Innocent Ojefia Blog

The greatest problem we face today is the loss of humanity within our society. The word "humanity" is derived from the Latin humanitas, meaning human nature and kindness. It represents the quality of being kind, thoughtful, and sympathetic towards others. Unfortunately, this essence of humanity seems to be alarmingly absent in Nigeria today. At the heart of this crisis is a fatalistic political class that is intentionally deaf to the cries and sufferings of the people. These leaders have chosen to be wilfully blind to the plight of the citizens, preferring to indulge in their insulated worlds, detached from the realities of everyday life in Nigeria. They exist in an imaginary realm where the struggles of the common man do not penetrate their consciousness. In a democracy, the government is only valuable if it serves the interests of the governed. This basic principle seems to have been forgotten. Instead of focusing on the common good, many in the Nigerian political class hav...

In Nigeria, a troubling paradox has emerged: the belief that democracy can thrive in the absence of genuine democrats. This notion, however absurd, has been embraced by politicians, leading to a dangerous erosion of the fundamental principles that should underpin a democratic society. Instead of upholding the rule of law, which is essential for any true democracy, Nigerian politicians and their loyalists seem determined to dismantle it, driven by a desire for unchecked power and personal gain. In a proper democratic system, no individual, regardless of their rank or influence, should be allowed to act with impunity. Yet, in Nigeria, political leaders routinely flout the law without consequence. This disregard for the rule of law is not confined to any single party or office; it is a widespread problem across the political spectrum. The behavior of these politicians is often celebrated by their followers, who watch as presidents, governors, and council chairmen wield power with the arro...

In Nigeria, the pursuit of political power is often driven by motives of prestige and financial gain rather than a genuine commitment to addressing societal challenges. This dynamic significantly shapes the country’s political landscape, where the allure of political office is more about the privileges and wealth it offers than the opportunity to effect meaningful change. This approach to leadership distorts the essence of governance and has profound implications for national development and the well-being of citizens. Many individuals enter the political arena not with the intention to serve but primarily to access the benefits associated with power. The status that accompanies political office, combined with the potential for financial enrichment, serves as a powerful incentive. In a society where political positions often come with opportunities for personal gain, the notion of public service becomes secondary. This pursuit of power for personal gain is further exacerbated by a poli...

President of the ljaw National Congress, (INC) Prof Benjamin Okaba disclosed this at a strategic meeting held with the Exco of the Europe Chapter of the INC. In a press briefing at the DOUBLE TREE HILTON, DOCKLAND, RIVERSIDE, LONDON on the 16th of August 2024, the INC President catalogued the human and environmental woes that have plagued the ljaw people, since the discovery of oil in the region. According to him, oil to the ljaws, is a curse and not a blessing. He said, as part of the internationalization of the INC’s “Advocacy for Environmental Justice and True Federalism” deliberate measures should and must be taken by ljaws all over the world to condemn the increasing spate and scope of underdevelopment, human and environmental degradations and political balkanization suffered by the ljaw people; despite being among the four largest and major oil and gas producing ethnic groups in Nigeria. He referenced the sordid state of ljaw land as copiously captured in a Commissioned Document...

  Delta State, like several other oil-rich states in Nigeria, finds itself in a paradoxical situation where, despite record-high federal allocations, the living conditions of its citizens remain deplorable. It is essential to delve into the stark contrast between the wealth generated from oil revenues and the underdevelopment that plagues the state, raising critical questions about governance, accountability, and the future of the people of Delta State. In the last year alone, Delta State has earned over ₦211.69 billion from the 13% Oil Derivatives Funds allocated to nine oil-producing states. 13% Oil Derivatives Funds To Nine Oil Producing States From June 2023 To May 2024 Allocation In One Year 1 Delta — ₦211.69 billion 2 Akwa Ibom — ₦127.77 billion 3 Bayelsa — ₦115.53 billion 4 Rivers — ₦110.96 billion 5 Edo — ₦22.36 billion 6 Ondo — ₦19.45 billion 7 Imo — ₦8.88 billion 8 Anambra — ₦6.76 billion 9 Abia — ₦5.03 billion # #Statisense (FAAC) This figure excludes the ...

Media aides often paint a rosy picture of the Delta State Government's financial management, heralding the payment of over N130 billion out of N465 billion in debt as a significant achievement. However, this portrayal is misleading, especially given the stagnation in infrastructure development across the state. Public debt, when managed properly, can be a powerful tool for development. Governments around the world leverage debt to finance essential expenditures, protect and invest in their populations, and lay the foundation for a prosperous future. Ideally, funds obtained through public borrowing should be directed towards projects that enhance the state's infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for its citizens. Unfortunately, the situation in Delta State starkly contrasts with this ideal. In Delta State, borrowed funds have largely been diverted towards election campaigns, especially the vice-presidential bid of the former Governor, and ele...

Our attention has been drawn to insinuations of purported infighting within the National Executive Council of the Ijaw National Congress (INC). These insinuations reference two press statements issued on Monday, August 5th, 2024: "Tinubu's failure to address protesters' demands worrisome" by Engr. Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, INC National Publicity Secretary; Vanguard Newspapers Online; "INC hails Tinubu for addressing Nigerians amidst Protest" by Professor Benjamin Okaba, INC President; Punch Newspapers Online. It is important to clarify that while the INC President focused on the intent of the Presidential Address, the Publicity Secretary addressed the content of the same speech. The two statements are neither contradictory nor conflicting but rather complementary. In fact, it was the President of the INC who directed the Publicity Secretary to issue his statement as a follow-up to his own. Those who have attempted to create discord within the INC have merely s...

While many might be naive about the extent of your skills and leadership acumen, my proximity to you reveals a clear fact. While many define you with wrong perceptions, my closeness to you unravels your true nature; hence, a true definition of you is within my reach. I'm left in shock and awe at what manner of man you are. Your demeanor is studied religiously, and your mannerisms inspire hope and determination in those whose paths have crossed with yours. You've always been yourself, remaining true to your calling and purpose in life, which is to be an Iroko and offer meaningful shade or protective cover to all those in need. You've proven and distinguished yourself creditably in the little that life and chance have thrust upon you. You are imbued with the requisite dexterity, unassailable skills, intelligence, sound mind, and a calm spirit of purpose. As you add another year to your age today, I wish you many more productive and accomplished years on earth with longevity, ...

Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unveiled a 197-member council on Wednesday to lead its campaign. According to the list released by APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has been appointed as the chairman of the campaign council. Governor Otu will be supported by Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda as co-chairman and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole as deputy chairman. Other members of the 197-member team include Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who will serve as Assistant Secretary; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Hon. Faith Majemite; and other governors elected on the APC platform. The recently reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo, Philip Shaibu, who recently defecte...

If any state in Nigeria deserves to be the epicenter of protests against poor governance, it is Delta State. The state's residents must confront this reality if they are to see genuine progress. Despite receiving over 40 billion naira monthly in federal allocations, Delta State has consistently failed to deliver meaningful results. This substantial funding has not translated into tangible improvements, underscoring a severe disconnect between resource allocation and actual development. Consequently, the poverty rate in the state continues to rise, creating an increasingly dire situation given the volume of resources available. The inefficiency in Delta State's governance is not just a financial mismanagement issue but also a broader systemic failure. This prolonged inefficiency hampers economic activities and exemplifies the widespread project mismanagement within the state. The state presents a stark dichotomy: Asaba, the state capital, serves as the "poster boy" of ...