Innocent Ojefia Blog

Over the past several months, we have consistently appealed to the state government, alerting them that insecurity has become rampant in Delta State. Kidnapping and armed robbery have become commonplace, yet our concerns were dismissed by sycophants and bootlickers who labeled us as naysayers, claiming that Delta State was the most peaceful place in the universe. This illusion of peace was shattered yesterday, July 30th, when a brazen act of violence occurred in broad daylight within Asaba, the state capital. Mrs. Joan Mrakpor, a former commissioner and House of Representatives member, was kidnapped from her church along the popular DBS road, and her police orderly was killed on the spot. This incident took place in the very heart of Asaba, where Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who frequently boasts about his prowess in security during security council meetings, resides. The state is now experiencing the worst security situation in its history. For those familiar with Asaba, the situation...

Albert Einstein famously remarked, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." This notion perfectly encapsulates the behaviour of the members of the Delta State House of Assembly. These legislators have made it a fashionable yet absurd practice to embark on frivolous foreign study trips under the guise of intellectual development and state betterment. However, it is painfully evident that the real focus of these excursions is to allocate estacode to themselves rather than to genuinely address the pressing issues facing Delta State. It is ludicrous and infuriating that these lawmakers prefer to travel abroad for workshops and seminars, often held in the capitals of former colonial powers, rather than dedicating their time and efforts to finding solutions to the pervasive insecurity, economic instability, and poverty plaguing the state. These are problems to which they have substantially contributed through their policies and actions...

Today, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the complexities of human security and development. As citizens demand change, it is essential to acknowledge the fundamental questions posed by British economist Dudley Seers: What is happening to poverty? What is happening to inequality? What is happening to unemployment? These pressing concerns lie at the heart of the matter, and addressing them is the primary duty of the government. However, as citizens exercise their right to protest, it is equally important to recognize the government's responsibility to protect lives and property. "We urge all stakeholders to embrace dialogue as the catalyst for meaningful change. It is through open communication, mutual understanding, and collective effort that we can work towards a more equitable society, where the social compact between state and citizen is upheld. As we navigate this complex landscape, we must strike a balance between the right to protest and the need to p...

Nigeria's complex political landscape has always been rife with challenges, but recent developments underscore a particularly troubling trend: the hypocrisy embedded within the country's governance structures. This issue is glaringly evident when examining the actions and impacts of state governors, especially in the context of federal allocations and regional development. Federal Allocations and State Governance In recent years, federal allocations to state governors have seen a substantial increase, tripling or even quadrupling in some instances. This surge in funding is a direct result of the President's policies and intervention, aimed at empowering state governments to drive local development and improve the living standards of their constituents. However, this influx of resources has not translated into tangible progress. Instead, there is growing evidence that governors are mismanaging these funds, diverting them away from critical sectors. At the same time, the gove...

In the wake of Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the upcoming election, a poignant excerpt from his speech resonated with me: "The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule, the people do." My immediate reaction was one of incredulity. Perhaps such a sentiment held truth at the inception of the United States, but the contemporary landscape tells a different story. Modern democracy, in its current form, seems to offer citizens the opportunity to vote every four years, fostering the illusion that they possess genuine control over societal choices. In reality, these decisions are heavily influenced by those wielding substantial wealth and power—individuals who have expertly navigated and exploited the incentives and inherent flaws within the system. Reflecting on the astronomical sums spent on election campaigns—the lavish decor, the court cases, the tight security—reveals an astonishing amount of energy devoted to maintaining an illusion. An ill...

Waking up each morning with a heavy heart, as if a weight is pressing down on your chest, is an experience many of us know all too well. It feels like the world is closing in, reminding you constantly of your past mistakes and the opportunities you didn’t take. This sensation can make life seem like an unending series of challenges, leaving you questioning your choices and feeling stuck in a relentless storm. It's common to look back and wonder, "What was I thinking?" or "Why did I choose this path?" It's important to know that these feelings are not unique to you; many people share this struggle. People have dedicated their life to God, hoping for brighter days, yet the rain often continues to fall. This can make it easy to doubt everything you believe in and even question your very existence. There have been days when you have wondered if coming to this earth was a mistake. Acknowledging this pain is crucial. Feeling this way doesn’t make you weak; it make...

In the midst of severe economic hardship faced by workers and citizens, alongside dilapidated infrastructure across the State, the Delta state government's recent budgetary decisions reveal a concerning trend of misplaced priorities. A review of Delta State's budget performance reports highlights an alarming expenditure pattern: a staggering N6.8 billion was spent within the first three months of 2024 solely on the purchase of luxury vehicles. The budget document outlines that a total of N9.9 billion was allocated for the acquisition of 50 Toyota SUVs, 60 Hilux pick-ups, 150 Toyota Corollas, and 10 Coaster buses. Shockingly, out of this budgeted amount, N6.8 billion had already been expended in the initial quarter of the year. To put this into perspective, the amount spent on vehicles surpasses the state's capital expenditure for its Ministry of Energy, which stood at N2.8 billion for the same period. Furthermore, the expenditure on vehicles overshadows the capital outlays ...

Abuja, Nigeria - The Godswill Akpabio-led Senate has passed a bill amending the National Minimum Wage Act, 2019, to increase the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. Also passed by the Senate on Tuesday is a bill that seeks to reduce the time for the periodic review of the national minimum wage from five years to three years. The bill, titled "A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Minimum Wage Act, 2019 to increase the National Minimum Wage and reduce the time for periodic review of the national minimum wage from five years to three years and for related matters, 2024" (SB. 550), was presented by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central). The executive bill, forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu, was first presented for the first reading, then scaled the second reading, and was read the third time and passed. In his lead debate on the general principles of the bill, Senator Bamidele said, “Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I hum...

In the current political landscape of Delta State, we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture marked by growing discontent and the need for a critical reassessment of our democratic principles. The People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State has come under scrutiny for actions that undermine democratic processes and stifle people's voices. This piece explores the erosion of democratic values in Delta State, the consequences of such actions, and the imperative for a renewed commitment to democratic governance. The recent actions of the PDP in the State starkly illustrate its departure from democratic norms. The party's governance approach has been marred by centralization and favoritism. This is particularly evident in the selection of candidates for the last local government elections and the selection of State party executives. Instead of conducting transparent primaries that allow party members to choose their representatives, Chairmanship candidates were handpicked in As...

The Asagba-in-Council, the apex traditional authority of Asaba, the Delta State capital, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accede to the decades-long aspiration of the Anioma people for the creation of Anioma State. In a letter co-signed by the Regent, Prof. Anthony Onuora Edozien MD (Ochendo Asagba), and the Secretary of Asaba Palace, Chief Patrick N. C. Ndili, the Asagba-in-Council wrote: “Our distinguished Senator Prince Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District in Delta State (our Anioma), is at the forefront of the movement for the creation of Anioma State. He has presented a bill on the floor of the Senate for the creation of Anioma State. For decades, even before Delta State was created, the Anioma people have agitated with one voice for the creation of Anioma State. We believe and align with Senator Prince Ned Nwoko that the creation of Anioma State will permanently address the imbalance of the number of states in the South East as it is currently com...

Delta State presents a complex juxtaposition of agricultural potential and persistent challenges including insecurity and political entrapment. While states like Oyo and Niger are forging ahead in revitalizing commercial agriculture, Delta State finds itself at a crossroads of stagnation and unfulfilled promises. Today in Asaba, yet another jamboree unfolded with the swearing-in of "elected local government chairmen." This event, typically seen as a formality, garnered criticism from Lawrence Okolie, a Member of the House of Representatives, who voiced his discontent on Facebook. Okolie argued that these chairmen would garner more respect if appointed rather than elected. He even suggested that a grand Thanksgiving ceremony to God for their blessings would be more appropriate under such circumstances. Additionally, he condemned pastors who welcome these officials into their churches, labeling them as complicit and subject to divine retribution. Okolie's critique reflects ...

While Kanu's original metaphor was a zoo, I think a jungle is probably more accurate. In a zoo, at least, there's a zookeeper who runs the menagerie according to his rules and with a well-defined purpose. In the jungle, however, it's a battle of all against all, where the weak—meaning those unable to deploy means of coercion—are gobbled up or reduced to servitude. When Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), characterized Nigeria as a jungle (Zoo), most Nigerians were quick to berate him. However, a closer, more sincere examination of the country's socio-economic and political landscape reveals a distressing validation of Kanu's harsh metaphor. Nigeria's societal interactions often resemble a ruthless struggle for survival, where the principles of "survival of the fittest" dictate the behaviors and decisions of its citizens. Transactional Nature of Nigerian Society: In Nigeria, nearly every sphere of life—be it political, jud...

In a democratic system, political parties serve as a formidable opposition to the government in power. Political opposition is central to democracy, acting as a necessary counterbalance to the ruling party and ensuring accountability and responsiveness to the electorate. However, in Delta State, the opposition parties, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC), have struggled to fulfill this crucial role. Despite receiving significant support from Deltans in the last governorship election, the APC is highly factionalized and dysfunctional. This internal disarray has left the party weakened and unable to pose a significant threat to the well-organized Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The APC's lack of a strong base in parts of Delta North and South, further exacerbates its challenges. The internal leadership crisis within the APC has created a vacuum in effective political opposition, allowing the PDP to dominate the political landscape unchallenged. Compounding this issue is ...

During a mega rally at the Cenotaph in Asaba, the Delta State PDP leadership and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori exuded confidence about their prospects in the forthcoming Local Government Council elections on July 13, 2024. This optimism seems warranted given the typical predictability of local election results. While such displays might ordinarily be overlooked, they underscore a deeper issue: the disenfranchisement of Deltans through undemocratic practices leading up to these elections. Governor Oborevwori, viewed by some as a beneficiary of a flawed electoral system, mocked detractors by commenting on their inability to win even their polling units in previous elections. The notion that these elections might be free from manipulation appears naïve. The process of selecting the PDP’s chairmanship candidates, devoid of any primary elections and driven by decisions from the former Governor and the current governor’s office, points to an already determined outcome for the July 13th electio...

A striking feature of the Nigerian political landscape is the low visibility of ideas and principles in the conduct of party activity, particularly in the selection of candidates for public office. This will continue to be a major contributing factor to instability and recurring crises within the body politic until parties become much more ideological and issue-oriented than they presently are. What is your party’s stand on health, education, the minimum wage, and the removal of subsidies? Chances are even the leadership of the party cannot answer this. Most political parties have a manifesto, but its formulation is mainly a procedural matter. The manifesto is adopted largely because that’s what a political party is supposed to have. Rarely do party creeds crystallize into anything close to an ideology or doctrine whose influence is reflected in the political orientation of its leaders. In the advance industrialized countries like Britain, the U.S.A., Canada, and even Japan, for instan...

The UBA Branch in Ughelli, Delta State came under heavy gun fire as yet to be identified gun men reportedly stormed the bank to rob. According to reports, the gunmen trailed a bank customer going to deposit and blocked him outside the bank. The incident began when the unidentified gunmen opened fire on the bank premises in an attempt to carry out a robbery. According to social media reports, the robbers, suspected of having trailed a bank customer, intercepted him outside the bank and swiftly began their assault. The gunmen reportedly faced resistance from police officers stationed at the bank, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. During the exchange, the robbers reportedly shot and injured two individuals and abducted another before fleeing the scene. Reports indicated that the assailants used a gold-colored Toyota Venza as their getaway vehicle. Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, has yet to confirm the incident.

Reflecting on the first year of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration, a concerning trend is emerging within Urhobo political leadership. Historically known for their robust and organized approach, Urhobo political leaders are now perceived as weak and increasingly disorganized. Even Governor Oborevwori, who occupies the highest office and should serve as a pivotal figure for Urhobo politicians, appears to fall short in fulfilling this role. The current administration's officials from Delta Central show a notable reluctance to take the necessary risks to defend their region's interests. This lack of initiative and courage is troubling. Instead of prioritizing the collective well-being of Delta Central, many of the leaders seem more preoccupied with securing pecuniary benefits from the government, driven by greed and self-preservation. This inclination towards self-preservation is detrimental, fostering an environment where political maneuvering is geared towards surv...

Shame serves as a crucial tool for the enforcement of social norms. For our ancestors, maintaining social cohesion was often a matter of life or death. Consider the almost ubiquitous social rule that states stealing is wrong. If a person is caught stealing, they are likely to feel some degree of shame. This emotion plays a significant role in regulating behavior and ensuring that individuals adhere to the values and expectations of their community. Shame originates from deep within oneself; it is the result of a breach of one’s personal ethics. As one of the most powerful emotions, shame arises when an individual violates social or cultural values through their thoughts or behavior. It differs from guilt, which is the regretful violation of one’s own internal values. While guilt is intensely personal, shame not only encompasses a personal dimension but also contains a public element. Through the lens of evolutionary biology, shame evolved to encourage adherence to beneficial social nor...

Delta State, a region rich in natural resources and potential, has witnessed a significant decline in private sector investment over the past twenty-five years. This essay explores the factors contributing to this decline, the resultant socio-economic impacts, and the governance challenges that have exacerbated the situation. The Vanishing Private Sector In Delta State, the private sector has virtually disappeared. Industrial investments have been stagnant for decades, leaving the state devoid of new factories, manufacturing plants, or significant industrial enterprises. The few small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that do exist are struggling to survive or are shutting down due to an inhospitable economic environment. The root causes of this decline include: Lack of Government Support: Successive administrations have shown little interest in fostering a conducive environment for private sector growth. There are few incentives for businesses to invest in the state, such as tax bre...