Innocent Ojefia Blog

In a stark display of discontent, the staff of the Delta State House of Assembly have marked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's one-year anniversary in office with a strike action, protesting his failure to implement key campaign promises. Governor Oborevwori, who ascended from Speaker of the House of Assembly to Governor, pledged to implement the CONLESS salary structure for legislative staff upon taking office. Yet, one year later, this promise remains unfulfilled, leading to widespread disappointment and frustration among the staff. Notably, it was these legislative staff who coined the term "SHERRIED," a slogan enthusiastically adopted by Oborevwori's party, the PDP, and his campaign organization. This deepens the sense of betrayal felt by the staff, as the governor has not lived up to the expectations set during his campaign. As the state celebrates his one-year milestone, the legislative staff are absent from the festivities, underscoring their dissatisfaction. By re...

One year into Sheriff Oborevwori’s tenure as the Governor of Delta State, it is pertinent to evaluate the administration's performance. This reflection serves as a crucial exercise in accountability, providing a measure of governance against the promises made and the expectations of the populace. Sheriff Oborevwori's administration, however, has been characterized by peddling lies, propaganda, and platitudes while celebrating non-performance.  Oborevwori's administration has been set apart by an emphasis on propaganda rather than substantive achievements. Claims that Delta is now a "construction site" are frequently cited by government spokespeople, yet these assertions are largely viewed by the majority of Deltans as empty rhetoric. Public perception suggests that the administration's narrative is more about image management than actual development. Despite its failings, the administration continues to waste public resources on false celebrations. They have g...

The issues plaguing local government councils in Nigeria are deeply rooted in the structural and constitutional setup, which has allowed state governors to exert undue influence over these councils. This influence has effectively stifled their ability to function independently and fulfil their roles in socioeconomic development and democracy. PROBLEMS WITH THE CURRENT SYSTEM  State Electoral Commissions (SECs): These commissions, which are responsible for conducting local government elections, are often seen as extensions of the state governors' offices. This connection undermines the integrity of local elections, resulting in the imposition of leaders who are loyal to the governors rather than those who are democratically chosen by the local populace. Constitutional Loopholes:  Sections of the 1999 Constitution, such as Section 7(1), Section 83(3), and Section 7(5), contain ambiguities and weaknesses that governors exploit to undermine local governments. These sections allow ...

On May 21, 2024, in Port Harcourt, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan made a significant call for unity during the flag-off ceremony for Phase II of the Trans Kalabari Road Project. Addressing the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, Jonathan urged former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalaye Fubara, to set aside their differences for the greater good of Rivers State, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria as a whole. Jonathan emphasized the critical need for outgoing and incoming governors to collaborate in the collective interest of their citizens, stating, "The ongoing tension in Rivers State will not help us." This intervention is characteristic of Jonathan's statesmanship and commitment to peace and democracy. THE ROOTS OF THE CRISIS  The political crisis in Rivers State began in late 2023 with a fallout between Wike, now the FCT Minister, and Fubara. Despite President Tinubu's initial intervention, the conflict escalated in early 2024.  On May 6, ...

In 2023, the German government reported significant instances of violent crimes against various political parties. Specifically, there were 86 violent crimes against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, 62 against the Greens, 20 against the far-left Left Party, 19 against the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), 10 against the Free Democratic Party (FDP), and two against the Christian Social Union (CSU). These statistics underscore that no political party in Germany is immune to acts of violence, indicating a broader issue of political brutality within the country. It is undisputed that all parties, regardless of their political stance, faced violence.This trend highlights a growing phenomenon of the brutalization of public officials across Germany. Such acts reflect a disturbing shift in the way political dissent and frustration are being expressed by the public. The increasing distrust of politics among citizens is a significant factor contributing to the reso...

Leadership is often heralded as the cornerstone of development, yet in the Nigerian context, relying on leadership to drive progress has frequently proven disappointing. Political environments across the country stifle rational discourse, shrinking the pool of innovative and critical thinkers. Those capable of guiding societies towards meaningful progress have retreated, discouraged by the emboldened presence of bullies and semi-literates who dominate the political arena. In such a milieu, true development remains a myth, particularly when leaders themselves hold flawed notions of leadership. A pervasive issue in Nigerian leadership is the prevalence of corrupt officials who lack vision and knowledge. Governance, for many politicians, is treated as a business venture where personal investment of money and time is expected to yield significant returns. This transactional, self-serving capitalist approach leads to despotism, kleptomania, and widespread corruption. Such leaders prioritize...

It is appalling how, in desperation to sustain its thieving hegemony over the Delta State Government since 1999, the Delta PDP had the audacity to impose the weakest, most uninformed contender, a local champion, as Governor over a state replete with accomplished men and women of immense capacity. Given this unenviable privilege, one would have expected the fortunate placeholder governor, Sheriff Oborevwori—whose only election campaign manifesto was pledging to improve on the failed leadership of Ifeanyi Okowa, his predecessor—to engage creative minds and individuals of proven integrity to assist him in making a difference. Rather than doing the needful, Oborevwori has worsened matters by electing to engage the same spent leaders, deadwood, and gluttons that have gained prominence in running the state down over successive administrations. The result has been a government of mediocre officeholders competing to run the state for their pockets at the detriment of the populace, under a gove...

A large segment of the political class in contemporary Nigeria claims that God is on their side. But how true is this claim under the tragic circumstances currently facing the nation? During political campaigns, we frequently hear rhetoric about God, with leaders asserting that "God is with us." This pattern emerges every election season, as various leaders invoke God's name, suggesting that God Endorsed their actions, including those involving rigging, thuggery, corruption and other nefarious plans. This phenomenon transcends religious boundaries, encompassing both Christians and Muslims. Given the widespread invocation of divine support, it is compelling to look at this issue. Considering the significant role religion plays in the national sphere, it is essential to review some historical context. Representatives of both Christianity and Islam, religions that trace their origins to Abraham, often invoke God's name regardless of their actions, whether violent or ruth...

In the annals of Egbo-Ideh coastal community in Delta State, a narrative of resilience and intervention unfolds, showcasing the intricate balance between nature's forces and human determination. This narrative, once fraught with the looming threat of inundation, now stands as a testament to the transformative power of effective leadership and communal solidarity. In the recent past, Egbo-Ideh found itself teetering on the brink of devastation as the relentless surge of river waters encroached upon its very existence. The specter of imminent collapse haunted the coastal settlement, as homes and businesses succumbed to the unforgiving force of nature. The plight of its residents hung precariously in the balance, their lives and livelihoods imperiled by the encroaching waters. Amidst this dire circumstance, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate. Recognizing the urgent need for action, Omo-Agege spearheade...

In the annals of governance and public service, the imprint of leaders who champion transformative initiatives stands as a testament to their dedication and vision. Such is the case with the distinguished Senator and immediate past DSP Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, whose legacy is further epitomized by the ongoing construction of the Defence Space School in Orogun, Delta State. As an erstwhile Deputy Senate President and a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Omo-Agege undertook the task of spearheading this pivotal development project, thereby leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of education and national security. The Defence Space School project, under the stewardship of Senator Omo-Agege, represents a significant stride towards enhancing the educational infrastructure in Nigeria, particularly in the vital realm of defense and space technology. With unwavering determination, he navigated the intricate corridors of policymaking to secure the necessary resourc...

In recent times, the political landscape of Delta State has veered dangerously towards antidemocratic and authoritarian tendencies. This shift is evident in various facets of governance, from the nepotistic appointments within the state executive council to the governor's unilateral selection of chairmanship candidates for the upcoming local government elections. Such actions not only undermine the principles of democracy but also disenfranchise the populace, relegating their voices to mere whispers in the corridors of power. The blatant disregard for democratic norms is exemplified by the governor's unchecked authority to handpick candidates for key positions, rendering the electoral process a mere formality. This raises serious questions about the allocation of public funds towards elections that are predetermined, thus squandering resources that could be better utilized for the welfare of the citizenry. Under the guise of party politics, the People's Democratic Party (PD...

A Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State has upheld the powers of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate and prosecute officials of Delta State Government who allegedly engage in corrupt acts. The Attorney-General of the State had filed a suit challenging the powers of the Commission under Sections 6 and 28 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 (ICPC Act) to investigate State finances and invite Delta State officials for interviews in the course of investigations. The Plaintiff in the Suit FHC/CS/165/2023 also contended that by Sections 120, 121, 122, 123, & 125 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), it is only the Delta State House of Assembly and the Auditor General of Delta State that have the powers to look into the State’s finances and demand for documents. However, ICPC argued that Sections 6 and 28 of the ICPC Act 2000 empower the Commission to exercise ...

I'm not surprised to read in the media that two weeks after Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori inaugurated a Management Committee to cater to residents who survived the Nigerian Army's vengeful invasion and destruction of Okuama in Ughelli South LGA, the camp is yet to take off. From the pictures featured in the papers and the explanation of the Committee Chairman, Abraham Ogbodo, it is evident that Governor Oborevwori was more interested in a media show of promoting his false concern over the plight of the Okuama people. The governor, moving faster than his legs, inaugurated an IDP Camp Committee without the readiness of the designated Ewu Grammar School old wing site for the exercise to commence. What was the rush by the governor to inaugurate an Okuama IDP Camp Management Committee when the designated site was uninhabitable? This was a governor who had been indifferent for weeks to the plight of the Okuama people, who had suffered untold hardship living rudderless in th...

The passing of Chief Kenneth Gbagi on Saturday evening has cast a somber hue over the state, prompting reflections on the life and contributions of this esteemed businessman, politician, and lawyer. Chief Gbagi's life was marked by both admiration and disdain. He faced vehement opposition from those intent on undermining his enterprises through persistent acts of theft. Despite these challenges, Gbagi demonstrated resilience, managing to sustain his businesses for decades in Urhobo land and Delta state. Until his demise, he held the esteemed position of being one of the largest private sector employer of labour in the state—a testament to his entrepreneurial acumen and commitment to economic development. However, Gbagi's unwavering adherence to strict principles often led to misconceptions of his character as being harsh or unyielding. If he is wicked, how then do we categorize politicians who embezzle from our resources? They are unequivocally the ones deserving of the label ...

On Workers Day, the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, faced a humiliating experience that made him regret his position. During the workers' day celebration in Asaba, he was met with boos and jeers from the crowd, indicating their dissatisfaction with his leadership. During such events, there are typically two scenarios: either the governor speaks first, delivering a prepared speech, or the workers speak first, presenting their demands. If the workers speak first, the governor is expected to respond directly to their concerns, incorporating their speech into his address, showing empathy and understanding. However, Governor Sheriff failed to meet these expectations. Despite the workers speaking first and making demands such as salary increases and the provision of affordable housing, Governor Sheriff simply read his prepared speech, ignoring their pleas. This lack of empathy and response to the workers' needs led to a backlash from the crowd, who booed him and demanded...

Once again, as we commemorate Workers' Day, it prompts us to reflect on the state of affairs for workers in Delta State. The question arises: is there truly anything worth celebrating for these workers amidst their ongoing struggles with harsh living conditions? The past year has undeniably been one of the most challenging periods for workers, particularly in Delta State. Despite the substantial federal allocation received by the state, the government's response to the welfare of its workers has been disheartening. During the initial three months, workers received a meagre sum of N10,000:00, a stark contrast to the comprehensive palliative packages implemented by other states. These packages included salary awards and provisions such as transportation assistance, aiming to alleviate the burdens faced by workers. In 2023, the NLC and Trade Union Congress entered into an agreement with the Federal Government where the latter agreed to pay a N35,000 wage award to workers for six m...