Innocent Ojefia Blog

Below Is The Federal Allocation To The Twenty five Local Government Areas in Delta State In 2023: Aniocha North:  ₦2,631,989,064.8 Aniocha South:  ₦2,847,788,192.94 Bomadi:               ₦2,491,779,057.87 Burutu:                 ₦3,367,885,422.51 Ethiope East:      ₦3,178,376,209.24 Ethiope West:     ₦3,226,505,207.54 Ika North East:   ₦3,279,681,589.37 Ika South:            ₦3,117,284,050.15 Isoko North:        ₦2,968,741,529.30 Isoko South:       ₦3,372,633,698.8 Ndokwa East:     ₦2,766,813,948.49 Ndokwa West:   ₦3,108,983,376.16 Okpe:                    ₦2,750,960,811.06 Oshimili North:  ₦2,683,889,807 Oshimili South: ₦2,890,887,684.18 Patani:                 ...

Despite a significant rise in FAAC allocations to States and local governments, Deltans continue to grapple with economic hardship like sheeps without a shepherd. Recent data reveals that States and local government councils are now receiving nearly triple their previous level of federal allocation following the removal of subsidies and the floating of the Naira. The minimum increases any State received was 69%. Moreover, oil-producing States also receive a 13% derivation, and there's revenue from Value Added Tax (VAT) shared among the three tiers of government. It's important to note that the mentioned allocations exclude federal government interventions like cash and food items distributed to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal and Naira floatation. The pressing question is: What is your State governor doing with the substantial funds allocated to the State? Civil servants express dismay that despite the increased allocation, the Delta State government hasn't taken...

The government of Delta State epitomizes self-service, prioritizing self-preservation, self-promotion, self-enrichment, and self-gratification. Those believing the government acts in the common good should reconsider, as government actions solely serve personal agendas, disregarding citizens' concerns or sentiments. The People's Democratic Party (PDP) has long been a dominant political force, wielding significant influence over the socio-political landscape of the State. However, alongside its political prowess, the PDP has put together a reward system, which has inadvertently fostered the emergence of a class of sycophantic elites within the State. This essay delves into the dynamics of this reward system and its implications for good governance and societal cohesion in the State. The PDP's reward system operates on a patronage network, where loyalty to the State government and the party hierarchy is often rewarded with political appointments, contracts, and other benefits...

In the journey of life, amidst the tumultuous waves and the tranquil tides, it's the persistence that charts our course. As you navigate the intricate waters of politics, remember that every ripple you create echoes with potential change. Perseverance isn't merely about weathering storms; it's about dancing in the rain, finding solace in the chaos, and emerging stronger with each passing tempest. Your unwavering commitment to your cause, your community, and your convictions embodies the essence of resilience. In the face of adversity, it's easy to falter, to question, to waver. But it's those who dare to stand tall amidst the fiercest winds who leave an indelible mark on the sands of time. Your steadfast determination serves as a beacon of hope for those who may waver in their resolve. Remember, every setback is merely a setup for a comeback. Every obstacle is but a stepping stone on the path to greatness. Embrace each challenge as an opportunity to showcase your st...

While I respect Dr. Usman Bugaje's opinion, I disagree with his assessment that President Tinubu lacks solutions to Nigeria's problems. President Tinubu possesses the brilliance and intelligence necessary to lead the nation. However, his approach of relying heavily on those who aided his electoral victory instead of seeking out the most competent individuals for crucial positions raises concerns. This reliance on political appointees over proven professionals in key ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) appears shortsighted and potentially detrimental. When appointments are based solely on political affiliation rather than competence, it undermines the effectiveness of those institutions and hinders progress. The current situation, where "myopic political followers" of ‘parocial political leaders” hold leadership positions in various MDAs regardless of their qualifications, perpetuates a system that prioritizes political gain over national well-being. This appr...

Living in poverty has a lasting effect on people's choices. Their downside is that they tend to make decisions based on coping with present stresses, often at the expense of longer-term goals. This, they do even though knowing that in hard times, it is they, the poor who suffer the most devalued condition. This includes hunger, pain, sickness, sadness, unfair treatment, a low lifestyle, etc. The point I am trying to make is that a continuing blindness to social class interests in political participation can have damaging consequences. Even with the growing concern over social inequality, the middle and lower classes don't understand that socio-economic existence depends on the quality of governance, and the quality of governance depends on political choices. Therefore, the middle and lower classes should be more concerned about the quality of elected representatives. According to Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission, there are about 84 million register...

It is imperative to preface this discourse with H.G. Wells', whose critical anthem perennially ignites critics' spirits. Wells articulately proclaimed, "We are going to write about it all." We are going to write about business and finance, politics and pretences, pretentiousness, decorum, and indecorum until a thousand pretences and ten thousand impostors shrivel in the cold... We are going to write about wasted opportunities and latent beauties until a thousand new ways of life open to men and women. We are going to appeal to the young, the hopeful, and the curious against the established, the dignified, and the defensive. Before we are done, we will encompass all of life within the scope of the novel." A convergence of political, economic, and social currents is presently shaping a generation grappling with the challenges of the present while harbouring even graver concerns about the future. What is most disheartening? The reluctance of many individuals to en...

The banks, their Executives in connivance with the politicians, destroyed this country. If Nigeria is the cesspool of financial corruption, the banks, especially the top hierarchies, are the major criminals and culprits and check them all out. They are all billionaires as key facilitators of all the financial crimes and financial corruption of this nation 99% of Bank MDs and CEO are criminals, yes including whoever comes to your mind right now. Once you have access to a banking licence in Nigeria, you are an overnight billionaire. They are intelligent,  driven, ambitious, and can get things done, but they are driven by wanton greed and take advantage of the rotten Nigerian system.  I was a banker myself, and I know book cooking and what is called financial engineering; it's all financial crime. Let me tell you how all the bank MDs you know are billionaires; the banks are officially allowed to access the FX market at official price, and the parallel market is selling at N10...

Before he died in 2015, the late Professor Stephen Ellis wrote his last book titled ‘This Present Darkness: A History of Nigerian Organised Crime’. Going through this book left me with several thoughts, most of them unpleasant. It is a fascinating read covering, not just organised crime, but the evolution of the Nigerian state (or maybe they are the same thing). At any rate, I want to share 8 random things I found interesting in the book, and I will leave you to draw your own conclusions. 1. In 1947, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo wrote that “Corruption is the greatest defect of the Native Court system.” He complained that not only did judges take bribes, but people used their connections to enrich themselves and avoid punishment for their crimes. He also wrote that in the north, a new Emir always removed all the people appointed by the previous Emir and replaced them with his own people. He wrote all these as a complaint against the indirect rule system favoured by the British. 2. In 1922...

How many of us truly know what our State and Local Governments are doing? Many times, we are inundated with exaggerated stories and pictures that overhype the government's achievements, often neglecting basic issues. Under Nigerian democracy, media personnel have become obstacles to the achievement of good governance by excessively magnifying government achievements, thereby undermining the integrity of data and figures. The submissive flattery that surrounds political leaders is detrimental to effective governance. Sycophantic democracy leads to dysfunctional governance, plain and simple. It is imperative that we hold our elected representatives accountable and ensure transparency in how they plan and allocate our resources. There is a pressing need to focus on the prudent utilization of financial resources and prioritize uncovering financial abuse, waste, and fraud by civil society. Many inadvertently perceive Nigeria as a unitary state, overly criticizing the federal governm...

Let's begin with a provocative assertion: Capitalism transcends mere economics; it is a philosophical and ideological force shaping our existence, environment, and understanding of humanity. Capitalism, as it stands, thrives on ceaseless expansion, often at great cost. It perpetuates inequality, enabling the affluent to flourish while leaving the less fortunate at the mercy of a merciless market. In its raw form, capitalism champions consumerism and equates possessions with success, obscuring our connection to one another, our harmony with nature, and our deeper purposes beyond material wealth. We find ourselves ensnared in a cycle that glorifies wealth and power, disregarding the human toll — a toll measured in social injustice, environmental devastation, and a profound existential void. I harbour no illusions about the complexity of capitalism; it is neither solely responsible for our world's challenges nor easily dismantled. To demonize capitalism oversimplifies the intricat...

In a multiparty democracy, the presence of a robust opposition is imperative as it serves as a critical check on the incumbent government's actions. This mechanism helps prevent public funds misuse and protects citizens' rights. Under the parliamentary governance system, opposition parties often establish shadow governments, positioning themselves as capable alternatives to the ruling party. This proactive approach allows them to offer citizens viable options and hold the government accountable when necessary. The opposition's role extends beyond providing alternatives; it involves constructive criticism to keep the ruling party vigilant. By consistently scrutinizing the government's actions, the opposition ensures that those in power know oversight. This fosters a more focused and effective administration dedicated to serving the people. The 2023 election and the litigation process have come and ended, while the victors rejoiced, the losers brooded. No doubt lesson...

I celebrate with the good people of Burutu Constituency 1 in Delta South, Ethiope West Local Government Area in Delta Central, and our great Party, the APC; over the well deserved victories of Hon. Anthony Ebitonmo Alapala as Member Representing Burutu Constituency 1, and Hon. Blessing Achoja as Member representing Ethiope West Local Government both in the Delta State House of Assembly in the just concluded rerun elections.  Despite the momentarily setback, indeed, our people believe in you and our great party by giving you their votes and mandate to represent them again and again. This has further reinstated people’s commitment to salvaging our dear state in subsequent elections. We believe that the sacrifice they made by coming out en-mass to ensure your victories will be appreciated when you assume office.  I want to in a very special way thank all our party leaders, elected representatives, party stakeholders and party members for working tirelessly to ensure this victory ...