Innocent Ojefia Blog

Examining the cycle of promises, illusions, and the resilient spirit of ordinary Nigerians in the face of leadership challenges. The recent arraignment of minors on treason charges in Nigeria has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. This incident raises serious concerns about how juvenile cases are handled and the lasting impact such charges could have on the futures of these young individuals. Many critics have demanded the immediate release of these minors, pointing to a perceived insensitivity on the part of the federal government. Yet, as with many such cases, it’s likely this will pass without anyone being held accountable. This incident shines a light on Nigeria's broader leadership challenges. Let’s take a satirical look at the nature of Nigerian leadership—a journey through power and promises. Mention "Nigerian leadership" in any room, and you’ll hear a range of responses: laughter, exasperated sighs, and, sometimes, impassioned rants. Nigerian leadership ...

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...