Innocent Ojefia Blog

The Nigerian State has, for decades, been hijacked by a rentier class that prioritizes personal enrichment over national development. This capture of the state has relegated the role of government to a facilitator of rent-seeking behaviours, where political office becomes an avenue for wealth extraction rather than a platform for governance and public service. This distortion of the state’s role has not only stunted Nigeria’s development but also entrenched a culture of corruption, inefficiency, and institutional decay. Rent-seeking, in the Nigerian context, is the practice of individuals or groups exploiting their political positions to secure economic gains without contributing to productivity or public welfare. This system perpetuates inequality and deepens poverty, as resources that should be allocated to social services, infrastructure, and economic growth are diverted into private hands. The rentier mentality thrives in environments where accountability is weak, and the political...

In the realm of politics, unity within a party is not merely a desirable quality; it is a necessity for survival and success. This principle becomes especially poignant when observing the current situation within the Delta State People's Democratic Party (PDP). The recent rumours about efforts to replace the incumbent governor should not be dismissed as mere political banter. They represent a critical juncture for the party, where the consequences of internal strife could lead to its own undoing. It is one thing to hear members of the opposing political parties refer to the governor as a "one-term governor," but it is an entirely different and alarming situation when members of the governor’s own party echo such sentiments. This is not just a matter of political rhetoric; it is a reflection of deeper issues within the party, issues that, if left unchecked, could lead to a catastrophic unravelling of the party’s structure and influence. The fact that such discord exists wi...

Kwale/Beneku Bridge  The ongoing projects spearheaded by Julius Berger in the Effurun-Warri axis have drawn significant attention, mainly due to the company's reputation rather than the actual work being done. While this particular project has captured the public’s focus, there is a great deal of development quietly happening across Delta State that remains largely unspoken about. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration has been characterized by a continuation of key projects inherited from his predecessor, especially during its early phase. Many of the inspections and project commissions during the first few months were concentrated in Delta North, where Oborevwori received praise for his decision to complete unfinished initiatives rather than abandon them—something that has been a recurring issue in previous administrations. A closer examination of his achievements reveals notable progress. For instance, work on the Ughelli/Asaba highway in the past year surpasses anythi...

In the heat of political campaigns, candidates and their supporters often focus on the weaknesses of their opponents, magnifying perceived shortcomings to gain a competitive advantage. This tactic, while effective in swaying public opinion, often overlooks the more nuanced reality of leadership. In particular, one area frequently scrutinized is the level of formal education a candidate possesses. Yet, in practice, the importance of formal education in leadership is often overstated. Leadership, at its core, transcends academic credentials. Leaders can indeed be effective without holding advanced degrees or formal qualifications. History is filled with examples of individuals who have led nations, movements, and organizations to great success despite lacking formal education. For instance, some of the world’s most influential leaders emerged from humble beginnings, learning from experience, and relying on their instincts and interpersonal skills rather than academic achievements. This d...

Socio-political activist Aisha Yesufu has harshly criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki for expressing dissatisfaction with the results of the Edo State governorship election, in which Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Sunday that Okpebholo won the election held on September 21, 2024, securing victory in 11 local government areas. In contrast, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won 7 local government areas, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) did not win any. According to INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, Okpebholo received a total of 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes, and Akpata, who managed only 18,737 votes. In a dramatic turn of events early Sunday morning, Governor Obaseki entered INEC’s collation center around 2 a.m., claiming his visit was to gather firsthand information about the results. However, he was ...

In my opinion, Onoriode 'Onos' Oborevwori is free to campaign for the position of Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, appointed by his elder brother, Gov. Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. I have heard that during the recently concluded National Youth Sports Festival at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Asaba, many young girls were seen wearing T-shirts with the slogan "Onos Oborevwori for Chairman of Delta Sports Commission." There is no law preventing the relatives of the Delta State Governor from vying for any position within the state. Former Governor Okowa appointed his daughter as one of his aides without issue. Similarly, Uduaghan appointed his brother-in-law, Amaju Pinnick, as Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission. Okowa also appointed his younger brother, Tonobok, as Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission. Amaju Pinnick's appointment by his in-law, Emmanuel Uduaghan, elevated him to an international level, and he has since beco...

I heard Sen. Ned Nwoko’s name for the first time when he was in the House of Representatives between 1999 to 2003. Thereafter, I saw him twice. The first time was when I joined others to protest at the INEC office in Asaba in respect of his “stolen” mandate in 2011. He had contested on the platform of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) to represent Delta North Senatorial District in the Senate. The second time was on June 6, 2011 during the inauguration of the seventh senate. He was one of the guests in the red chamber. I also followed a friend to his house in Abuja once, but he was not home. I have always seen him as an experienced politician and I still do. He has been in the news recently for two reasons: The first is his agitation for the creation of Anioma State. The rest of Delta State is calm about it because it is a legitimate and old agitation. The only opposition is coming from some people within the proposed Anioma State who do not want to be part of it.  The second was...

Senator Ned Nwoko's attack on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, while failing to criticize Delta State’s immediate past governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who governed the state for eight years, is not a balanced critique. According to Nwoko, who represents Delta North, what Delta receives from the federation account monthly is more than what five South-Eastern states receive combined. While this may be true, the fact remains that Oborevwori has been governor for just one year, while his Anioma brother, Okowa, ruled for eight years. Why hasn’t Ned Nwoko criticized Okowa, who mortgaged Delta’s finances to sponsor the presidential campaign of Atiku Abubakar, of which Okowa was the running mate? During Okowa’s eight years of PDP-led administration, Nwoko was silent. Now, suddenly, he has emerged as a critic of Oborevwori’s administration. Ned Nwoko would not have attacked Delta's poor performance if a Delta Igbo were still governor. He shouldn't criticize Governor Oborevwori simply becau...

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide strongly condemns the killings that occurred in Abuloma on the 14th of September during the Ijaw Youth Council elections. These killings were not only gruesome but also unwarranted, senseless, and tragic. The Ijaw people are not known to be violent, especially in situations like elections, which are supposed to be a family affair. Moreover, it defies all reasonable logic that individuals aspiring to serve the people would turn around and massacre the same people in such a brutal and bestial manner. The INC calls for calm while urging security agencies to conduct thorough investigations and bring the culprits to justice. The INC firmly believes that the full weight of the law should be applied to anyone found culpable. Finally, the Congress commiserates with the families who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident. Engr. Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha National Publicity Secretary, INC Worldwide 

It is both ironic and unfortunate that barely a year into Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, Senator Ned Nwoko, a prominent leader of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP), has already begun to voice complaints about marginalization. This dissatisfaction stands in stark contrast to his silence during the eight-year tenure of the previous governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. Nwoko and other influential figures from Delta North failed to challenge the 'Ikanisation' or 'Owa-Alerolisation' policies. During Okowa’s administration, billions of naira were channeled into developing Delta North, leaving other senatorial districts, particularly Delta Central and Delta South, significantly underdeveloped. Under Okowa, Delta State, especially Warri and its surrounding areas, experienced a decline. The city, once a vibrant oil and gas hub, fell into disrepair, with dilapidated infrastructure, sporadic electricity, widespread poverty, and high unemployment. Despite its rich oi...

Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, has voiced his discontent with the state of the nation, stating that the current government has plunged Nigerians into unprecedented hardship and suffering. Adams berated President Bola Tinubu's administration for treating Nigerians with disdain, asserting that the government is indifferent, insensitive, and unresponsive to the plight of its citizens. Adams’ displeasure and revulsion were expressed in a letter he penned to the president, titled “President Bola Tinubu, Time is Going.” In the letter, Adams lamented the government's failure to address the economic hardship and insecurity faced by Nigerians. He noted that Tinubu’s administration has disappointed many Nigerians who had high hopes for his leadership. Adams cited the increase in fuel prices, from less than N200 to over N1,000 per liter, and the depreciation of the Naira from less than N740 to over N1,600 per Dollar, as examples of the government’s poor performance. The l...

Nigeria is a nation where the opinions, welfare, and security of the masses have long been disregarded by those in power. It is a country marked by stark inequality, where the political elite exist in a bubble of privilege, seemingly detached from the everyday struggles of the ordinary citizens. The relationship between the government and the governed has morphed into one where the ruling class, insulated from the harsh realities of life in Nigeria, has developed an insatiable appetite for luxury, power, and personal gain. This dynamics underscores a broader societal issue: the entrenchment of political power as a tool for personal enrichment rather than national development. At the heart of this issue is the fundamental disconnect between the interests of Nigeria's political elites and the welfare of the general populace. Political office in Nigeria has become a pathway to wealth and prestige, with public officials prioritizing their personal needs over the responsibilities they o...

The One Rivers Initiative (ORI) expresses outrage at the attempts by former governor of Rivers State and current FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to malign the person of Chief Edwin Clark through Mr. Chidi Lloyd, one of his brigands, goons, and protégés. For those unfamiliar, Chidi Lloyd is one of the recently removed Local Government Chairmen in Rivers State. Once a vocal advocate of "Amaechi Lead, We Follow" in Rivers State, he is an opportunistic politician who later abandoned Rotimi Amaechi for Nyesom Wike. This Op-Ed, however, is not about Chidi Lloyd, a mere surrogate used to carry out Wike’s insults and attacks on the revered Chief Dr. Edwin Clark, an accomplished statesman. Chief Clark’s condemnation of Wike’s threats to “export” terror, fire, brimstone, and instability to states in an attempt to undermine governors who support Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara in the ongoing political dispute between Wike and the governor, is deeply concerning to us. Such ...

  In present day Nigeria, public discourse on the nation's challenges often carries a tone of resignation and frustration. Many citizens are exasperated with a system that feels resistant to change, where ideals of citizens welfare seem distant, if not altogether unattainable. The pursuit of that ideal is often met with apathy, as it seems that the structure of governance itself is rigged against the common good. Yet, there is a glimmer of hope in the idea that if more people shared a deeper concern for the welfare of the citizens, life could indeed improve. The path to achieving this, however, is not straightforward. It requires constant criticism and public scrutiny of those in power. Only through this process can Nigeria hope to spur improvement and reclaim its potential. Criticism is vital for fostering accountability. In any thriving democracy or society seeking progress, government officials must be subject to regular, rigorous examination. Criticism not only points out the f...

  The recent increase in the pump price of petrol has shattered any semblance of renewed hope for Nigerians. It is painful that, in less than two years under this administration, poverty has worsened, and the middle class has nearly disappeared. The trajectory of the APC administration, initially characterized by promises of change and renewed hope, has gradually shifted, giving rise to widespread dissatisfaction and disillusionment with its governance style. The cumulative effect of economic hardship and insecurity has led to a profound sense of disillusionment among the Nigerian populace. Many citizens feel that the promises made during the APC's electoral campaign have not been fulfilled, leading to a growing skepticism regarding the government's commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing the nation. This disillusionment is further exacerbated by the perceived elitism of political leaders, who are often seen as disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Niger...

The Meeting of the Conference of Presidents-General of Ethnic Nationalities of the Niger Delta Region took place in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, on Saturday, 31st August 2024, at the Ijaw House. The meeting was convened primarily to examine the state of the Nigerian nation and the South-South Region, against the backdrop of the lingering socio-political crises and the overwhelming poverty rate, despite the country's immense economic resources. Apart from mass poverty, which has subjected millions of Nigerians to extreme misery and disillusionment, rampant corruption, insecurity, and wastage in public service have become pressing concerns for the citizenry. Significantly, the Conference harmonized the positions taken by most of the frontline South-South/Niger Delta ethnic nationalities, such as the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), Oron Development Union (ORU), and the ...

The One Rivers Initiative (ORI), a pan-Rivers group of patriots, hereby condemns the utterances and conduct of Mr. Nyesom Wike, former governor of Rivers State and current FCT Minister under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We begin with the recently concluded congresses held by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across Nigeria. It must be stated that Mr. Wike not only organized an illegal congress in Rivers State against existing court judgments but, in his typical braggadocious manner, declared himself the undisputed “monarch & owner” of the structure of Rivers PDP. What an affront to the rule of law in Nigeria! Never, in the history of Nigeria, has a public servant so blatantly assaulted and undermined public decency as Wike has in Rivers State. Wike not only made a mockery of the party congresses but also cleverly attempted to lure Governor Fubara into conducting a parallel congress. This move was aimed at achieving his nefarious intention to create a division within the Rivers PDP...