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Tag: Delta

  • Delta Land Dispute: Umuseti Reaffirms Ownership, Emu Ebendo Kicks

    Delta Land Dispute: Umuseti Reaffirms Ownership, Emu Ebendo Kicks

    There is tension in Umuseti Community, Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale, over a land dispute with neighbours, Emu Ebendo community over ownership of a parcel of land purchased by investor, Axxela Company.

    Chief Emmanuel Akpe, spokesperson for Umuseti community, who spoke with reporters yesterday, claimed the land has been under the ownership and possession of the Umu-Mgbor family of Umuseti for generations, with a long history of agricultural and economic activities.

    According to him, “The Umu-Mgbor family, as customary landowners, have utilised this land for farming and other economic purposes for so many years. Historical records show that the area has been inhabited and developed by members of the Umuseti community for over a century, with houses, and other economic activities established long before Axxela arrived in 2024.”

    He expressed shock at the claims by the Emu Ebendo community, “These claims appear to be rooted in a Supreme Court judgment involving Obodogwa. It is important to put it on record that the Umuseti community was not a party to the suit and therefore cannot be bound by its ruling.”

    Akpe said in 2014, Xenergi Oil Company attempted to assert ownership of a parcel of land within Umuseti’s territory, citing the same Supreme Court judgment.

    He added that the Kwale High Court, in suit No. HCK/24/2015 ruled in favour of Umuseti, stating that the community had provided sufficient evidence of ownership and that the judgment against Obodogwa was not binding on Umuseti.

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    Akpe said the decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal in Benin (CA/B/358/2016), which awarded costs against Xenergi.

    He said the land purchased by an investor, Axxela Company, followed due process “with compensation for economic crops adequately paid to members of the Umu-Mgbor family, with no claims or objections raised by any other party.”

    On March 10, elderly men and women from the Emu Ebendo community had staged a peaceful protest along the Kwale/Ughelli Expressway, Ndokwa West LGA against what they called “forceful entry of Axxella Company onto their ancestral land.”

    Although the protest was peaceful, the activities of the protesters paralysed businesses for a while as the community youths joined the elderly people to drive home their demands.

    Reacting, Emu Ebendo Spokesman, Chief Eni Augustine Enum, lamented the sudden taking over of their land but vowed to resist the grabbers because “we don’t let go of what is ours when it comes to Land”.

    “This land known as Oluji has been our land, we have been working peacefully on it until when a community we brought in called Obodogwa came to see that there is oil in this place.

    “But, this community, which had been under us, challenged the ownership of the land while our people challenged them legally until we got a judgement at the Supreme Court.”

    According to him, Axxella erroneously bought the land from unauthorized persons and brought a bulldozer to the land with military support, but “we quickly reacted by coming peacefully too to reach out to all the people that matters to advise Axxella to leave the land without further delay.”

  • Police arrest three women for selling 11-day-old baby for N4m in Delta

    Police arrest three women for selling 11-day-old baby for N4m in Delta

    The Delta State Police Command has arrested three women involved in the sale of an 11-day-old infant for ₦4 million.

    According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Superintendent Edafe Bright, the suspects have confessed to their roles in the crime.

    The infant’s mother, identified as Rachael, revealed that she was lured into selling her baby for ₦600,000 by a woman who initially offered to help her after childbirth. 

    She was then introduced to a vendor who exploited her vulnerable situation and pressured her into the transaction.

    Suspicious neighbours, who had supported Rachael during her pregnancy, raised an alarm after noticing she no longer had the baby. 

    Upon interrogation, she admitted to selling the child, leading to her arrest along with the intermediary.

    Further investigations revealed that the vendor resold the baby for ₦3.5 million, giving Rachael only ₦570,000 after deducting a ₦30,000 debt she owed.

    Read Also: Police to obey orders reinstating personnel

    Edafe Bright in a voice note said, “We have come to realize that the business of baby factory is on the increase and we are going to fight it head-on.

    ”The other day we saw three women who were about transporting three different children to Abuja through Asaba International Airport, Thank God they were caught and arrested.

    “Today, we have three suspects, mother of a child who is a week and a few days old. She gave the child to this woman and the first recipient sold the child to the third woman for the sum of N4 million though she claimed it was N3.5million that she collected.

    “The mystery about the whole thing is that the lady who sold for N4 million or N3.5million as she claimed, gave the mother of the child not even up to N600,000.”

  • IYC laments alleged neglect of Ijaw areas in Delta 

    IYC laments alleged neglect of Ijaw areas in Delta 

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has lamented alleged deliberate neglect and underdevelopment of Ijaw areas in Delta State by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led government.

    Spokesman for the IYC, Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill, raised the alarm in a statement in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, following a news conference yesterday on the state of Ijaw areas in Burutu, Delta State.

    The spokesman said despite the Ijaw political and economic contributions to the state and the emergence of Oborevwori, the Ijaws are yet to see any concrete project that could be considered a landmark achievement for the Ijaw people in Delta.

    Princewill claimed: “We are beginning to perceive Oborevwori as a Governor who lacks developmental plans or agenda for the Ijaws. 

    “His projects have been viewed as highly sentimental and against all known principles of fairness, justice, and equity. They appear to be twisted and skewed against the Ijaws of Delta State. The Ijaws cannot continue to be disproportionately burdened while others benefit from our contributions.

    “The IYC is stating clearly that we cannot continue to be micromanaged by the state government. There is a need to balance his administration, ensuring that all ethnic groups in Delta have a sense of belonging. Delta State belongs to all of us, and the Ijaw ethnic group is a serious stakeholder in the state. 

    “We must be given reasonable attention in terms of development, youth empowerment, and other areas to atone for our contributions toward the emergence of Oborevwori as Governor of Delta State, considering our political and economic contributions. 

    “As a council, we have keenly followed the 2024 and 2025 budgets of the Delta State government under Oborevwori’s watch. Apart from the lack of full implementation of the 2024 budget, there is no adequate provision for the Ijaw people. Instead, we see a repetition of projects that could have been addressed in the previous budget.

    “We are using this press conference to call on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently pay serious attention to the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, the only state-owned tertiary institution in Delta Ijaw land. The Polytechnic was established by an Act of the Delta State House of Assembly in 2006 and began functioning in 2011.

    “However, from 2011 till date, there is no structure that the Delta State Government has been able to complete at the permanent site. 

    “Snakes, reptiles, overgrown weeds, and all forms of dangerous creatures now inhabit the vast expanse of land donated to the school. This is worrisome, especially considering that within months of the establishment of the Southern Delta University at Orerokpe, gigantic structures are now visible everywhere. We need the same energy to be transferred to the long-standing Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu.”

    The spokesman also called on the Delta State Government to send an executive Bill to the Delta Assembly for the Directorate of Riverine Infrastructural Development, to be permanently backed by law, like the Warri, Uvwie, and environs Special Area Development Agency and the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency. 

    He also urged the Governor to urgently correct the political anomaly in Warri North Local Government Area, asserting that only Itsekiris were given the two commissioner slots, whereas it is a local government purely dominated by the Ijaws of Egbema and the Itsekiris.

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    Princewill alleged that a significant number of Ijaw youths who toiled and worked for the emergence of Oborevwori as Governor are yet to be appointed to serve in any capacity, perhaps their crime is that they are from Ijaw, hence they should not benefit. 

    He lamented: “This is appalling, especially when their counterparts from other ethnic stocks, who did not do more than they did during the elections, are thriving in his government. The Ijaw youths have been so neglected.”

    The statement warned that if within one month, the state government failed to initiate action to address the perceived injustices in Delta, they would demonstrate their discontent through a vote of no confidence and potential protests to serve as a warning to government officials about the growing frustrations within the Ijaw areas.

  • Five primary school heads lose jobs in Delta

    Five primary school heads lose jobs in Delta

    Five Primary School Heads have been sacked for extortion and collection of unapproved levies.

    The sacked school heads are from different local government areas of the State.

    Those relieved of their duties with immediate effect are: Mrs Ajeh B. O – Asamata Primary School, Ugiliamai (Ndokwa); Mr Uboh I. Joseph – Morka Primary School, Obiaruku (Ukwani LGA); Mrs Okpakogborho Grace – Abraka Model Primary School, Abraka (Ethiope East); Mrs David Uzeze – Ekrejeta Primary School, Abraka (Ethiope East) and Mrs Otuedor Lydia – Orogun Primary School, Orogun (Ughelli North).

    Their sack was conveyed in press statement on Friday by the Director of Public Communication/Functioning Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Information, Theresa Adiabua-Oliko.

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    It stated that “sequel to the investigation and the on-the-spot visit carried out recently by the Hon Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu to schools in the State, a request was made to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for the suspension of some schools found guilty of collecting unapproved levies from candidates for the 2025 cognitive and placement examination.

    “Consequently, the following affected School Heads were relieved of their duties: Mrs Ajeh B. O – Asamata Primary School, Ugiliamai (Ndokwa); Mr Uboh I. Joseph – Morka Primary School, Obiaruku (Ukwani LGA); Mrs Okpakogborho Grace – Abraka Model Primary School, Abraka (Ethiope East); Mrs David Uzeze – Ekrejeta Primary School, Abraka (Ethiope East) and Mrs Otuedor Lydia – Orogun Primary School, Orogun (Ughelli North).

    “The decision is in line with the zero tolerance posture of the Delta State Government for corruption, extortion from parents and guardians and it is meant to serve as a deterrent to others.

    “Deltans and the public”, the statement went on, “are hereby enjoined to report every form of illegal collection of school fees via call or text to 08057540330.”

  • Delta governor queries civil servants over certification of poorly executed projects

    Delta governor queries civil servants over certification of poorly executed projects

    Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has issued a query to two civil servants accused of colluding with contractors to certify uncompleted or poorly executed projects for payment.

    Speaking during the retirement thanksgiving service of Mrs. Joy Enwa, Permanent Secretary and Accountant-General of the Delta State Ministry of Finance, at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Asaba, the Governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to ensuring Deltans receive value for every government project.

    Oborevwori disclosed that two engineers had been queried for issuing certificates for uncompleted projects, warning that his administration would not spare any government official found compromising on quality standards.

    Referencing the homily theme, “The Choice of a Good Name,” the Governor expressed his satisfaction with the message and urged civil servants to uphold integrity and avoid actions that could harm their careers.

    He said: “This message speaks loudly on what I have been doing in the past one week; the message is key to all our civil and public servants because a lot has been happening and I am happy for the choice of the topic. 

    “All that the civil servants needed since I came into office I have done for them, what else do they need? 

    “After fuel subsidy removal, we paid them transport allowance for three months, we paid promotion arrears of over N5.6 billion and we were also the first to pronounce and pay the New National Minimum Wage.”

    Read Also: Delta IGR hits N110b annually—Commissioner

    He added; “As I am standing here, I am very, very angry for what civil servants are doing. Two civil servants have been issued query for issuing certificates for jobs that have not been completed and payments made. 

    “I know the ethics. Next week, I will announce their names, and we will look at it following due process. You know in this government, if you do well, space will be given to you to do more.”  

    He congratulated Mrs Enwa on growing through the ranks to the echelon of her career, adding that, “the calibre of people that has come today to honour her on retirement is a clear testament to the fact that she did well in service.” 

    In a sermon on “The Choice of a good name”, Bishop Diocese of Asaba, Rt. Rev’d Kingsley Obuh, charged everyone in a position of trust to embrace good name for posterity. 

    While congratulating the chief celebrant, Mrs Joy Emuesiri Enwa, on her successful retirement as Accountant-General of the State and Permanent Secretary in the Delta State Civil Service, he called on her to keep radiating the good traits that endeared her to all while in service. 

    He said a good name can be earned through honourable behaviour, godly wisdom, moral courage and personal integrity and reminded all that no position was permanent, hence the need to leave enviable legacies while in active service. 

    Rt. Rev’d Obuh used the forum to commend Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his giant strides in all sectors and urged him to remain undaunted in pursuit of his MORE agenda. 

    He advised Mrs Enwa to use the remaining years of her life for the service of God and humanity.

  • Delta IGR hits N110bn annually — Commissioner

    Delta IGR hits N110bn annually — Commissioner

    Mr Charles Aniagwu, Delta Commissioner for Works(Rural Roads) and Public Information on Saturday, disclosed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown to over N110 billion annually.

    Aniagwu in a statement made available to newsmen in Asaba on Saturday, said the state IGR witnessed remarkable growth under the administration of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori, from N70 billion in the last adminstration of the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa led administration.

    He said though the IGR has increased but the percentage increase compared to the state’s budget of nearly N1 trillion showed a perceived decrease in the IGR.

    “The IGR has increased significantly. Under the previous administration, it rose to ₦70 billion from ₦40 billion, Gov. Oborevwori has now taken it beyond ₦110 billion.

    “This arises because percentages are relative to the budget size, which has grown from over ₦700 billion to nearly ₦1 trillion,” Aniagwu said.

    He said that the governor’s strategic approach to revenue generation, was not designed to burden residents but to expand the tax net.

    “Our strategy is rooted in empowering people rather than taxing them into hardship.

    “By improving human capital and opening up new communities, we are enabling residents to participate in the economy more effectively.

    “When people see tangible benefits from their taxes, they  will willingly contribute,” he said.

    Aniagwu said the administration’s focus was on fostering equitable economic growth by ensuring that taxation aligns with developmental benefits.

    “Gov. Oborevwori’s principle of taxation is simple: let the people see what their contributions are doing and they will support it wholeheartedly.

    ” It’s not about extracting money, it’s about creating an enabling environment where everyone can thrive,” he said.

    He  said that the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education were pivotal; addressing long-standing challenges and unlocking economic potentials in underserved areas, and building a more inclusive state.

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    Aniagwu lauded Oborevwori’s commitment to transparency, and his open-door policy and willingness to receive constructive feedback.

    “The governor recently said in a meeting, ‘Don’t tell me about what I have done well; tell me what I need to improve on. This is a leader who listens and is genuinely focused on the needs of the people,” he said.

    Aniagwu, who resumed office as Commissioner for Public Information earlier in the week, commended the governor for prioritizing impactful governance over political distractions.

    “Governor Oborevwori is not looking for praise; he’s focused on delivering results. His dedication to infrastructure and human capital development speaks for itself,” he added.

    (NAN)

  • Delta residents decry high transport fares despite drop in petrol prices

    Delta residents decry high transport fares despite drop in petrol prices

    …commuters lament, seeking government aid

    Despite the recent reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), transport fares in Warri, Effurun, and neighbouring towns in Delta State remain unchanged, with some routes even recording increases since the festive season. 

    An investigation by The Nation over the weekend revealed that both intra and inter-state transportation costs have not reflected the decline in fuel prices.

    For interstate travel, major transport companies such as Libra charge N25,000 and N18,000 for air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses, respectively, while God is Good (GiG) charges N31,000, and local Sienna vehicles cost N18,000. 

    For intra-state routes, fares were observed as follows: Effurun Roundabout to Mofor/Express Junction (Udu) costs N600; Effurun Roundabout to Hausa Quarters, N800; Hausa Quarters to Enerhen Junction, N300; PTI to Enerhen Junction, N400; Agbarho to PTI Junction or Effurun Roundabout, N500; and Agbarho to Okuokoko, N300. 

    Currently, petrol prices in Warri range between N970 and N1,060 per litre, a drop from the over N1,200 recorded in October 2024. However, transport costs, which had increased by about N200 during the petrol price hike, have not been adjusted to reflect the recent reduction in PMS prices. 

    Commercial drivers attribute the situation to the high costs of vehicle maintenance.

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    “Motor parts and engine oil are still very expensive, so you don’t expect the fare prices to change just like that,” said Sammie, a driver operating the Effurun Roundabout to Hausa Quarters route. 

    Commuters, however, have expressed frustration over the stagnant fares, urging the government to intervene by providing subsidised mass transit vehicles.

    Many fear that unless action is taken, Nigerians may never benefit from the promised relief as fuel prices continue to decline.

    A bus passenger identified as Kelvin said: “You know in Nigeria, whatever goes up hardly comes down. Unless something serious is done, these guys (operators) will not change their prices.”

    “Before they buy the expensive fuel, they would increase the price. Now the price is down, reduce transport fares, they say ‘no’. What can we as passengers do? The only thing is for the government to bring subsidised vehicles for transportation. Then, these private operators will do the needful,” a Keke passenger said.

  • 2027: Delta PDP leaders predict Governor Oborevwori’s defection to APC

    2027: Delta PDP leaders predict Governor Oborevwori’s defection to APC

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori may be on the verge of defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite denials from his aides, according to prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    A group known as the Concerned Leaders of PDP in Delta State hinted at the governor’s possible departure in a statement signed by Mr. Theophilus Ekiyo, Mr. Ochuko Oghenekome, and Mr. Ezekiel Chukwudi. 

    They likened the situation to a “seasonal transfer market,” suggesting that Governor Oborevwori is preparing to switch political allegiances.

    “The Governor has positioned himself strategically to leave his old club and join a new one. He has been in discussions with team managers of his preferred party, and it’s only a matter of time before the move is finalized,” the statement read.

    The group emphasized that ongoing developments point to negotiations that could significantly reshape Delta’s political landscape.

    “Reports of Governor Oborevwori’s planned defection have gained traction despite denials from his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, and PDP State Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka; their dismissive responses, however, fail to convince party members who point to clear signs of his alignment with APC leaders, including a recent controversial trip to Ghana.

    “Governor Oborevwori’s sudden decision to settle entitlements of APC lawmakers after months of withholding payments further stokes speculation of his defection plans; this gesture appears to pave the way for a smooth transition to the APC.

    “The governor’s trip to Ghana, allegedly to meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, raises critical concerns: was it an official engagement authorized on behalf of Delta state when the President was there to represent the entire federation?

    Read Also: Party elders accuse Oborevwori of romancing APC

    “What diplomatic ties justify Delta state governor’s attendance at Ghana’s presidential inauguration that had Nigeria’s President in attendance, if not for the purpose of smoothening his exit plans to join APC?

    “Governor Oborevwori owes the PDP and Delta citizens clarity on these issues, particularly given the lack of accountability surrounding his actions.

    “We, the Concerned Leaders of the PDP, Delta State, strongly condemn this betrayal of trust; Governor Oborevwori’s potential defection undermines the party that propelled him to power and risks destabilizing PDP’s future in the state.

    “We urge all PDP members to remain vigilant and take their political destiny into their hands; Governor Oborevwori must address these concerns transparently or face the consequences of his actions,” they added.

  • JUST IN: Many feared dead as petrol tanker explodes in Delta

    JUST IN: Many feared dead as petrol tanker explodes in Delta

    Some people reportedly died in Agbor town in Delta State after a petrol-laden truck erupted in flames in a densely populated area of the metropolis.

    Agbor, the headquarters of Ika South Local Government Area in Delta State, was rocked by the explosion on Sunday afternoon. 

    The incident occurred when a 33,000-litre tanker, which had been near First Bank, exploded while the driver was making a turn on the busy Old Lagos/Asaba Road.

    The blast caused widespread damage, setting several houses and vehicles on fire.

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    Eyewitnesses told The Nation that some residents and passersby attempted to extinguish the flames, but the fire continued to rage.

    Some houses and vehicles around the scene were severely damaged, with some still burning. 

    The body of a car owner who was reportedly burnt beyond recognition was found on the road.

    Details shortly…

  • Man arrested for allegedly ‘killing’ daughter’s boyfriend

    Man arrested for allegedly ‘killing’ daughter’s boyfriend

    A man identified as Mr. Okandeji has been arrested for allegedly hiring thugs to assault his daughter’s boyfriend, 35-year-old Ochuko Ikolo, resulting in the latter’s death.

    According to rights activist Comrade Israel Joe, the incident occurred on December 12, 2024, at Bright Hope Street in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Wife kills husband with pestle in Niger

    Joe disclosed that Mr. Okandeji opposed the relationship between his 20-year-old daughter and Ikolo, a barber and boutique owner, due to his profession. 

    Despite Ikolo assuring his brother he had ended the relationship, the suspect allegedly hired thugs who attacked him at his salon, leaving him critically injured.

    Ikolo was hospitalized but succumbed to his injuries on December 20, 2024. Mr. Okandeji was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba on December 30, while his daughter remains at large.

    The Delta State Police Command, through its spokesperson SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident on Thursday.