Skip to main content

Posts

THE ALARMING STATE OF INSECURITY IN DELTA STATE: A Call For Urgent Action

Over the past several months, we have consistently appealed to the state government, alerting them that insecurity has become rampant in Delta State. Kidnapping and armed robbery have become commonplace, yet our concerns were dismissed by sycophants and bootlickers who labeled us as naysayers, claiming that Delta State was the most peaceful place in the universe. This illusion of peace was shattered yesterday, July 30th, when a brazen act of violence occurred in broad daylight within Asaba, the state capital. Mrs. Joan Mrakpor, a former commissioner and House of Representatives member, was kidnapped from her church along the popular DBS road, and her police orderly was killed on the spot. This incident took place in the very heart of Asaba, where Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who frequently boasts about his prowess in security during security council meetings, resides. The state is now experiencing the worst security situation in its history. For those familiar with Asaba, the situation...

THE CLOWNISH ESCAPADES OF DELTA STATE LEGISLATORS

Albert Einstein famously remarked, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." This notion perfectly encapsulates the behaviour of the members of the Delta State House of Assembly. These legislators have made it a fashionable yet absurd practice to embark on frivolous foreign study trips under the guise of intellectual development and state betterment. However, it is painfully evident that the real focus of these excursions is to allocate estacode to themselves rather than to genuinely address the pressing issues facing Delta State. It is ludicrous and infuriating that these lawmakers prefer to travel abroad for workshops and seminars, often held in the capitals of former colonial powers, rather than dedicating their time and efforts to finding solutions to the pervasive insecurity, economic instability, and poverty plaguing the state. These are problems to which they have substantially contributed through their policies and actions...

PROTEST OR NO PROTEST: Getting It Right

Today, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the complexities of human security and development. As citizens demand change, it is essential to acknowledge the fundamental questions posed by British economist Dudley Seers: What is happening to poverty? What is happening to inequality? What is happening to unemployment? These pressing concerns lie at the heart of the matter, and addressing them is the primary duty of the government. However, as citizens exercise their right to protest, it is equally important to recognize the government's responsibility to protect lives and property. "We urge all stakeholders to embrace dialogue as the catalyst for meaningful change. It is through open communication, mutual understanding, and collective effort that we can work towards a more equitable society, where the social compact between state and citizen is upheld. As we navigate this complex landscape, we must strike a balance between the right to protest and the need to p...

HYPOCRISY AND GOVERNANCE: A Look At The States

Nigeria's complex political landscape has always been rife with challenges, but recent developments underscore a particularly troubling trend: the hypocrisy embedded within the country's governance structures. This issue is glaringly evident when examining the actions and impacts of state governors, especially in the context of federal allocations and regional development. Federal Allocations and State Governance In recent years, federal allocations to state governors have seen a substantial increase, tripling or even quadrupling in some instances. This surge in funding is a direct result of the President's policies and intervention, aimed at empowering state governments to drive local development and improve the living standards of their constituents. However, this influx of resources has not translated into tangible progress. Instead, there is growing evidence that governors are mismanaging these funds, diverting them away from critical sectors. At the same time, the gove...

THE ILLUSION OF DEMOCRACY: Unmasking the Facade

In the wake of Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the upcoming election, a poignant excerpt from his speech resonated with me: "The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule, the people do." My immediate reaction was one of incredulity. Perhaps such a sentiment held truth at the inception of the United States, but the contemporary landscape tells a different story. Modern democracy, in its current form, seems to offer citizens the opportunity to vote every four years, fostering the illusion that they possess genuine control over societal choices. In reality, these decisions are heavily influenced by those wielding substantial wealth and power—individuals who have expertly navigated and exploited the incentives and inherent flaws within the system. Reflecting on the astronomical sums spent on election campaigns—the lavish decor, the court cases, the tight security—reveals an astonishing amount of energy devoted to maintaining an illusion. An ill...

IN YOUR DARKEST MOMENTS, DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTH

Waking up each morning with a heavy heart, as if a weight is pressing down on your chest, is an experience many of us know all too well. It feels like the world is closing in, reminding you constantly of your past mistakes and the opportunities you didn’t take. This sensation can make life seem like an unending series of challenges, leaving you questioning your choices and feeling stuck in a relentless storm. It's common to look back and wonder, "What was I thinking?" or "Why did I choose this path?" It's important to know that these feelings are not unique to you; many people share this struggle. People have dedicated their life to God, hoping for brighter days, yet the rain often continues to fall. This can make it easy to doubt everything you believe in and even question your very existence. There have been days when you have wondered if coming to this earth was a mistake. Acknowledging this pain is crucial. Feeling this way doesn’t make you weak; it make...

MISPLACED PRIORITIES: Delta State's Budgetary Decisions Amidst Economic Hardship

In the midst of severe economic hardship faced by workers and citizens, alongside dilapidated infrastructure across the State, the Delta state government's recent budgetary decisions reveal a concerning trend of misplaced priorities. A review of Delta State's budget performance reports highlights an alarming expenditure pattern: a staggering N6.8 billion was spent within the first three months of 2024 solely on the purchase of luxury vehicles. The budget document outlines that a total of N9.9 billion was allocated for the acquisition of 50 Toyota SUVs, 60 Hilux pick-ups, 150 Toyota Corollas, and 10 Coaster buses. Shockingly, out of this budgeted amount, N6.8 billion had already been expended in the initial quarter of the year. To put this into perspective, the amount spent on vehicles surpasses the state's capital expenditure for its Ministry of Energy, which stood at N2.8 billion for the same period. Furthermore, the expenditure on vehicles overshadows the capital outlays ...