Innocent Ojefia Blog

Over the past week, Collins Agwam has repeatedly referred to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a "one-term governor," a label that has been echoed by several members of the opposition, unfortunately with some from Delta North and South. This characterization reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the political dynamics and the principle of power rotation that governs Delta State. It is clear that these calls fail to consider the intricate balance of political equity that has been cultivated through the state's rotational governorship system. As an indigene of Delta North, I find it concerning that Collins Agwam seems unaware of the implications of his stance. Since the beginning of the current political dispensation, Delta State has adhered to a practice of rotating the governorship position among the three senatorial districts—North, South, and Central. This rotational system has served to reduce ethnic tensions, foster a sense of inclusivity, and promote peace, stabilit...

  Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide and Chairman of the Conference of Presidents-General of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities (which includes Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ogoni, Ikwerre, Isoko, Ibibio, Efik, Ndokwa, etc.), has, on behalf of the Ijaw Nation and the entire Niger Delta region, extended warm congratulations to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, on his well-deserved emergence and elevation as Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum. This development, announced following a meeting of the South-South Governors held at the Government House, Yenagoa, on January 28, 2025, underscores the confidence and trust reposed in Governor Diri by his counterparts. It comes as pleasant news to all Ijaw people and, indeed, the entire South-South region. We also commend the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwori, for moving the motion for Governor Diri’s nomination, and the Gove...

The Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, recently shared his candid assessment of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration in Delta State. In his remarks, the revered monarch praised the governor for his commitment to peace, infrastructural development, and an inclusive leadership style that is transforming the state. According to him, Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated bold determination to rewrite the history of Delta State, with a sincerity of purpose that is crystal clear. A Peaceful and Stable Delta State One of the most significant achievements of Governor Oborevwori’s administration, as highlighted by the Olu of Warri, is the prevailing peace in Delta State. The monarch emphasized that since the governor assumed office in 2023, the state has enjoyed a remarkable level of stability, with no major security crises. This peaceful atmosphere is a critical foundation for sustainable development, allowing the government to implement policies effectively without th...

Today, Delta State beams with pride as we celebrate an extraordinary milestone in the journey of governance and development. His Excellency, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, has been crowned the ThisDay Newspaper/Arise TV Governor of the Year 2024, an accolade that solidifies his reputation as a visionary leader and a transformative force in Nigerian politics. This prestigious recognition is more than a trophy—it is a testament to Governor Oborevwori's tireless dedication, innovative leadership, and steadfast commitment to building a Delta State that thrives on inclusiveness, prosperity, and progress. From the vibrant streets of Asaba to the remotest corners of Delta State, the imprints of his administration are unmistakable. Roads are being constructed, connecting previously isolated communities. Bridges now serve as lifelines, uniting people and boosting commerce. Critical infrastructure and social amenities have been improved, uplifting the standard of living for the citizens. Under Go...

The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was recently honoured for his remarkable contributions to governance and public service with the conferment of an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) in Public Policy and Strategy by Novena University, Ogume. This prestigious recognition was awarded during the university’s 5th combined convocation ceremony for the 2018/2019 to 2023/2024 academic sessions, held at its Amai campus in Ukwuani Local Government Area. This accolade is not only a testament to the governor’s exemplary leadership but also a reflection of his commitment to improving the lives of Deltans through strategic and inclusive governance. The honourary degree symbolizes more than academic recognition; it is an acknowledgment of Governor Oborevwori’s vision, determination, and capacity to lead Delta State towards a future of progress and sustainable development. His administration has consistently demonstrated a focus on infrastructure development, human capita...

Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated a 12-member Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM), tasked with recommending individuals eligible for presidential pardons from criminal convictions. The committee, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, was inaugurated on Wednesday. It has a four-year tenure and includes members drawn from various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as representatives from religious bodies and four eminent Nigerians. Among the notable appointees are Justice Augustine Utsaha, Prof. Alkasum Abba, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (SAN), and Prof. Nike Sidikat Ijaiya. The Permanent Secretary for Special Duties and Governmental Affairs will also serve as a key member, while the director for special duties and intergovernmental affairs will act as the committee’s secretary. During the inauguration, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)...

The attention of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide has been drawn to a publication in News Week Nigeria Online dated January 12, 2025, with the breaking news headline: “Media Personality Declares Rivers State as the 6th Igbo State.” The report was attributed to one “General Show,” an Ikwerre by tribe and a self-styled “Media Personality,” who ignorantly declared Rivers State as the “6th Igbo State” in Nigeria. This claim was allegedly based on the fact that a factional Ohanaeze Ndigbo President is from the Ikwerre ethnic group. Ordinarily, the INC would not have responded to such a report. However, given the potential of such publications to mislead the public and cause ethnic tensions, we find it necessary to respond. For the benefit of our people and the general public, the INC categorically states that Rivers State cannot be referred to as an Igbo State. The Ijaw population in Rivers State constitutes over 50% of its inhabitants. Furthermore, Rivers State is home to other e...

The ease with which Nigerian leaders are vilified and reduced to mere "demons" in the minds of the masses is striking. This phenomenon transcends mere frustration; it is rooted in the systemic failure of leadership—a failure characterized by broken promises, mismanagement of resources, and a widening disconnect between leaders and the electorate. In Nigeria, the relationship between the people and their leaders is fraught with tension. The notion that "leaders are the demons we create" reflects an uncomfortable truth: Nigerian leaders, for all their perceived flaws, are not born into power. Rather, they are products of a system that allows them to ascend. This system is sustained by voter apathy, electoral malpractice, and a deeply ingrained culture of corruption. The electorate plays a pivotal role in this dynamic. Nigerian leaders often rise to power through a mix of patronage, promises of change, and the manipulation of public sentiment. Yet, once in office, many...

The Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has categorically dismissed rumours circulating on social media that the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is planning to decamp to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a strongly worded statement issued by the State Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka JP, the party described the rumors as “mischievous, sinister, and baseless,” emphasizing that such claims are designed to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension. The statement labeled the allegations as the handiwork of "jobless political hirelings" and "failed agents of destabilization and treachery" acting on behalf of their sponsors. Chief Arenyeka condemned the individuals behind the rumors, describing them as impostors who lack credibility and are not genuine members of the PDP. He stated unequivocally that Governor Oborevwori remains a loyal and dedicated member of the PDP and that the baseless rumors are...

In a nation of contrasts, where citizens often lament their country's challenges, Dr. Yusuf Bangura, a foreigner, aptly captured Nigeria's resilience, evident in its thriving food industry, burgeoning cashless economy, and the global rise of Afrobeats. After a two-week visit to Nigeria—the first in 14 years—I was struck by three remarkable transformations that are reshaping the country: the rise of a thriving local food processing industry, the rapid adoption of a cashless economy, and the overwhelming dominance of afrobeats in public spaces. Thriving Local Food Processing Industry Nigeria’s food processing sector has experienced a remarkable evolution. Foods once sold informally and in unprocessed forms are now available in supermarkets, beautifully packaged and ready for consumption. From processed grains like amala and fufu to innovative ready-to-eat meals like moi moi mix and pepper soup, local manufacturers are adding value to Nigeria's abundant natural resources. This...

Kemi Badenoch’s identification of her heritage as “Yoruba, not Nigerian” is a profound assertion that challenges the imposed narratives of African identity shaped by colonial constructs. Her statement underscores a broader truth about the complexities of African identity and the arbitrary nature of colonial boundaries that fragmented cohesive ethnic groups into incompatible political entities. Colonial Constructs and Gerrymandered Nations The creation of countries like Nigeria was not grounded in cultural or historical realities but rather in the economic and political interests of colonial powers. For example, the Hausa people, whose cultural and linguistic influence extends across Niger, Chad, and the Sahel, represent a cohesive unit. Yet, they were divided into separate nations alongside other ethnic groups, diluting their historical and cultural identity. This artificial segmentation of African peoples into "complete packages" such as Nigeria was based on the erroneous as...

As 2025 unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that political salvations will not come through passive expectations. The proverbial "Godot" as written in 1953 play by Samuel Beckett will not arrive to fix our political system. Instead, the responsibility falls on individuals and parties to organize, strategize, and act. This realization is especially urgent for the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party in opposition that seems lost in chaos, acrimony, and disunity. Rather than focusing on strategic planning to challenge the well-entrenched People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Delta APC platforms are plagued by bitterness and infighting. This internal dysfunction betrays a lack of understanding of the essential principles that define the purpose, functions, and roles of political parties. What is a Political Party? A political party is an organized entity that seeks to gain and wield political power through elections. Members of a party are united...