Innocent Ojefia Blog

As we celebrate Easter, it is a time for deep reflection, not only on religious teachings but also on the values and actions of society. In Nigeria, a nation rich in cultural heritage and religious diversity, there exists a glaring paradox between professed faith and societal conduct. This essay aims to delve into this paradox, questioning whether Nigerians truly embody the principles of Christianity, particularly in their collective responsibility towards the common good. At the heart of the matter lies a pervasive culture of self-interest and individualism. Despite Nigeria's vibrant Christian population, characterized by fervent worship and adherence to religious rituals, there appears to be a disconnect between faith and practice. While Christianity emphasizes compassion, solidarity, and service to others, Nigerian society often prioritizes personal gain over communal well-being. One stark manifestation of this disconnect is evident in the nation's approach to education and ...

On March 30, 2024, Sir Sunny Areh, Co-Chairman of the Media Committee, announced Senator Ovie Omo-Agege's Homecoming through a press release. The homecoming of Obarisi, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, following his meritorious service as the Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, marks a significant milestone in Delta State's political landscape. As the first Deltan to hold such a high legislative office, the event symbolizes not only Omo-Agege's personal achievements but also the collective pride and aspirations of the people of Delta State.  Let's explore the significance of Omo-Agege's homecoming reception and its implications for Delta State and Nigeria as a whole. Ovie Omo-Agege's tenure as the Deputy Senate President was characterized by unwavering commitment, dedication, and leadership. His role in the Nigerian Senate was pivotal in shaping legislative agendas, fostering consensus-building, and advancing the interests of Delta State and the nation. As a Deltan,...

The raid by the Nigerian military on the country home of Pa EK Clark in Kiagbodo came to the ljaw National Congress, INC as a rude shock. The raid, which Pa EK Clark himself called an “invasion” occurred on the 23rd of March, 2024, under the guise that a fleeing suspected criminal may be hiding in the compound. The search, which was conducted in the most arduous and harrowing manner, came with harassment and physical torture of relatives, aides and other occupants of the compound. The property was attacked from the air, land and water. So shocking, not even Enscobar, Anini or the dreaded Oyenusi of old were treated in such gruesome manner! Nigerians may also recall that on the 4th of September, 2018, a similar raid was conducted on the home of Pa Clark in Abuja. Just as the current one, nothing incriminating was found, even then. The INC is at loss why a 97 years old man who had lived a life of service to his community and country would be treated with such ignominy, disrespect and con...

Are backgrounds in engineering, medicine, architecture, physical sciences, and technical fields unsuitable for aspiring political leadership? Let's examine and clarify this notion." For the benefit of our audience, my response is affirmative, grounded in factual evidence. Firstly, it's a well-established fact that among all professions, social scientists are uniquely equipped for governance. Their training aligns closely with the responsibilities of leaders such as presidents, governors, and kings. This alignment is reflected in the educational backgrounds of many elected officials, particularly in advanced nations. For instance, a study by the British Council revealed that a significant majority of leaders hold degrees in social sciences and humanities, with a smaller percentage in other fields like business, engineering, and health. Secondly, the concept of the "philosopher king," as articulated by Plato in his seminal work "The Republic," underscores...

Governing a state is a complex and multifaceted responsibility that requires a deep understanding of governance principles, administrative skills, and a commitment to serving the interests of the people. In recent times, particularly with the killing of military men and subsequent military invasion of Okuama community, the leadership in Delta State, under Governor Oborevwori, has come under scrutiny for its perceived lack of preparedness and competency in managing the affairs of the state. Sheriff Oborevwori's emergence as the Governor of Delta State despite his apparent lack of preparedness raise serious questions about former Governor Okowa's judgment and commitment to effective governance. In a state where the welfare of its citizens hinges on competent leadership, foisting an inexperienced individual represents a betrayal of public trust and a disservice to the people of Delta State. Beyond the practical implications, there is a moral imperative to ensure that those entrust...

In governance, the responsible and judicious use of public resources is paramount to fostering development and progress within a community or state. Unfortunately, instances arise where officials, due to a lack of information or foresight, make decisions that are not only wasteful but also detrimental to the overall well-being of the populace they serve. A recent incident in Delta State, Nigeria, exemplifies this issue, where a team of officials was sent on a mission that ultimately squandered significant public funds and missed crucial opportunities for genuine progress. The Delta State government's decision to dispatch a team of ill-informed officials, comprising three commissioners, one special adviser, and one permanent secretary, to Wurham District, China, to inspect electric buses intended for purchase is a glaring example of misguided decision-making. The endeavour, which reportedly cost N243 million in public resources, has been labelled a "clueless jamboree," eli...

  Former governors and deputies from Abia state will no longer enjoy pension benefits after their tenures have expired. On Tuesday, the Abia House of Assembly passed a bill to stop the payment of pensions to former governors and their deputies in the state. The bill is entitled: “A Bill (H.A.B 11smiley for a Law to Revoke The Abia State Governors and Deputy Governors Pensions Law No 4 of 2001 and for other Matters connected in addition to that.” It was sponsored by Hon. Uchanna Okoro, the Majority Leader and member Representing Arochukwu State Constituency. The Speaker, Mr Emmanuel Emeruwa, announced the bill’s passage after its first and second readings, consideration at the committee of the whole, and third reading during the day’s plenary. Emeruwa, while congratulating members, said that the bill would reduce the state’s governance expenses and redirect resources towards development. He said that once the governor assented to the bill, it would be known as “Abia State Governors ...

FAAC Disbursed The Sum Of N2.07 Trillion To The  Three Tiers Of Government In February 2024 From The Total Revenue Generated In January 2024. BREAKDOWN: Abia: 8.3BN Adamawa: 8.4BN Akwa Ibom: 26.6BN Anambra: 10.1BN Bauchi: 8.3BN Bayelsa: 22.8BN Benue: 9.7BN Borno: 10.5BN Cross River: 6.6BN Delta: 38.1BN Ebonyi: 7.3BN Edo: 10.2BN Ekiti: 6.9BN Enugu: 8.5BN Gombe: 7.1BN Imo: 9.5BN Jigawa: 9.8BN Kaduna: 7.3BN Kano: 13.6BN Katsina: 9.8BN Kebbi: 8.8BN Kogi: 7.4BN Kwara: 7.3BN Lagos: 23.6BN Nasarawa: 7.7BN Niger: 8.5BN Ogun: 7.1BN Ondo: 10.3BN Osun: 7.8BN Oyo: 10.5BN Plateau: 7.8BN Rivers: 28.4BN Sokoto: 8.4BN Taraba: 8.1BN Yobe: 7.9BN Zamfara: 7.9BN Hold your Governor Accountable.🤷🏾‍♂️

The adequacy of the State government and its officials' understanding of palliatives to alleviate economic hardship is questionable. How can the approval for students' bursaries, an annual tradition, be deemed a palliative measure? Is equipping hospitals also considered palliative for economic hardship? This raises the question of whether this response compares favorably to that of Lagos State. Residents in the State are expressing dissatisfaction with the inadequate measures taken by the government. They lament the lack of implementation of well-crafted palliative programs. Instead of alleviating the impact of subsidy removal on the populace, these palliatives appear to have worsened the plight of the poverty-stricken masses. The less privileged are urging Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration to emulate other States that have successfully enacted comprehensive palliative packages. In response to economic challenges, the Lagos State Government took several measures:...

In our complex political landscape, there exists a phenomenon often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of political power and fame, and that is the transient nature of political power. Political power, in its various manifestations, is often perceived as the ultimate prize in the political arena. The pursuit of political office is often driven by personal ambition rather than a genuine desire to serve the public good. Once in power, many politicians prioritize self-interest over the welfare of the people, using their positions to amass wealth and consolidate their grip on power. It is necessary to explore the artificial essence of political power and fame, emphasizing the transient nature of these constructs and the tendency of politicians to fade into obscurity once they lose their grip on power. Power and fame in the political arena are fleeting. Politicians may bask in the adulation of the masses during their time in office, enjoying the trappings of power and the privileges affo...

The governor of Delta State, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori recently spoke of entrepreneurship, skills acquisition as key to wealth creation. It's regrettable that the current governor persists in following the unsuccessful strategies of the past two administrations in the State. For years, the State government has invested in entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programs with the aim of empowering individuals and driving economic development. However, the persistent challenge of identifying successful beneficiaries across the State raises questions about the effectiveness of these initiatives. Despite the significant investments and efforts poured into these initiatives, identifying successful beneficiaries remains a daunting task. The State government often touted entrepreneurship and skills acquisition as key pillars for economic growth and wealth creation. However, the implementation of the programme often fell short of their lofty promises. In many cases, these initiatives serve ...

Politicians are elected and appointed political office holders with the responsibility of running the government to primarily provide welfare and security of lives and properties for the people but opt to make politics a career and business for generating wealth for themselves. Politicians have transformed politics into a lucrative enterprise, prioritizing personal gain over the intended purpose of government, thus violating its fundamental principles. Our elected and appointed officials are not held accountable to the public for the management of taxes and Federal Allocation. There is a lack of transparency and accountability within the government, allowing political officeholders to treat public funds as personal income to support their lifestyles. The desire to uphold their lavish lifestyles leads to the lack of clear succession plans among politicians. Once they have experienced power, wealth, and influence, they are often reluctant to step down from office. If required by law to r...

Some Nigerians are deeply fixated on their disdain for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, it's worth noting that President Tinubu has consistently refrained from blaming the previous government for any failures. There is no evidence to support the claim that Tinubu has ever made excuses. He has repeatedly and confidently stated that he takes full responsibility for the challenges faced, emphasizing that assuming the presidency means accepting both its advantages and challenges. This stance demonstrates his commitment and refusal to evade responsibility. President Tinubu's approach contrasts with the flashy and superficial performances often associated with Nigerian presidencies.  Let those who are making excuses on his behalf keep doing it. It's their calling. Those who think that they have a deeper understanding of Nigeria may choose to run for the presidency in 2027, while we hope that Nigerians will understand them more than Tinubu.

In the realm of governance, the paramount duty of any government is to ensure the well-being and welfare of its citizens. However, in many instances, the pursuit of political interests often takes precedence over genuine concerns for public welfare. This phenomenon is starkly exemplified in the recurrent failure of State governments and the PDP to convene discussions aimed at addressing the needs and concerns of the populace. Instead, they are quick to prioritize political agendas and manoeuvres, leaving the welfare of the people in the periphery. While Deltans grapple with the burden of economic hardship, exacerbated by inflation, unemployment, and infrastructural deficiencies, the focus of political leadership on local council elections appears detached from the urgent needs of the populace. The economic plight of Deltans is palpable, with many struggling to make ends meet amidst rising costs of living. Unemployment rates remain high, particularly among youth, leading to frustration ...

Peter Obi the presidential candidate of the Labour Party at the last general election recently ignited controversy with his remarks regarding Ukrainian grain imports. While Obi expressed his disapproval of Nigeria receiving grains from a war-torn nation, his statement deserves a closer look. Obi's comments, instead of fostering productive discourse, risked being divisive and misleading. Here's why: Nigeria Supports Ukraine by Accepting Grain: By accepting Ukrainian grain shipments, Nigeria isn't just receiving sustenance, it's extending a helping hand to a nation ravaged by conflict. The Black Sea Grain Deal, brokered by the UN and Turkey, facilitated the export of millions of tons of Ukrainian grains, a lifeline for many countries. UN World Food Programme Relies on Ukraine: The UN World Food Program, the world's leading humanitarian organization, significantly increased its grain purchases from Ukraine (from 50% to 80%) after the war began. This highlights Ukraine...

Calls for a military coup in Nigeria amid economic hardship are deeply concerning and potentially destabilizing. While economic and security challenges have pushed many Nigerians into poverty, resorting to military intervention contradicts democratic principles and the rule of law. Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, aptly labeled those advocating for a coup d’état as enemies of Nigeria. Military coups have historically had negative impacts on Nigeria's development, governance, and democracy, including the abrogation of federalism in favor of a unitary system, leading to political turmoil and economic woes. Musa reassured that the Armed Forces will uphold democracy, acknowledging that democracy is crucial for progress. Military regimes often lead to authoritarianism, curtail civil liberties, and breed corruption, further deteriorating the socio-economic fabric of the country. To sustain democracy, the current leadership must address root causes that fuel calls for military in...

Tony Elumelu's Heirs Holdings took a N41.5 billion loan at a 15% interest rate per annum and defaulted, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). There are still many individuals living opulent lifestyles while owing significant amounts of money. If the CBN were to publish the names of all defaulters, it would reveal that about 20 of them owe over N5 trillion Naira. The past government established a committee through AMCON to recover the money from these individuals. However, like a game played by elites, Nigerians did not hear much about what happened. These individuals are super elites and seem to be above the law, with most of their debts now classified as bad debts. Despite this, they continue to amass riches and some even run for political office or hold positions in the National Assembly, where they make laws for the country. These individuals are responsible for the current state of affairs. Huge sums of money deposited in banks have vanished without a trace, and effor...

In the realm of leadership and governance, the manner in which individuals ascend to positions of authority can significantly shape their approach to fulfilling their responsibilities. Whether one pursues an office independently or is installed by another holds profound implications for the clarity of their vision and the effectiveness with which they discharge their duties. When individuals independently pursue an office, they often do so with a clear vision in mind. This clarity stems from their personal motivations, beliefs, and aspirations. They have a vested interest in the outcome and a passion for the role they seek. Whether it be in politics, business, academia, or any other field, these individuals tend to possess a deep understanding of the challenges they aim to address and the goals they aim to achieve. Their vision serves as a guiding light, driving their decisions and actions towards the realization of their objectives. Moreover, those who pursue an office independently t...

In the pursuit of progress, the role of leadership and citizenry cannot be overstated. In Delta State, Nigeria, the journey towards advancement is marred by a twofold challenge: selfish leaders and passive citizens. Despite its immense potential and abundant resources, the state finds itself stagnating, unable to realize its full promise. At the heart of Delta State's predicament lies a cadre of leaders whose primary concern is self-aggrandizement rather than public service. Selfishness permeates the political landscape, manifesting in corruption, nepotism, and a lack of vision. Instead of prioritizing the common good, these leaders prioritize personal gain, enriching themselves and their cronies at the expense of the populace. Corruption, in particular, is a cancer eating away at the fabric of Delta State. Misappropriation of public funds, kickbacks, and embezzlement have become commonplace, diverting resources away from essential services such as healthcare, education, and infras...