know in this day and age, people need their phones. People need their phones to communicate with their families, to run their businesses, to be productive, even to use the internet and so on. So that was one of the challenges that we saw here. 

    “So, typically, a lot of people will pay transport fare of N500 to a place that is not close to here and pay 300 to charge their phones, pay 500 to come back. 

    “So it’s not easy. It’s like an investment. So some people will go days without turning on their phone because they can’t make that investment”.

    The elated village head of the community,Etteidung Samuel Moses Udoh thanked Governor Umo Eno for remembering Ikot Ebo by appointing their son, Mr Cavil Inwang as his aide.

    Udoh said that they used to go to Urua Nkpafi to charge phone but with the intervention the villagers are now happy.