Innocent Ojefia Blog

It’s clear that Tinubu has become an unabashed chauvinist, and watching it unfold is disheartening. This trend does not bode well for national unity. His key appointments appear to be the most lopsided in the history of Nigeria. Currently, several critical positions are held by individuals from the Yoruba ethnic group: the Inspector General of Police, the Chairman of the EFCC, the Head of the DSS, the Attorney General, the Chief Justice of the Federation, and, of course, Tinubu himself, a Yoruba, is the President and overseer of all coercive instruments. The entire criminal justice system seems to be controlled by a single ethnic group. Historically, Afenifere served as the conscience of both the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large, advocating for good governance and opposing oppression, often described as a push against the Hausa-Fulani hegemony. They championed social justice and inclusiveness, proposing a sovereign national conference to address issues of internal colonization and ma...

The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, stated that his administration is investigating allegations of collusion by some contractors and asphalt producers to shortchange the state. Governor Oborevwori disclosed this while hosting the leadership of the Isoko Church Leaders' Forum, led by the Anglican Bishop of Oleh Diocese, Rt. Rev’d John Aruakpor, at Government House, Asaba. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the people of Delta State receive full value for every project executed by his administration. He said: "As a government, we are doing our best, and I want to assure you that we will not tolerate substandard work on any of the projects we have awarded. "We are determined to ensure that all projects meet quality standards. We are aware that some contractors have begun negotiating with asphalt producers to shortchange the state. "We are investigating these contractors, and even if the asphalt has already been laid, we wil...

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a significant order restricting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing additional federal funds to the Rivers State Government. This freeze will remain effective until the Rivers State House of Assembly meets with a lawful quorum to pass an appropriation act for the 2024 fiscal year. This decision will place substantial financial pressure on the state, as federal allocations serve as a critical source of revenue for various governmental operations and development projects. The ruling, handed down by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, followed a legal action initiated by several members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule. This suit challenged the legitimacy of a recent assembly session convened by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to introduce the 2024 Appropriation Bill. Only four members were present at this session, which Justice Abdulmalik determined was far below the constitutional quorum needed for passing ...

The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has directed the twenty-five Local Government Council Chairmen in the state to immediately implement the new minimum wage for workers in their respective councils. Governor Oborevwori issued the directive on Tuesday during a meeting with the leadership of the Delta State chapters of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE). Also in attendance were the Auditor General (Local Government), the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, and the Accountant-General of the State. The Governor acknowledged that, with the passing of the Local Government Autonomy Law, a considerable burden had been placed on the councils. However, he advised that they must implement the new minimum wage for their workers, effe...

Delta State was abuzz with jubilation among civil servants as they received their latest salaries, confirming that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has delivered on his promise to implement the new minimum wage of N77,000. This wage increase aligns with national adjustments aimed at supporting workers amid rising costs of living, and Delta State's proactive adoption of the new wage has brought relief and optimism across the region. Civil servants expressed their gratitude, noting that the additional income would provide much-needed support for families dealing with increased expenses. The new minimum wage policy is part of Oborevwori's broader commitment to improving workers' welfare, a key promise he made during his campaign. By taking early action to enact the wage increase, Delta State joins the ranks of proactive states leading in labor reforms, setting an example for others to follow. Governor Oborevwori's commitment to the welfare of civil servants is being widely comm...

Members of the House of Representatives have slammed Minister of Works David Umahi over the deteriorating road network in the country. The House particularly expressed worry, saying that Umahi is not concerned about fixing Nigerian roads. The Green Chamber stated this at a House hearing in which the Ministry’s Director of Bridges, Bede Obiora, blamed funding constraints for the bad condition of roads in the country. Umahi was absent at the hearing. However, Oseni, who represents Ibarapa/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, countered the defense put up by the minister. He said the Minister’s argument that there are no resources doesn’t stand, as the ministry was awarding more road contracts, stressing that Umahi had no plan for the nation. “We are not here for you to tell us what you already knew in an area of resources. So if you’re telling us the reason you have failed in fixing our rural infrastructures is because of resources, don’t let me take you up there because you concentrate...

Reading Sam Oritsetimeyin Omatseye captures the developmental trajectory of Delta State under Sheriff Oborevwori, the current governor, who has been striving to reshape Delta’s infrastructure and economic landscape. His recent journey back to Warri offered him a firsthand experience of the progress and challenges inherent in this transformation. Warri, his childhood city, has long been a place of cultural richness, yet its infrastructural development had stagnated in recent years. Governor Oborevwori’s administration, however, has breathed new life into the city. Returning home is always enlightening. This particular trip was for a royal festival, but he also had his sights set on a significant project that had captured the attention of many—a massive flyover initiated by Oborevwori late last year. From the airport, he set off eagerly, only to find himself in an unexpected traffic jam. “In Warri?” he thought, surprised by the unusual congestion. Curious, he asked the driver, “What’s ca...

The recent decision to dismantle the Niger Delta Ministry has shocked the region, especially the Ijaw people, who are Nigeria's largest oil producers, occupy a significant portion of the region’s geography, and make up a considerable population. This ministry was created by the late President Yar’Adua, who showed great empathy for the people of the Niger Delta and aimed to fast-track the development of this historically neglected area. Its establishment was celebrated by Nigerians who value peace and progress, and every administration since has upheld its importance. When President Tinubu assumed office, one of his initial considerations was to dissolve this vital ministry. After widespread public outcry, he seemed to reconsider. Yet, the region was blindsided when this decision was later enacted as part of recent government reforms. This action has left many feeling betrayed and disregarded. The people of the Niger Delta are at a loss as to why they are continually treated as scap...

What sort of reform contracts the economy, diminishes the productive sector, reduces the purchasing power of the people, and reverses progress in education while even threatening the will to live? President Tinubu’s “reforms” have introduced Nigeria to such a reality, one that promises prosperity only after a painful journey through hardship. Tinubu assures Nigerians that they must endure this period of “penance” for a future filled with light. Yet, the World Bank, which largely shapes these policies, reveals that it will take 10 to 15 years of maintaining these reforms to yield benefits – well beyond Tinubu’s tenure. The Nigerian people are left grappling with a burden that neither promises certainty nor aligns with the nation’s immediate needs. Instead of hope, Nigerians are experiencing heightened anguish and deprivation. The promise of future benefits, deferred for a decade or more, becomes hollow when economic suffering is normalized in the present. Even more troubling is the impl...

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has made significant strides in transforming Delta State since assuming office on May 29, 2023. Committed to the state’s development, he is building on the achievements of his predecessors and improving the lives of Deltans. His administration has embarked on impactful projects across all local government areas, ensuring development reaches every corner of the state. This essay is a comprehensive compilation of this administration’s projects, both completed and ongoing, across Delta State. A key project for socio-economic development, particularly in Ndokwa East, is the multi-billion Naira Kwale-Beneku Bridge, linking Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East LGAs. Since Governor Oborevwori took office, the bridge has progressed rapidly and is now approximately 99 percent complete, much to the delight of neighboring communities who will no longer rely on canoes, boats, or pontoons for transportation. The completion of the Isheagu-Ewulu Road and Bridge, including the Okpan...

President Bola Tinubu has appointed seven new ministers to his cabinet, as announced in a statement released by the presidency following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday. He dismissed Uju-Ken Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John, the Minister of Tourism; Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education; Abdullahi Gwarzo, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; and Jamila Ibrahim, the Minister of Youth Development. Among the new appointees, Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu has been named the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, while Jumoke Oduwole will head the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. Nentawe Yilwatda has been appointed as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, replacing the suspended Betta Edu. Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi has been named the new Minister of Labour and Employment. Other appointments include Idi Mukhtar Maiha as the Minister of Livestock Development and Yusuf Abdullahi Ata as the M...

Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar'Adua, representing Katsina Central and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, has been named among the 100 most influential politicians in Nigeria. He was honored with an Excellence Award in recognition of his tireless contributions to the advancement of democracy, good governance, and socio-economic development. This prestigious accolade not only celebrates his political influence but also acknowledges his dedication to Nigeria’s progress. Yar'Adua’s recognition reflects his ability to follow the distinguished leadership track record set by his family, which includes notable political figures in Nigeria's history. The award was presented on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Abuja, during a ceremony organized by Global Synergy. Omoru David, the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Global Synergy, lauded the Senator’s achievements while presenting the award. David noted that there was no better time than now to acknowledge great leaders who are making signifi...

Professor Pat Utomi’s recent discourse with Punch newspaper sheds light on the dire state of Nigeria's political and economic landscape. His comments invite a deeper reflection on the failures of the Nigerian system, particularly the inability of democracy to function effectively. Utomi’s analysis suggests that Nigeria, as it stands, is failing. He asserts that democracy is not working, and anyone who refuses to recognize this is deluding themselves. The country’s political system is crippled by the capture of the judiciary and legislature by executive, leaving no room for alternative thinking or robust governance. The total capture of these institutions, especially the sycophantic posture of the National Assembly, represents a grave danger to the country’s prospects for reform and progress. One of the core issues lies in Nigeria’s economic approach, where the political leadership blindly follows the templates provided by international financial institutions such as the Internation...

As former Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan, celebrates his seventieth birthday, it is a moment to reflect on his life and contributions to both Delta State and Nigeria as a whole. On this milestone, we extend our heartfelt congratulations, wishing him good health, long life, and continued strength to serve the nation with his trademark humility and hard work. Dr. Uduaghan’s tenure as Governor from 2007 to 2015 was marked by a grand vision for Delta State’s development. Upon assuming office, he launched an ambitious agenda aimed at transforming the state's infrastructure, economy, and overall well-being. His administration was deeply committed to promoting inclusive growth, with significant efforts channeled into healthcare, education, rural development, and infrastructure projects. Among his notable achievements was the construction of the Asaba International Airport, a key project designed to boost Delta State's connectivity and economic act...

Since the beginning of Nigeria's current democratic dispensation, Delta State has consistently had representation in the federal cabinet through ministerial appointments. However, despite this consistent representation, it remains difficult to identify any significant projects influenced by these ministers for the benefit of the state. Over the years, there has been little visible impact in terms of development or infrastructure that can be credited to these federal representatives. The current minister from Delta State appears to follow the same pattern as his predecessors. Since his appointment, he has distanced himself from the state, maintaining a noticeable absence from his home constituency. On the rare occasions when he visits, he remains heavily shielded from the public, with security personnel and aides acting as buffers between him and the people he is supposed to serve. This detachment raises serious concerns about his commitment to Delta State, suggesting that he is mor...

The political missteps of Atiku Abubakar and Godwin Obaseki should serve as cautionary tales for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State. Each time the issue of unresolved tensions between key figures from the last administration and the incumbent governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, is mentioned, one cannot help but ponder the potential implosion of the Delta PDP and the end of an era in the state's political landscape. A brief glance at the history of self-inflicted wounds within the PDP highlights two key failures that contributed to the party's decline. Atiku's inability to resolve the national chairmanship issue and Obaseki's mishandling of the governorship nomination process led to the PDP’s downfall in the 2023 presidential election and the loss of Edo State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2024 gubernatorial election. These failures showcase a persistent inability to manage internal disputes, a flaw that continues to plague the party. Since ...

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was established with a clear mandate: to spearhead the development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region and alleviate the negative impact of oil exploration on its communities. However, over the years, the commission has become mired in allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiency. This has culminated in a series of crises, the most pressing of which is the rampant theft of crude oil. In recent weeks, Nigeria’s House of Representatives special investigating committee has brought the NDDC’s mismanagement to the forefront as a critical factor contributing to the crude oil theft crisis. During a recent session, the committee chair voiced a strong critique of the NDDC’s resource management, highlighting the commission’s failure to address the systemic issues that have enabled oil theft to spiral out of control. This call for accountability is not only a reflection of the gravity of the situation but also an urgent plea for reform wi...

  The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was established to bring development to the oil-rich but marginalized Niger Delta region of Nigeria. With billions of naira in funding from the federal government and contributions from the oil sector, it was meant to be financially independent, self-sustaining, and dedicated to uplifting the people of the region. However, more than two decades since its inception, the NDDC has become a symbol of entrenched corruption and failed governance, consuming trillions of naira without producing commensurate results. Despite the vast resources at its disposal, the NDDC seeking to borrow from banks, a baffling move considering it was designed to be financially solvent. This agency, which should have transformed the Niger Delta into a hub of infrastructure and prosperity, has instead become infamous for mismanagement, lack of transparency, and outright theft. Trillions have been spent, yet there is little on the ground to show for these expendit...

We are once again compelled to intervene in the various crises in Rivers State, which appear to be contrived and engineered to truncate democracy with the evil agenda of impeaching the duly elected governor of Rivers State, Amaopusenibo Siminialayi Fubara. When this wanton attempt escalated in October 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu convened a meeting with stakeholders and tabled an 8-point directive to all parties involved, aimed at restoring peace to Rivers State. While many of our people perceived Mr. President's 8-point directive as being slanted against the governor's interests and favoring his FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, Governor Fubara accepted it in good faith. FUBARA'S GOOD FAITH: Upon returning from the meeting called by Mr. President, Governor Fubara immediately implemented the terms of the President's directive by withdrawing all court cases he had instituted and reinstating the removed members of the state executive council. This council, brimming wi...

In the last 17 months under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians have been greeted daily by the harsh realities of suffering and pain, manifesting in every facet of life. From dawn to dusk, many face the debilitating consequences of economic policies that have led to widespread hardship. These are not abstract ideas but lived experiences that affect every Nigerian household, transcending regions and social classes. Noelia Bueno-Gómez, in her thought-provoking journal article, “Conceptualizing suffering and pain,” published in Philosophy, Ethics, and Humanities in Medicine (2017), defines suffering as a deep, anguishing experience that affects a person on psychophysical and existential levels. Nigerians today can relate to this definition in an all-too-real way, using the current government’s policies as a painful illustration. Bueno-Gómez’s point that this form of suffering is akin to a medical ailment resonates deeply, as the pain inflicted by extreme poverty and economic downturn i...

In recent years, Nigeria has found itself grappling with an unprecedented level of political disillusionment, leaving a vast majority of its citizens deeply fatigued by the entire political process. The sense of exhaustion with politics is palpable among Nigerians, many of whom are disheartened by the polarization within the political landscape and have grown increasingly sceptical about the ability of any political party to resolve the country's multifaceted problems or move the nation forward. This political malaise is not just a fleeting sentiment but a reflection of long-standing governance issues, economic instability, and social inequality that continue to plague Nigeria. Political Fatigue and the Crisis of Representation Nigerians have become weary of a political class that has historically failed to address the most pressing needs of the nation. Elections have often seemed less about representing the will of the people and more about preserving the interests of a select few...