The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • International Group begs Tinubu on Rivers crisis

    International Group begs Tinubu on Rivers crisis

    An international group, Nigerians in Diaspora Movement for Democracy, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revisit the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers State.

    The group expressed disgust over the suspension of the Governor, his Deputy, and House of Assembly for six months.

    In an open letter to President Tinubu co-signed Dr. Samson Idoko and Patriot John Andrew Onuh, its President and Secretary General, the group urged President Tinubu to revisit the decision to declare emergency rule in Rivers State and use legislative processes to stabilise the situation.

    They proposed measures such as compelling all parties concerned to implement strong deterrent elements and sanctions, including a ban on participating in political activities and/or holding public offices for at least ten years.

    The group emphasised if the current situation is not addressed, it could damage President Tinubu’s efforts and legacy, both past and future.

    The statement added: “We wish to passionately plead that democracy should be allowed to thrive and seen obviously to be thriving. We do not make this assertion lightly or base it on an assumption but on factual grounds.

    “There is clear derailment from what your Excellency stood and fought for from what is happening today. Your Excellency, with what has happened in Rivers State, it is potentially clear that democracy under your presidency is no longer thriving.

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    “A practice where an elected Governor, his Deputy and members of the State House of Assembly are suspended for six months does not represent what His Excellency stood for and fought so much for.

    “Your Excellency, the unequal disproportionate and excessive pressure placed on Rivers State at its jugular is affecting the entire democratic system in the whole country, democracy is in a state of asphyxia, losing air and if nothing is done in some few minutes, it will be suffocated to death.

    “If that happens, then the entire efforts of Mr. President both past and future would be dented in an ugly history, a crude democratic tragedy. Your Excellency cannot allow this to happen.

    “We, therefore, wish to call on Mr President to take a serious and urgent look at the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State to revise the decision and instead utilize legislative processes to stabilize the situation as well as ensure that there is no reversal of the ugly drift in Rivers State.

    “These legislative measures could be compelling for all parties concerned with strong deterrent elements and sanctions which will include a ban on participating in political activities and/or holding public offices for not less than ten years.

    “We are convinced that Your Excellency will heed this call and act expeditiously. Have the confidence of our unending patriotism Sir.”

  • Tax Reform, Regional Development Commission Bills best things to happen to Nigeria – Karimi

    Tax Reform, Regional Development Commission Bills best things to happen to Nigeria – Karimi

    Chairman of the Committee on Senate Services, Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) has described the Tax Reform and  Regional Development Commission Bills as the best things to happen to Nigeria in present time.

    Karimi made the declaration when he appeared as a guest of TVC News programme: ” This Morning” at the weekend. 

    Responding to questions on the primary achievements of the 10th Senate, Karimi was resolute that the Upper Legislative Chamber has done well even though they are not excellent.

    Half-way mark into the current four-year legislative tenure, which commenced in June, 2023, the lawmaker noted: “We have done good—I am not saying we are excellent. Our objective from the start is to engage with the executive to achieve great things for our nation and not to be confrontational”. 

    This approach, he enthused, has been an “interesting engagement” because President Bola Tinubu, Vice-president Kashim Shettima and the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu at various times were members of the Upper Legislative Chamber.

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    Responding to the level of cooperation between the legislative and executive arms, why the latter seems to be so comfortable and why it never failed to always get what it asked for, Karimi said:”Our people are our constituents. We are representing the grassroots, we are representing the masses of this country; so when I say our people, these are those I am referring to, people in the upper class are also our people but we care more for the grassroots. So, our aim from the beginning is how we can work with the executive to get the best for our people. I wouldn’t say they’ve always gotten what they asked for.

    ” Right from the ministerial screening, the President brought a list of ministers. We screened all of them and we rejected some despite the fact that they are nominees of Mr President. Those that are talking about “rubber stamp”, they don’t know what they are saying. We’ve had issues of not being on the same page (with the executive), but we negotiate the middle-term approach. Let’s talk about the last budget, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning gave the president an impression that all these issues of constituency projects are a waste, that the president should do away with it. Let me tell you— constituency project is the best way to reach the grassroots. They don’t give us this money, they only give us the opportunity of suggesting projects into the budget. 

    “The President wanted to stop it totally based on the advice given to him, but the leadership of the National Assembly negotiated with him.  We told him that, ‘Mr President, if you are going to stop (constituency projects), you are going to be at Loggerheads with the NASS’. Because this is the only way that we are able to reach out to our people, in terms of giving them dividends of democracy, in terms of (people oriented) projects, in terms of infrastructure. For more than two weeks, the president was (adamant), but at the end of the day, he understood and allowed constituency project to remain. It has been there since 2000”.

    The lawmaker admitted to the fact that Nigerians generally hold a negative perception of the activities of the national assembly and the legislature as a whole, including misunderstanding the importance of constituency project. 

    He stressed the importance of constituency projects in the legislative business with reference to the construction of new 75 solar-powered boreholes and the rehabilitation of another 60 moribund water schemes across communities in Kogi West— valued at N1. 24 billion, which he facilitated.

    He said: “Let me talk about my constituency in terms of constituency projects; ask my people; what constituency project has brought to them. I can name it. When I was in the House of Representatives, my people called me Mr Water. I  made sure every community in my federal constituency had access to portable water, I made sure there is one water supply system in every community, it can be motorised or solar powered boreholes, and I am continuing that now. Communities that have poor power supply, I gave them transformers and solar powered street lights. Talking about my own personal projects, I am doing a yearly (N100m) bursary awards (of N100,000 each to 1000 students) in public tertiary institutions across seven  local  governments in Kogi West Senatorial District

    “My colleagues are reaching out to their constituencies in different ways because you cannot know the problems of our people more than us; because we are the ones representing the grassroots. Some are doing roads. Part of my project this year, I put money (in the budget) for federal roads; some of these road (contracts) were awarded years ago, and they are not properly funded. I put N2bn (for the construction of) the worst parts of these roads and i put it under the Federal Ministry of Works and the Minister is cooperating. In fact, the (contractors are going to mobilize to the site) in the next one, two, three weeks”.

    Speaking generally on the economy, Karimi said the Tax Reform Bill remains one of the best things to happen to the country. The problem that was created when this tax reforms bill was brought, you will think Nigeria was about to fall (apart). Even governors of APC states, they condemned it. The President was accused of wanting to satisfy Lagos and all that. I’m a member of the Finance Committee of the Senate. 

    “The tax reforms bill is one of the best things that has ever happened to this nation. You know what it is going to bring to us? We are going to have states competing with each other on revenue generation because the more revenue you are able to generate,  the more that will accrue to you. 

    “We are not just going to have the situation where some states will just sit down and be expecting manna from the centre.  No government, before now, has been able to thinker with the tax reforms to encourage the states in the federating units to compete and bring more revenue.The bill is almost being done with. Before we go on break in August, I believe we’re going to get the tax reforms bill passed into law. We have worked hard on it, all governors across the federation are now on board, they now see reason why we have to pass it, they now see reason why it will benefit their states; they now see the sense in what Mr President has done. And  on this work, we cooperated with the executive, we did a lot of groundwork reaching out to the states, we did public hearings where various interest groups came and participated”.

    He continued: “People are talking out of the context of that bill. I am not saying we accepted everything inside the bill (wholesale); we made amendments in some areas. Our report in the senate is almost completed, I’m sure the House of Reps they are almost done with their report, I’m sure by the time we resume, where we still have grey areas between the House and the Senate, we will sit and harmonise. In the next two to three months, we’re going to have the tax reforms bill passed into law”.

    Speaking on the new National Anthem Bill, he said the old National Anthem “Arise o Compatriots”, which was introduced by the military junta, was justifiably recommended for replacement with the  original anthem by President Bola Tinubu. 

    “I’ve told you the objective of the 10th Assembly under the leadership of the Senate  President, His Excellency Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas is not to fight the executive over nothing but to dialogue on how to move the nation forward. Mr President gave reasons why he wanted us to go back to what it was from the  beginning; that the (original) Anthem will bring Nigerians together the more. He wanted to create a new national  orientation and we agreed with him. We debated it. What (people) don’t understand is that there are some issues, instead of debating publicly, we go into executive session. Instead of going into plenary, arguing and shouting at each other—some contentious issues  we go into executive session to debate it there; and when we are done arguing at the closed session we go back to the plenary because all the issues they’ve been resolved at the close session”.

    Asked to comment on contemporary issues he considered to present the most difficult time in the life of the 10th National Assembly, he quickly pointed to the National Minimum Wage crisis and the attendant threats of nationwide industrial action by the labour leaders. 

    He argued that contrary to negative perception among the public, federal lawmakers prioritise the interest of the masses.

    “We are concerned about people you called ordinary men. They are our people that elected us, without their votes, we would  not have been there today and we are doing all that we can do to make their lives better. Let me tell you where we started from, this government (when it came on board) the economy was really bad, I don’t want to put the blame on any past government, but it was really bad. We got to the  situation whereby to survive, we had to be printing Naira. You know, when the government starts printing currency, that means that they no longer (have ways and means) to fund the activities of government. That was where we took over from. When this government came, they had to stop that. The foreign capital investment was almost nill. Nobody was ready to come and do business with us. So, this  government came in, they had to create a new order and that brought a lot of hardship to the citizenry. 

    “The President took the bold step by stopping fuel subsidy, which had become a drain pipe on our economy for long. The fuel they are using in our neighbouring countries was being subsidised by Nigerian government and that’s the way we’ve been living. The President put a stop to it and that brought about high cost of living, but he had to do that to save our future and we cooperated with him.  Because of the high cost of living, the labour came up with the protest that the wage bill was low, we had to work with the labour, work with the executive (and) we immediately passed the national minimum wage bill. (So, this is to tell you that it is not true that we are not there for our people) as some people are saying. The President also brought TETFUND, educational loans so that students can approach TETFUND to take loans (to support their education.”

    Another major achievement of the 10th National Assembly, he noted, is the establishment of regional development commissions.

    He emphasised that the regional development commissions is the baby of the 10th National Assembly, which ceme with the law that each of the  six geopolitical zones has a development commission to accelerate infrastructure development within each zone. 

    “The (Regional Development Commission Bill) is the creation of this 10th National Assembly, It is not the creation  of the executive. We (enacted it) and the president accepted it. In this year’s budget alone about N170bn was earmarked for each of the six commissions. You are going to see a lot of developmental projects going on all over the six geopolitical zones”.

    Karimi, however, dismissed questions relating to his suspended colleague and fellow Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan saying her issues were irrelevant to the discussion, which focused on the achievements of the national assembly and national development. He downplayed the trending news around the Kogi Central Senator describing the events as nothing but mere distractions and side attractions, which, according to him “is not the best for the national assembly as an institution, and we’ve got to move beyond this.”

  • Anambra APC ticket: Why the stakes are higher this time

    Anambra APC ticket: Why the stakes are higher this time

    By Dr Josef Umunnakwe Onoh

    As the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares for the decisive April 5 primary in Anambra State, one truth stands clear: the stakes have never been higher. For the party and for Anambra, this election is not just another contest — it is an opportunity to rewrite the political narrative of the South East, to consolidate the progressive ideals heralded by President Bola Tinubu, and to prove that the APC is ready to govern with credibility and competence in regions where it once struggled.

    The Anambra governorship election in November 2025 is not an ordinary poll. It is the last off-cycle gubernatorial election before the 2027 general election. It is the litmus test of APC’s growth in the South East and a referendum on the party’s ability to present viable, unifying leadership beyond its traditional base. This is why the APC must field its strongest, most acceptable, and most strategic candidate. That candidate is Valentine Ozigbo.

    It’s true that all the aspirants have best interests for Anambra state but in my consideration of what is the best interest for my party, the APC, Val Ozigbo meets my admiration. 

    Speculations have been rife that Ozigbo is a mole for Mr. Obi of the Labour Party, but I disagree with the allegation. It’s more like suggesting If there are mole for Mr. Obi, they are better found in the states that Mr. Obi won during the 2023 election. Ozigbo’s anticipated victory in the November Anambra governorship election cannot guarantee significant votes for Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election.

    In as much as I hold H.E Gov C.C Soludo in very high regards, sadly, he is not a member of my political party, the APC, and in politics, loyalty to party comes first. Now that all eyes on the APC gubernatorial ticket for the Anambra state election, Val Ozigbo has had memberships of the PDP, LP, and now he is in the APC. He knows the terrain, ran for the elections, and I cannot say much for the rest of his rivals in the APC.

    For those unfamiliar with Ozigbo’s remarkable journey, he is a man who rose from humble beginnings in Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area, to become a distinguished corporate leader, a philanthropist, and a unifier From excelling as the best graduating student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to leading one of Nigeria’s most iconic corporations, Transcorp Plc, Ozigbo’s story is one of brilliance, tenacity, and integrity.

    As Managing Director of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, he oversaw a $100 million renovation that transformed the hotel into Africa’s leading business destination. As President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, he led a conglomerate with interests in hospitality, power, and energy, championing innovation and corporate excellence. But more importantly, he has consistently translated personal success into public service through philanthropy, mentorship, and community development.

    Ozigbo’s foray into politics in 2020 was no accident. It was a deliberate decision to leave the corporate boardroom and step into the public square—to answer a higher call of service. In 2021, running under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ozigbo emerged as a formidable contender, coming a close second despite running against the combined might of the federal and state governments, entrenched political structures, and financial odds.

    Since then, he has remained at the center of Anambra’s political discourse. He played a crucial leadership role in the Obidient Movement of 2023, galvanising the youth and the middle-class electorate across the southeast. His recent decision to join the APC has opened a new chapter—bringing with him not only his formidable political structure but also the credibility and goodwill he commands across political divides.

    In a state where zoning, religious alignment, and public acceptability are decisive factors, Ozigbo scores highest among all APC aspirants. According to a confidential evaluation document by the APC, he ranks first, scoring 74% in key metrics including zoning, religious support, and public popularity—outperforming the incumbent governor, Charles Soludo, in recent grassroots polls.

    Ozigbo is not a transactional politician. He is a bridge-builder. His campaign is not about party supremacy—it is about people-centred leadership. He has built relationships across PDP, Labour Party, APGA, and civil society. His defection to APC has created a rallying point that could unify previously fragmented political interests in Anambra. If APC is serious about delivering a historic victory in the South East, it must embrace this unifier.

    Beyond numbers and strategy, Ozigbo is a leader of ideas. His vision for Anambra is well-documented—a clear economic plan anchored on digital economy, youth empowerment, security, and infrastructure. His investments in young people speak volumes: through the VCO Foundation, he has committed ₦400 million in partnership with Decagon Institute to sponsor 100 Anambra youths in software engineering, providing a pathway out of unemployment and poverty.

    Critically, Ozigbo possesses something his rivals lack—an expansive grassroots movement and the ability to transcend party lines. In the 2021 election, he outperformed APC’s own candidate. Today, he has brought to the APC not only his capacity but also the goodwill of thousands who believe in his brand of leadership.

    His campaign is self-funded, removing the burden of financial dependency from the party. His cosmopolitan corporate background, vast diaspora network, and clean political record set him apart in a field often riddled with godfatherism and mediocrity.

    As APC looks towards November, the party must decide whether it wants a candidate who can win the primary—or a candidate who can win the election. The difference matters.

    The people of Anambra are yearning for a new kind of leadership—one that transcends slogans and symbols, and delivers results. Valentine Ozigbo embodies that aspiration. For APC, he is not only the safest bet; he is the smartest one.

    Mr. President, Aswaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes in harvest of talents, not about lobbying or money. Therefore, now is the time for our party to help the President harvest one of the talents so that the APC can avert the crisis as it is being experienced in the PDP presently.

    The road to Anambra’s redemption begins with the right choice on April 5. The APC has a rare chance to make history. That chance is Valentine Ozigbo.

    Dr Onoh was the 2023 President Bola Tinubu’s campaign spokesman in the South East

  • Senator Dafinone applauds Tinubu’s leadership, legacy at 73

    Senator Dafinone applauds Tinubu’s leadership, legacy at 73

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has extended warm congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to national development.

    In a statement celebrating the President’s milestone, Dafinone described Tinubu as a leader whose commitment to democracy, governance, and economic progress continues to inspire millions of Nigerians. 

    He acknowledged Tinubu’s transformative leadership from his time as Lagos State Governor to his current role as President, emphasizing that his Renewed Hope agenda is shaping a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria.

    The Delta Central lawmaker said: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday anniversary. 

    “This milestone is not only a celebration of a remarkable life but also a testament to your enduring dedication to the service of our great nation. Your leadership has continued to inspire hope, resilience, and progress for millions of Nigerians.

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    “Mr. President, your unwavering commitment to democracy, good governance, and national development has defined your legacy. From your days as a pro-democracy advocate to your transformative leadership in Lagos State and now as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you have demonstrated visionary leadership and a deep passion for the growth and unity of our country. Your Renewed Hope agenda is already laying the foundation for a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria.

    “As you mark this special day, I join millions of Nigerians in praying for your continued good health, wisdom, and strength to lead our nation to even greater heights. Your dedication to economic reforms, security, and infrastructural development is commendable, and I have no doubt that your administration will leave an indelible mark in the annals of our history.

    “On behalf of my family and the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I celebrate you, Mr. President, and wish you many more years of impactful leadership, happiness, and divine blessings. May this new year bring renewed strength and success in all your endeavours. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency!”

  • Group dismisses alleged attempt to link Fubara with violence, explosion in Rivers 

    Group dismisses alleged attempt to link Fubara with violence, explosion in Rivers 

    The Rivers Vanguard has condemned what it calls a politically motivated attempt to link the suspended governor Siminalayi Fubara with violence and unrest in Rivers State, warning that such accusations are aimed at misleading the public.

    Addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, the group’s president, Dr. Simon Odili, dismissed efforts to associate Fubara with recent acts of sabotage as baseless and unfair. He emphasized that the governor remains committed to peace and effective governance despite the political turbulence in the state.

    “The allegations being circulated to implicate Governor Fubara in violent incidents are nothing more than a calculated attempt to tarnish his reputation,” Odili said. “Those pushing this false narrative seek to justify unconstitutional actions against a democratically elected leader.”

    The group also refuted reports claiming Fubara’s involvement in a purported gas explosion in Rivers State, clarifying that investigations had confirmed no such incident occurred. 

    It accused political actors of spreading misinformation to create unrest and undermine public trust.

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    “There was no explosion. There was no sabotage. What we are witnessing is a dangerous trend where lies are weaponized to serve political interests. Rivers people must remain vigilant and resist these deceptive tactics,” Odili added.

    The group’s reaction follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, which suspended Governor Fubara and appointed a retired vice-admiral as sole administrator. 

    The Rivers Vanguard described the federal government’s move as a blow to democracy and urged a reconsideration of the decision, which has already drawn dissatisfaction from many residents.

    “The people of Rivers are not happy with this imposition. You cannot sideline an elected governor and hand over the state’s leadership to an unelected appointee without consequences. The world is watching.”

    The group further called on security agencies to resist being used as tools for political persecution, warning against any attempt to clamp down on citizens expressing their views.

    “We urge security agencies to remain neutral and uphold the constitution. Rivers people have the right to question actions they see as unjust. Silencing them will only deepen resentment,” he added.

    The Rivers Vanguard also called for unity among residents, stressing the need to remain vigilant in the face of political maneuvering.

    “This is not a time for division. We must stay focused and ensure that democracy is not hijacked in Rivers State,” the group admonished.

  • Rejecting the ‘college of leaders’ scheme in Delta APC

    Rejecting the ‘college of leaders’ scheme in Delta APC

    • By Prince Efe Duku

    The question whether the desire by some for a ‘College of Leaders’ operating alongside the established leadership and management organs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State is constitutional, legitimate, and appropriate warrants a civil and respectful debate. It is a mistake to think that this question can be properly addressed through happenstance, manipulation, authoritarian tactics or hostile insults. Good knowledge, calmness and open-mindedness are needed for a productive debate.

    Self-assured leaders do not fear robust intellectual or commonsense debates. Rather, armed with convincing facts and evidence, they present their case to correct opposing views and build durable consensus and support. On the other hand, if an idea is irreparably flawed, its proponents should have the humility to admit it and accept superior viewpoints. Pouring to hate-filled insults on opponents when we fail to convince them is a weakness, not a good strategy. Often, those who do this assume that they can intimidate and cow well-informed opponents.

    It should be said from the onset that the focus here is on the collegiate leadership issue, not on individuals or their statuses. One thing is certain: having evolved consistently in Delta’s opposition politics for over 25 years since the Kragha-Ibori days, one holds true leaders in the highest esteem. This remains true even when there are disagreements. It is crucial to separate issues from personalities to objectively find the truth. This is why individuals’ statuses yield to the force and power of facts, evidence, the law and sound reasoning in civilised conversations and constests. The same standard applies when interrogating political issues to uncover the truth.

    Now, to the topic itself. As projected, the ‘College of Leaders’ is a conclave of unelected, self-proclaimed ‘super leaders’ with extensive, self-granted powers to dictate the overall direction and destiny of the party, particularly the authority to endorse or disqualify candidates running for elective positions at the party’s congresses or primaries. This collegiate council is designed to operate exclusively in Delta State in the whole of Nigeria at the State, Local Government (LG) and Ward levels in parallel with the party’s constitutionally recognised State Executive Committee (SEC)/State Working Committee (SWC), LG Executive Committee/LGA Working Committee and Ward Executive Committee, respectively. The idea is not entirely new; it has been proposed before but was overwhelmingly rejected due to its excessive overreach. The consequences of that rejection resulted in some of the promoters of the scheme filing court cases, but none was successful.

    Clothed in self-granted bourgeoisie or elitist superiority, the ‘College of Leaders’ is conceived to issue commands to the constitutionally recognised organs of the party for slavish execution. Its membership is veiled in ambiguity, lacking clear criteria. At best, it is for autopilot godfatherism. Without any room for organic, rules-based inputs by the party’s grassroots to its composition and constitution, it smacks of a disingenuous power grab to initiate and maintain pretentious hegemonic dominance. It mimics an authoritarian power centre, akin to the Chinese Communist Party, aiming to enforce obedience and subservience from party members at significant costs that are not acknowledged or anticipated under the party’s constitution. As it is said, if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it is probably a duck.

    Fundamentally, a ‘College of Leaders’ or ‘Leadership Council,’ or anyhow named or styled, is not an organ of the APC. It is unknown to the party’s constitution and therefore illegitimate in that context. It cannot be arbitrarily imposed on the party without a principled rejection. Doing otherwise is to promote an egregious and desperate ‘rule of man’ to annual and run roughshod over the party’s constitutional. This itself must qualify as the zenith of anti-party malfeasance for which serious sanctions should apply. This conclusion may only be rebutted by pointing to specific constitutional provisions that unequivocally permit the functioning of this strange body in the APC. Even the highest decibels of insults on opponents will not do.

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    Concerned about the lawless aggressiveness behind the so-called ‘Leadership Council’, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party recently clarified that it “… did not grant approval for the inauguration or operation of the “Leadership Council” in the Delta State Chapter of our Party …” in a strong rebuttal of dishonest claims to the contrary. Going further, the NWC reaffirmed that “The said “Leadership Council” is not a body created or recognized under the Party’s Constitution which clearly spells out the statutory organs, structures and committees of the Party, and their respective powers and functions. The “Leadership Council” is not one of such constitutional organs, ad hoc structures or committees of the Party”. This should suffice to initiate a change of direction, but not where there exists a desperate and lawless contractual obligation designed by some to undermine the party and achieve nefarious profitmaking objectives.

    Shrouded in blatant unconstitutionality, the ‘Leadership Council’ scheme shows all the hallmarks of a malignant plot designed to sow internal discord within the party, ultimately serving the interests of its promoters or external forces. This is partly because its proponents have not demonstrated the courage to question the legal validity, sufficiency, and capability of the existing constitutional organs of the party to uniformly and effectively administer its affairs nationwide, including in Delta State. While the constitutional right of the proponents to freely associate is preserved and respected, they also have a bounden duty to respect the rules of the party as a voluntary organisation with objectives that repel deliberate disruptions.

    Without any specifically identified challenges to the current constitutional processes of the APC, the collegiate council contraption is a deliberate attack on the party’s proper functioning. No political party in Nigeria’s democratic history has ever managed its affairs along the unmitigated chaos wrapped in the conceptualisation of the so-called council. A crucial irony is that some beneficiaries of the present constitutional orderliness of the party are also drawing daggers against it!

    It is of significance to note knowing that the council is widely unpopular, its proponents shy away from proposing it as a constitutional amendment to the party. Instead, they prefer to impose it arbitrarily. It is merely an effort to establish a perilous precedent that will encourage fringe, weak, disgruntled, or disruptive elements with factional inclinations within any State Chapter of the party to intermittently create and impose unconstitutional ad-hoc structures that cater to their whims, thereby derailing the party. This can never ever be encouraged by any responsible national leadership of an organised political party.

    John Maxwell teaches that, “Leadership is influence,” nothing less. Respectable political leadership is often the result of intentional investment of scarce resources, time, personal commitment, and sound principles for the good of the people. It involves effective support for the grassroots to keep the party virile. Leadership is not self-granted by merely belonging to strange organic entities that usurp the constitutional powers of the party’s organs. Regrettably, this is essentially the model of the ‘College of Leaders’. Properly understood, it is a vicious attempt to establish a ‘College of Dictators’ within the party, starting with Delta. This is too dangerous to be accepted as a precedent for the APC – a liberal party of the people.

  • Rep Abiante lauds Tinubu for signing SSDC bill into law

    Rep Abiante lauds Tinubu for signing SSDC bill into law

    The member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal constituency of Rivers State in the 10th House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill into law.

    The lawmaker who was also the lead sponsor of the Bill made the commendation while speaking to journalists on Wednesday.

    He said their consistent efforts since the 9th Assembly has paid off.

    He said: “So mine is on behalf of everyone who supported this idea from the 9th Assembly to the 10th Assembly up to this point that it has materialized. I want to say thank you to Mr. President. This journey started from the 9th Assembly. I want to thank all members of the 9th Assembly who were part of the sponsorship of this bill.

    “It actually was passed in the 9th Assembly on the 16th of November 2021 and we couldn’t have concurrence from the Senate and so it was not even presented to Mr. President for assent.

    “In the 10th Assembly, the journey started again. Of course, I have always been the lead sponsor of this very project. From 25th of July 2023, immediately we resumed. We brought it back as a bill from the previous Parliament. It went through all the processes and on the 16th of July 2024, it was passed by the House of Representatives and now forwarded to the Senate for concurrence.

    “The Senate version was also available as sponsored by Senator Ekpenyong. So by the time both houses passed their various versions, the conference committee had to clear that and eventually it’s been taken to Mr. President and he has signed it into law”.

    Rep. Abiente however noted that the Commission needs competent persons to steer its affairs in order to discharge its responsibilities in the region bedevilled by various environmental and socio-economic challenges for decades.

    He added, “Going from experiences from similar agencies, Mr. President should look out for men and women of impeccable character to drive the process because there are lots of deficits relative to infrastructure development and several other areas of engagement in the South-South region. So if this is done, we are very confident that the President must have written his name in gold”.

    The lawmaker further informed that, there is a clear distinction between the South-South as it is and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which had been passed before.

    According to him, unlike the NDDC, the South-South Development Commission is a Commission that cover the six states in the South-South region adding that, other regions also have their development commissions approved by the President after their bills were passed by the Parliament.

    “The sharp distinction between the Niger Delta Development Commission and the South-South Development Commission borders on the geography.

    “For the NDDC, you have states in the South-West. All those states from the South-West is a member of the NDDC. And Imo, as well as other states from the South-East, are also members of the Niger Delta Development Commission. And they also have their own independent regional commissions. And the NDDC caters essentially for states within the area called Niger Delta, probably with a little emphasis on the areas where you have been able to find and explore oil as of today.

    “Similar to what has come to play, which is the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC).You have HYPPADEC because of the areas that are producing or generating electricity from hydro. And there is also this push to have a development commission for areas where you have abundance of solid minerals. So if we have to situate and balance all this, there does not seem to be any duplication.

    “The NDDC is there to cater for the interests of the entire Niger Delta environment, irrespective of which of the geopolitical zones that you come from. But this is specific, just like you have the North-East Development, you have the North-West Development, North-Central Development, and it has guaranteed that none has been excluded.

    “Don’t forget, even before we started talking about all these development commissions, there used to be the very popular OMPADEC, Oil, Minerals, Producing Area Development Commission. Before that was the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority. So it’s nothing from the blues. It’s been one with a trajectory, with a history, and with specifics in terms of what it ought to achieve.

    “The area is grossly challenged. When I say grossly challenged, I’m not talking about the various state capitals. You can just walk around and you find roads. I’m not sure of any of the state capitals that I even know where you can guarantee public supply of potable water. I don’t think that it’s already working in Port Harcourt. I don’t know if it’s working in Oyo. I’m not sure they’ve gotten it completely.

    “So there are lots of deficits relative to infrastructure. And without this infrastructure, you cannot drive the economy of the area. There are several communities outside, even within the capital cities, they cannot guarantee for themselves power supply for 24 hours. And without power, you cannot achieve industrialization,” he said.

  • Omo-Agege: A pillar of constitutional rectitude in Delta APC

    Omo-Agege: A pillar of constitutional rectitude in Delta APC

    • By Prince Efe Duku

    All political systems experience conflicts and contestations for their control. By the rational choice theory and as dissected in Gareth Morgan’s seminal work, ‘Interests, Conflict, and Power: Organizations as Political Systems’, these conflicts are sometimes mild or fierce depending on the interests driving them.

    Anyhow they come, truly democratic leaders resolve conflicts based on settled rules of law to protect the interests of the people as the ultimate source of political power. Promoting, protecting and enriching rules that preserve the interests of the grassroots is always populist. Herein lies the increasing grassroots appeal of the Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR in the politics of Delta State.

    Obarisi Omo-Agege as today’s issue in Delta’s political landscape stems partly from his first-class service as a legislator. He stands proudly tall as a most resourceful Deputy President of the Senate. Amongst others, midwifing a special legislative establishment framework for the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun; bringing to fruition his innovative vision of the Federal Polytechnic Orogun; and lobbying for the establishment of the University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale, put his legacy as a parliamentarian in a unique class.

    On human capital development, the Obarisi as an intentional channel for the placement of a huge number of our highly qualified young people in strategic positions in the federal system is another level of patriotic and smart legislative representation. Hopefully, these young professionals will lead someday as champions in the military; petroleum industry; agricultural sector; public regulators and other critically important areas.

    Given his sterling record of public governance achievements, there is overwhelming belief that the future beckons on the Obarisi for more. The grassroots specially appreciate him as a visionary with an incisive understanding of the rules-based dynamics of party politics and a trusted chief protector of their stakes.

    Like many leaders in the Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC), the Obarisi believes that political interests are best protected by complying with constitutional rules, not arbitrary and extra-constitutional whims and caprices of a few. This thinking is overwhelmingly embraced by the party’s grassroots, thus confirming that the party’s fundamentals are healthy. This itself portends a seismic shift in the political landscape of the state, as shown by the Obarisi’s recent hugely successful engagements with large grassroots crowds of the party across Delta’s 25 local government areas.

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    Although recent strategic moves by committed grassroot leaders of the Delta APC are rightly revving up its capacity to build on its 2023 gains, reactionary forces serving external interests have been severely jolted, leading to feverish attempts to mainstream fringe disruptions into the functioning of the party. This must fail. While individuals may choose to embrace ‘aluta continua’ tendencies, the sanctity and due functioning of the constitutional architecture of the party must be held sacrosanct and unshakable. Those labouring to use extra- or unconstitutional tactics to control the party to satisfy external interest are already being frustrated by this reality, resulting in daily internal tantrums of hate and insults. These are immature answers to principled rejection of creepy lawlessness and cannot confer respectability. They do not substitute for constitutionality. Let everyone, big or small, simply respect the constitution. No need for any gang up, especially as experience has shown its futility. Going against leaders who preach respect for constitutionality is futile.

    Further, Omo-Agege believes that genuine interest in the growth of one’s party should reflect in constructive management of electoral outcome – biter or sweet. Knowing that victory sometimes comes from only marathons, perseverance and restraint are required to stay the course with the party in turbulent times instead of capriciously casting it into the wind where temporary aspirational inflections or setbacks occur. Staying the course strengthens democracy, as it helps to build a culture of resilience and broad respect for electoral outcomes. This is a key lesson from the steady rise of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s to the apex of power as the nation’s Commander-in-Chief despite diverse political setbacks and turbulence. It explains the Obarisi’s exemplary unflinching commitment to the organic development of the Delta APC. For discerning minds, this itself is the source of today’s growing confidence that the party indeed has a date with destiny in the governance of Delta.

    Pristinely brilliant, Omo-Agege’s commitment to sound principles resonates with many. He is fearlessly honest; fiercely protective of interests in his care; open to plurality and contestation of ideas; listens to diverse voices, especially critics; manages issues objectively with extraordinary wisdom; and makes sensible sacrifices and compromises for the collective good. For him, sustainable political leadership is earned by demonstrating consistent capacity to influence people, develop the party from the grassroots, and positively impact society. So, to him, to be trusted, political leaders should be connected to the grassroots. Artificial conclave leadership arrangements not grounded in the party’s grassroots or constitution are unsustainable.

    Obarisi Omo-Agege’s capacity to stand firm against those who mistake pragmatic concessions for weakness is well-known, yet Job’s patience guides him. So, he would typically counsel that, “No matter how complex the issues may be, fighting within our party without restraint is unwise.” Knowing human frailties, his goal is winning with dependable allies, including reformed opponents. But the minimum for him is adherence to constitutional rules. No matter how fanciful, ideas violating the party’s constitution are unhelpful. Backyards tactics never work well. This position is right and of a populist flair. There is no need to fight him for this. Fighting people who want respect for rules is never right.

    At the heart of Nyesome Wike’s popular ‘Enye Ndi Eba, Enye Ndi Eba’ musical joke lies an important message of mutual respect. Nothing guarantees mutual respect in a party better than full commitment to respecting its constitution. Any conspiracy to usurp the rights, privileges and powers of the grassroots must be stopped by principled leaders who value the grassroots. This sums up the populist stance of the Most Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR in the Delta APC, and it is overwhelmingly supported by the party’s grassroots leaders and members.

  • Emergency Rule will restore sanity in Rivers, say Youths in Parliament

    Emergency Rule will restore sanity in Rivers, say Youths in Parliament

    The Youth in Parliament has expressed support for declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, describing it as a necessary step to restore order amid escalating political crisis in the State.

    The group believed the decision is crucial to prevent further chaos and ensure stability of governance in Rivers.

    A statement by chairman of the group, a son to former Oyo Governor and lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North, South and Orire federal constituency at the House of Representatives, Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, stated the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers was in order considering  affairs in the State. 

    He said it was important for the President to do everything possible to restore sanity and protect the interests of the people.

    He said the political crisis in Rivers State has worsened in recent weeks with tensions rising between key political stakeholders, which has led to concerns about a breakdown in law and order.

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    Alao-Akala acknowledged that while emergency rule should not be viewed as a long-term solution, it is the best course of action to prevent anarchy and safeguard residents from political fallout.

    “The Youth in Parliament stands for democracy and good governance. However, when democracy is threatened by internal wranglings, it is the duty of the authorities to step in and restore stability. The people of Rivers deserve peace, and if emergency rule is what will guarantee that, then it is justified,” he added.

    The Youth in Parliament, a body of young political leaders advocating for increased youth involvement in governance however called on all political actors in Rivers State to prioritize the welfare of the people over personal or partisan interests.

  • NGO demands retraction of alleged defamation from ex-Gov Obaseki’s Commissioner Ogbeide 

    NGO demands retraction of alleged defamation from ex-Gov Obaseki’s Commissioner Ogbeide 

    The Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa has given former Edo Commissioner Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor a 48-hour ultimatum to retract alleged defamatory statements against the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Barrister Bisi Idaomi or face legal action. 

    In a statement by its Director of Planning and Research, Mr. Patrick Yahaya, the NGO described Ogbeide’s claims as “vicious, reckless, and false,” accusing him of attempting to damage the Commissioner’s reputation. 

    Ogbeide, in a March 14, 2025, Facebook post, alleged that the Ministry of Women Affairs under the leadership of Barrister Idaomi spent N75 million on International Women’s Day celebrations. 

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    Ogbeide said: “Meanwhile, they are bleeding the treasury badly, I’m told that the Ministry of Women Affairs spent N75 million only to celebrate Women’s Day, and even APC women no see chewing gum.”

    The NGO refuted Ogbeide’s claim, stating that the Ministry never received N75 million for the event and accused him of deliberately misrepresenting the Commissioner’s work. 

    “This mischievous, malicious, false and misleading claim is a calculated attempt to tarnish the Commissioner’s image and diminish her standing in the eyes of the public,” the statement reads. 

    The group said: “we are not unmindful that this statement by Ogbeide is calculated to instigate public antagonism against the State Government, the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Commissioner, and her family,” demanding an immediate retraction of the statement and a public apology on all platforms where it was published.