Innocent Ojefia Blog

In recent days, Fejiro Oliver has been trending for his report on the achievements of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Amid this, publicity-seeking Senator Ned Nwoko has staged yet another attention-grabbing stunt—rejecting a Land Cruiser and ₦10 million offered by the state government, claiming the gift would not benefit his constituents. This raises several questions: When did Nwoko and the state government discuss this offer—before or after his exit from the PDP? More importantly, what was the motive? Was it an incentive to lure him back or a goodwill gesture to keep him comfortable in his new party? Ultimately, this situation begs a larger question: Is governance about theatrics or tangible results? Senator Nwoko seems to forget that he was elected to the Senate to attract federal projects for his constituents. Instead of fulfilling this responsibility, he engages in grandstanding that does little to improve the lives of the Anioma people. It is unfortunate that he does not seem em...

Delta State is not just changing—it is charging forward under a leader who trades empty promises for unflinching actions. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is not here to play politics; he is here to dismantle the culture of mediocrity. When two engineers recently signed off on phantom road projects, they were not just demoted—they became symbols of a crumbling old guard. The message? Cut corners at your peril. Gone are the days of leaders acting behind glossy reports. Governor Oborevwori is rewriting the rulebook with boots-on-the-ground governance. Picture this: a governor knee-deep in construction sites, testing asphalt with his own hands, interrogating contractors, and demanding receipts—not rhetoric. For shady contractors who once feasted on lax oversight, his relentless inspections are not just inconvenient—they are a death knell to fraud. This is not your typical “detached politician.” Oborevwori is a street-smart leader with his pulse on grassroots struggles. He knows the sting of ...

Occasionally, it is necessary to engage in deep academic inquiry to understand the root causes of systemic dysfunction in Nigeria. The fundamental question remains: Why is Nigeria’s socio-economic and political system failing? The answer, though seemingly complex, is rather straightforward—any political system functions effectively based on the caliber of individuals who operate it. No system, regardless of its theoretical soundness or structural ingenuity, can function optimally if it is managed by individuals who lack the requisite vision, competence, and integrity. Nigeria’s political landscape has been dominated by the same set of individuals since the 1966 coup, a ruling class that has consistently demonstrated self-serving tendencies, greed, and an alarming deficiency in the intellectual rigor necessary to make systems work. These individuals, rather than being agents of progressive change, have entrenched a culture of political mediocrity, economic mismanagement, and institution...

Francis Ewherido, a cultured and non-partisan businessman based in Lagos, offers a fresh, objective perspective on governance in Delta State under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. As the Managing Director and CEO of Titan Insurance Brokers Limited, Ewherido’s insights stem from keen observation rather than political affiliation or personal gain. In this compelling piece, he shares his firsthand experience of Delta State after an extended stay, providing a detailed assessment of the infrastructural and developmental strides under Oborevwori’s administration. His reflections highlight key projects such as flyovers, road expansions, and urban renewal efforts, showcasing the governor’s commitment to progress. With a balanced approach that acknowledges both achievements and areas for improvement, Ewherido reinforces the evolving narrative of governance in Delta State—one that prioritizes tangible impact over rhetoric. His essay serves as an independent validation of Governor Oborevwori’s leader...

The recent statement by the so-called New Delta Coalition (NDC) , alleging that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has “nothing to show” for over N1 trillion in FAAC allocations, is not only misleading but also a deliberate attempt to distort facts and undermine genuine progress in Delta State. While constructive criticism is welcome in any democracy, it must be based on truth, not political mischief. FAAC Allocations and Strategic Investments It is important to clarify that Delta State’s FAAC allocations do not operate in a vacuum. They are used for recurrent expenditure, capital projects, debt servicing, and statutory obligations, including payment of salaries, pensions, and security funding. To claim that there is “nothing to show” for these allocations is a baseless assertion that ignores visible development across the state. Governor Oborevwori’s administration has embarked on numerous infrastructural projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, schools, ...

Leadership should be about service, inclusivity, and progress. However, some individuals in leadership positions, driven by ethnic and political biases, seek to undermine governance through divisive rhetoric. One such figure is Senator Ned Nwoko, whose recent onslaught against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori reflect deep-seated bigotry rather than objective criticism. Nwoko’s stance suggests that because the governor is not from Nwoko's ethnic group, he is incapable of governing effectively or making fair decisions. This mindset is not only flawed but also dangerous, as it promotes sectionalism over unity. Nwoko, a lawyer who has never actively practiced in court, appears to believe he can intimidate the governor through campaign of calumny. His attitude toward Oborevwori—a man who served for six years as Speaker of the State House of Assembly—is both condescending and dismissive. It is narcissistic to assume that the immediate past Speaker, who played a pivotal role in the legislativ...

  The Greek philosopher Aristotle famously stated that the state exists for the public good and continues to exist for the greater good of humanity. This principle underscores the very foundation of governance—serving the people and ensuring their well-being. In any democratic system, the effectiveness of an elected representative is not measured by their presence in the corridors of power or their ability to dominate media conversations. Instead, their success is determined by the tangible impact they make on the lives of their constituents through policies, infrastructure, and social welfare initiatives. In Nigeria, the National Assembly, responding to the clamour for grassroots development and the need for federal presence in all constituencies, introduced the "Constituency Project" fund. This initiative was conceived to ensure that elected lawmakers play an active role in bringing government resources to their people. Through this mechanism, legislators are expected to i...

The recent statement by the New Delta Coalition (NDC), alleging financial mismanagement in Delta State under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is not only misleading but a deliberate attempt to discredit the remarkable strides the administration has made in steering the state toward economic stability and infrastructural transformation. Contrary to the coalition’s claims, Delta State remains one of Nigeria’s strongest subnational economies, backed by prudent financial management, strategic investments, and responsible governance. The assertion that Delta’s financial strength is overstated ignores the facts on the ground, particularly the government’s ability to meet its obligations while embarking on massive developmental projects. Delta’s Financial Strength: Facts Speak for Themselves Chief Fidelis Tilije’s statement regarding Delta’s financial strength is rooted in verifiable realities. The state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) has consistently ranked among the top five in Nigeria, d...

As the 2027 elections approach, Senator Ned Nwoko has latched onto the promise of Anioma State creation as a political strategy. His underlying claim is that his re-election is the only path to realizing this dream for the people of Delta North. However, a closer look at the facts reveals this as nothing more than a calculated ploy to mislead the people, manipulate their emotions, and secure another term in office. The Reality of State Creation in Nigeria Creating a new state in Nigeria is a highly complex and rigorous constitutional process, as outlined in Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution. No single senator—no matter how influential—can unilaterally create a state. The process involves several critical steps: A Formal Request Backed by the People – A new state can only be created if a formal request is made by the people and supported by a referendum in which at least two-thirds of the affected population votes in favor. Approval by State Assemblies – At least two-thirds o...

The current barrage of vitriol directed at Governor Sheriff Oborevwori reeks of desperation rather than reasoned critique. The recent write-up titled "A Hollow Throne: The Accidental Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and His Reign of Timidity" by one avatar called Sen Rich Kay reflects more on the writer’s frustration than on the governor’s performance. It is the kind of hollow rhetoric that thrives on cheap insults, hoping that noise will somehow pass for substance. However, governance is not about who shouts the loudest—it is about real impact, strategic decisions, and tangible results. And on those grounds, Oborevwori stands tall. Who is Truly Borrowing Robes? The claim that Governor Oborevwori is "wrapped in borrowed robes" is laughable, especially when made in defense of a man whose political relevance has been largely performative. Senator Ned Nwoko’s attempt to position himself as the standard for leadership crumbles under scrutiny. Unlike Oborevwori, who has stead...

The role of a senator in Nigeria is primarily to represent their constituents at the federal level, advocate for policies that benefit their senatorial district, and influence the allocation of federal resources to their state. However, Senator Ned Nwoko’s recent speech at the APC Secretariat in Abuja raises concerns about his understanding of this mandate. His rhetoric suggests a focus on Delta State politics rather than the broader federal responsibilities expected of a senator. It is necessary to critically evaluate his performance so far, particularly in comparison to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who was instrumental in attracting federal projects not only to Delta Central but to the entire state.  T h e Mandate of a Senator A senator is elected to the National Assembly to serve as the voice of their constituents at the federal level. This involves: Legislative Functions – Proposing and sponsoring bills that benefit the people of their senatorial district. Oversight Functions ...

Senator Ned Nwoko’s comments about Governor Sheriff Oborevwori are not only misleading but also a clear reflection of personal grievances rather than objective facts. It is evident that his sudden defection to the APC has come with a need to discredit the current administration, but let’s examine the facts and expose the contradictions in his argument. 1. POPULARITY AND RECOGNITION Senator Nwoko claims Governor Oborevwori is "unpopular" and unknown outside Delta State. However, Governor Oborevwori was speaker for six years and his resounding victory at the polls, despite legal battles up to the Supreme Court, proves otherwise. His MORE Agenda—which prioritizes development, security, and economic growth—resonates with the people of Delta. Popularity is not measured by how often one is seen in Abuja but by how well one delivers on governance. 2. COMPETENCE AND PERFORMANCE The attempt to paint Governor Oborevwori as incapable of managing Delta’s resources is laughable. In less t...

While some attribute his emergence to strategic political maneuvering by the immediate past governor, there is no denying the role of divine orchestration in his rise to power. His journey to the governorship was unconventional, breaking the mold of established political traditions. As the first Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly to ascend to the governorship, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori's political trajectory is a testament to divine favour, resilience, and team spirit. Surviving six years as Speaker in a legislative environment known for frequent leadership turnovers speaks volumes about his ability to unite and lead—a quality that now defines his tenure as governor. During the electioneering campaign, he confidently declared his "street credibility." At the time, many dismissed this statement or failed to grasp its significance. However, his remarkable achievements today have made its meaning crystal clear, demonstrating his practical leadership and deep connect...