Delta 2026 Budget will Determine Ijaw Votes, as the ljaws Warm up to Endorse Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for 2027_Mulade

Ahead of the 2027 governorship election and the proposed endorsement of governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the sole candidate by Delta Ijaws, a prominent Ijaw leader, peace and development advocate, Comrade (Chief) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has declared that Ijaw votes would be determined by projects allocated and adequately funded in the 2026 budget.

The renowned human and environmental rights activist made the declaration at a press briefing after an expanded stakeholders meeting in Warri on behalf of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the state.

According to the Ibe Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, the adequate inclusion and funding of projects in the riverine areas will serve as critical consideration for political support, and riverine communities predominantly occupied by the Ijaws and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities.

While he commended the infrastructural development stride by governor Oborevwori in the upland areas, Mulade however lamented the absence of such infrastructural revolution in the riverine areas of the state despite the population density and huge revenue contributions to the state as host to multinational oil and gas companies.

He said, "I want to sincerely  appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the infrastructural development, which I described as infrastructural revolution in the state, particularly in the upland,  and your proposed commissioning of the reconstructed Odimodi-Ogulagha road earlier constructed by SPDC in the 1980's for their operational convenience and community residents.

"It is imperative to state that some Ijaw communities such as Ogulagha, Torugbene, Oporoza, Akugbene, Ojobo etc. are more densely populated than some local government headquarters in the upland, but they are deliberately deprived of development because of the so-called claim of terrain challenges. 

"These communities host multinational oil and gas companies contributing immensely to the state revenue, but without any significant projects," he lamented.

The Ibe-Sorimowei who reminded the governor of how the Ijaws adopted, supported and stood by him all through the election season, also gave the assurance of massive Ijaw votes come 2027, but one that must be backed by the governor's commitment to development through massive projects inclusion for the area.

"We (the Ijaws) have created a conducive atmosphere to boost oil and gas production, making Delta the richest state; support security, douse restiveness and support economic stability. It is time for the governor to reciprocate through the 2026 budget with tangible legacy projects," he asserted.

Speaking further he said, "Your Excellency, permit me to draw your attention to some expected critical projects that must be considered for the Delta Ijaw nation: the Ayakoromo bridge, Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene-Escravos road, Aladja-Ogbe-Ijoh Road, Ojobo-Torugbene road, among others.

"Build a first class Health Centre/General Hospital in riverine community,  particularly at Ogulagha Town, to compensate the people for their huge contributions to the state revenue.

On education, he appealed that, "It is worthy of note that every ethnic group in Delta State hosts state university except the Ijaws and the Itsekiris. I want to strongly and sincerely appeal to His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori once again, to consider the upgrading of the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, which is a moribund polytechnic, to a campus of the Delta State University, Abraka. This will position the state to explore the blue economy opportunities. Equally too, the state government should, without delay, build a campus of Dennis Osadebe University at Koko to give sense of belonging to the Itsekiris with a special focus on agriculture for Deltans.

"The above mentioned projects constitutes significant live-wire for the Delta Ijaw, and will translate into votes come 2027. We can assure His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, of 100 percent of the entire Ijaw votes come 2027.

"The consideration of revolutionary projects in the riverine areas in the 2026 budget will give a sense of belonging to the people for their huge contributions. Moreover, your commitment to development will write your name in gold, not just seeking their votes during elections."

TOMPOLO:: THE PATH THAT LEADS MANY TO TOMORROW: - The Heart of Endless Kindness: The Voice that Wakes Sleeping Hope -

Tompolo is not just a name.  

It is a living sound that dances through the air,  

like the call of a morning bird  

announcing that darkness has lost its hold.  

His name rolls through villages and cities  

like a gentle wind that carries the scent of fresh rain.  

It lands in the ear and settles in the heart,  

planting seeds of courage in those who have forgotten how to dream.  

  

He is a wide river,  

one that never runs dry,  

flowing with goodness and compassion.  

His current crosses shores and forests,  

feeding lands that he has never walked,  

quenching the thirst of souls  

that have never seen his smile.  

Every drop of his giving  

is like cool water to a weary traveler,  

bringing life where there once was dust and silence.  

Tompolo does not build castles of stone,  

nor towers of glass.  

Instead, he builds people.  

He lifts the weak from the ground,  

sets them on firm feet  

and teaches them to walk with pride.  

He places hope in their hands like a small seed,  

and patiently waters it  

until it grows into a tree  

with branches that give shade and fruit to many.  

He knows that the greatest buildings  

are not made of bricks,  

but of human hearts made strong.  

In politics, Tompolo stands like a mountain,  

high and steady,  

resisting the storms of selfishness and greed.  

He gives voice to the voiceless,  

weight to the unheard.  

Those who feel small  

find courage in his presence.  

Those who walk in fear  

find safety in his shadow.  

When he speaks,  

his words are like golden keys,  

unlocking doors that others thought were closed forever.  

  

In culture, he is like an old storyteller  

who knows the songs of yesterday  

but sings them with the beauty of today.  

He keeps traditions alive,  

as a farmer keeps seeds for the next planting season.  

He blends the wisdom of ancestors  

with the dreams of modern youth,  

creating a colorful sky  

where the past and the future meet like a rainbow after the rain.  

Spiritually, his voice is the soft call of morning light,  

the whisper that reaches the broken-hearted  

and tells them, “Rise again.”

He walks into rooms heavy with sorrow  

and fills them with peace as gentle as a mother’s hand.  

Where sadness sits,  

he plants joy.  

Where fear hides,  

he hangs the lamp of courage.  

Tompolo shakes the ground  

where laziness has been sleeping for years.  

He knocks on the doors of forgotten dreams  

and wakes them from their long rest.  

To the youth, his words are flames  

lighting a path of possibility.  

To the old, his presence is a tree  

under which they can rest and remember  

that goodness still lives in the world.  

Many leaders speak,  

but Tompolo acts.  

He turns hunger into laughter,  

fear into faith,  

and loneliness into family.  

In his hands,  

a tear becomes a smile,  

a closed door becomes an open gate,  

and a lost road becomes a bright highway  

leading to tomorrow.  

 

In the Niger Delta,  

his name is carried like a prayer on the wind.  

It falls from the lips of widows and fishermen  

with the same sweetness as rain on dry land.  

Children sing it,  

elders bless it,  

and travelers take it with them  

to places far beyond the creeks.  

For kindness has no borders,  

and Tompolo’s light  

shines without asking where a person comes from.  

If kindness were a throne,  

he would sit on it.  

If mercy were a crown,  

his head would shine brighter than gold.  

If giving were a religion,  

his heart would be the holy temple  

where all are welcome,  

day and night.  

He is close to a saint of good deeds,  

yet greater than saints in his reach.  

His battles are not fought with swords,  

but are won in the quiet victories of changed lives.  

He is a giant whose height is measured  

by the number of hands he has lifted  

out of darkness into light.  

Tompolo is a movement of the heart,  

a wind that carries blessings across waters,  

a song that will not end,  

no matter how many seasons pass.  

He is the shining torch in the deep night,  

the bridge over troubled rivers,  

the drumbeat that calls people to unity.  

Even when the sun has gone to sleep,  

his light will continue to glow,  

guiding many to the tomorrow they never thought would come.  

EBIKABOWEI KEDIKUMO - writes from Ayakoromo Town, Delta State

Capt. Gbenebide Monday Congratulates Torububou 1, the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom on 20Th Coronation Anniversary

In commemoration of the 20th Coronation Anniversary, Hon. Capt. Monday Gbenebide, has joined friends, family, business associates and well wishers all over the globe to felicitate as well as congratulate the good people of the ancient Ogulagha kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, as HRM. Capt. King Joseph l. Timiyan (JP) PhD, Agbonu, Torububou 1, the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom and Chairman Delta State ljaw Traditional Rulers Council marks two Impactful decades on the throne.

In a congratulatory message released on Monday in Warri, Capt. Gbenebide who is an illustrious brother ln-law to the first class monarch, described the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha kingdom as a man of peace with impeccable character who has attracted meaningful development to the kingdom in the past twenty years on the throne.

According to him, said:

" I extended heartfelt congratulations to HRM. Capt. King Joseph l. Timiyan (JP) PhD, Agbonu, Torububou 1, the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom on the occasion of your 20th coronation anniversary celebration.

" On this auspicious occasion of your coronation anniversary, l extend my warmest wishes for continued good health, strength and many more years of Impactful service to your subjects.

" May your reign continue to be blessed with peace, love, unity, joy and prosperity. Congratulations your royal majesty," the statement added.

WHEN THE MEN WITH GUNS BECOME THE GOVERNMENT GUESTS-The Hyena Learned to Use a Spoon-

It was a hot afternoon,  

and the sky looked tired,  

its face painted with red dust.  

A man without a crown stepped into a “peace meeting.”  

But his hands did not carry peace.  

In one hand was an AK-47  

in the other, a sharp rocket,  

as if they were wedding gifts.  

His guards stood tall like iron poles,  

the government men grinned like actors on a big stage, 

for who dares frown at the landlord of fear?  

Nigeria is a house with no doors,  

its windows always open to thieves,  

its gates guarded by men who sleep on pillows stuffed with corruption.  

The bandit shook hands with the leaders,  

and their pens danced happily,  

writing agreements on paper that smelled of blood.  

The lunch table was covered with shining plates,  

but what they truly served was fear  

seasoned with betrayal.  

The elders said:  

“When the hunter dines with the hyena, the goats will never sleep in peace.  

 For in the heart of the feast, there is no difference between the eater and the eaten.”  

In Nigeria today,  

the hyena is everywhere, 

It now knows how to use a spoon.  

It smiles in photographs with governors,  

sits in air-conditioned rooms, 

with senators 

and eats steaming jollof rice with ministers.  

They laugh together over plates of meat,  

while widows drink tears  

and refugees chew dry crumbs.  

Here, banditry is no longer a crime , 

it is a business run by the bold and blessed.  

Better than selling petrol,  

almost holy like the offering bag in church.  

Everyone knows the price of a kidnapping,  

everyone knows the buyers sit inside government houses,  

wearing perfume instead of guilt.  

Villagers count their dead under the moonlight,  

while leaders count their profit under warm chandelier lamps.  

When guns are invited to meetings,  

the power of words becomes very small.  

The killers laugh wide for the camera,  

the government frowns behind closed doors,  

and the people kneel in dark corners,  

because God is now the last policeman.  

Nigeria, my Nigeria ...

the world watches like it’s a comedy movie with a very sad ending.  

Afghanistan nods like a brother in pain,  

Gaza sighs with tired lungs,  

Ukraine sends condolences.  

But our trophy of shame shines bright,  

because here, the hunter and the hyena eat from the same bowl.  

Nowhere is safe,  

for the hunters have sold their guns to hyenas.  

The hyenas wear parliamentary suits,  

smell of expensive perfume,  

and guard the sheep with fake smiles.  

The monster sleeps soundly in government houses,  

the bandits wear crowns of gold,  

and the people…  

wear only the black cloth of grief.  

And so the banquet continues.  

The killers toast their wine,  

the leaders nod in approval,  

and the ordinary people wait for rescue that never comes.  

Nigeria is a grand theatre,  

with stage lights shining on terror,  

its actors dressed in government suits,  

and the script written in blood.  

One day, the curtain will fall , 

and all the diners at the king’s table  

will see that the feast was cooked  

with the tears of the land.  

EBIKABOWEI KEDIKUMO - writes from Ayakoromo Town, Delta State

Just-ln: Enough of the Neglect, Oromoni Calls on Delta State Governor to End Marginalization of Ogbe-ljoh Warri Kingdom

Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri___ The leader of Ogbe-ljoh Political Front, Hon. Oromoni, has called on the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently end the decades-long marginalization and neglect of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, the headquarters of Warri South-West Local Government Area, which has suffered severe infrastructural decay and government abandonment despite its strategic importance to the state.

Speaking to newsmen in Warri on Sunday on behalf of Ogbe-Ijoh Political Front, Oromoni lamented that since the inception of the present administration, no single project has been initiated, completed or commissioned in the kingdom. He described the situation as “a glaring case of exclusion and injustice” against a kingdom that has remained supportive of this administration and successive governments in Delta State.

“Ogbe-Ijoh is a local government headquarters, yet it bears no semblance of one. Our roads are now death traps, our schools are collapsing, our courts are non-functional, and our youths are left without opportunities. We cannot continue to be treated as second-class citizens in our own state,” Oromoni declared.

The statement highlighted several abandoned and decaying infrastructure across the kingdom, including:

The Ogbe-Ijoh Skill Acquisition Centre, Ogbe-Ijoh Internal Road Project, Ogbe-Ijoh Technical College, Ogbe-Ijoh, Mini Stadium, The Delta State High Court and Customary Court, Ogbe-Ijoh and Ogbe-Ijoh General Hospital, Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School, and the JAMB Centre, Ogbe-Ijoh.

Hon. (Barr.) Jeffrey Pere Oromoni further condemned the complete exclusion of Ogbe-Ijoh youths from political appointments, employments and empowerment initiatives, despite the kingdom’s huge contribution to the state.

“Our people have shown patience and loyalty to the state government. Yet, we have nothing to show for it. This neglect must stop. We call on His Excellency to urgently intervene and ensure that Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom receives its fair share of development.” he said.

He urged the Governor to immediately revisit all abandoned projects and include Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom in the state’s developmental master plan and appoint qualified youths from the kingdom into meaningful positions of responsibility. He also pleaded that a flyover bridge and road project should be approved to link Ogbe-Ijoh with Naifor and Dosemor communities (popularly known as Warri corner) of Ogbe-Ijoh.

“We are not asking for favours — we are demanding fairness. Ogbe-Ijoh deserves the same level of development and attention given to other kingdoms and clans across Delta State,” Oromoni emphasized.

The statement concluded that the people of Ogbe-Ijoh remain committed to peace and development but will continue to speak out against injustice and neglect until their voices are heard and tangible action is taken.

Revealed: Why 115 DSS Officers Were Fired, Top Senior lnsiders Revealed

New information has emerged surrounding the dismissal of 115 officers from the Department of State Services (DSS), following internal investigations that found them guilty of actions capable of compromising the agency’s integrity.

According to multiple security sources who spoke to Sunday Punch, the officers were implicated in offences including fraud, indiscipline, certificate forgery, and leaking classified information.

A senior insider revealed,

 “Some of them even leaked official information, which is a serious offence.” Others were found to have submitted forged academic credentials, including birth certificates, fake foreign degrees, and even certificates from religious institutions, as part of their employment records.

Another official added,

 “These are bad eggs. Some used forged birth certificates to gain employment. Others attended schools in Benin Republic for only a few months and presented the certificates as degrees. Some even submitted mosque certificates as degree equivalents.”

On Tuesday, the DSS announced the dismissals on its account, sharing photos and dismissal dates of the personnel involved, while warning the public to avoid any official dealings with them. This move marks a notable shift in transparency, as disciplinary measures within the agency were rarely made public before.

The announcement came three weeks after the arrest of two former officers, Barry Donald and Victor Godwin, accused of impersonating DSS personnel to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

Sources indicated that the purge is part of a broader effort by DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi to restore discipline within the service. A top intelligence officer explained, “Some of the dismissed officers were fast becoming rogues, threatening the service’s integrity. The DSS doesn’t compromise on its reputation. The current DG is reforming the agency and cleansing the system.”

Several of the dismissed personnel had ongoing disciplinary issues prior to Ajayi’s tenure. “Some officers were previously queried or lightly sanctioned, but when the same offences occurred again, the current DG acted decisively,” a DSS member said.

Officials also revealed that around 15–20% of the dismissed officers had traveled abroad without formally resigning. “They were dismissed for improper resignation. The DG aims to instil discipline and address behaviours that were previously ignored,” another insider added.

The DSS released the identities and photos of the dismissed officers to protect the public and prevent misuse of the agency’s name. A senior officer emphasized, “People who are dishonest about their credentials cannot work here. These are trained personnel, and the government is ensuring they do not exploit the DSS name for illicit activities. That is why their photos were made public.”

Opinion: WHEN THE RAIN COMES FROM AMERICA TO QUENCH NIGERIA'S FIRE- The Thieves Who Fear Other Thieves are Shouting -

Opinion: WHEN THE RAIN COMES FROM

When help knocks at the gate, some run to open it,  

others hide the key inside their stomachs and shout,  

"Thief! Thief! The visitor is a thief!"  

He is coming to steal our oil.

Yet the true thief lives in our kitchen,  

eating the family’s soup before it is cooked.  

They point at America as the fox at the door,  

while they sit at the table with wolves , with the bandits,

who have been chewing our bones for years.  

Which oil do they speak of?  

Is it the oil that flows like golden rivers into the pockets of leaders,  

whose appetite is larger than the sky?  

The oil we have never tasted except in the smoke from a gun?  

The oil that makes leaders taller than towers 

and the followers smaller than shadows?

They act as if they are guarding our treasure,  

yet the treasure is buried under their corrupt beds.  

If the visitor comes and turns our roads from crocodile pits  

to smooth dancing floors for cars;  

if the night becomes so quiet our people 

can sleep without listening for the cough of guns;  

If we have electricity 24 / 7,

if the road from Warri to Asaba  

becomes a straight ribbon we can walk with closed eyes, 

then why fear the guest?  

A guest who brings bread is better  

than a brother who serves stones and scorpions.

Some say the guest will never leave if allowed to come.

But look — your own brothers have stayed in power forever.  

They have tied themselves to the State treasury  

with ropes made from our suffering for decades.

They plant trouble in the morning  

and harvest gold in the night.  

If disorder had a father,  

it would be wearing agbada in Abuja.  

Maybe -- just maybe

God is sending a broom from across the ocean  

to sweep the snake’s skin out of our yard.  

Here, in Nigeria,

the political class cooks hunger in large pots  

and serves it steaming to every home.  

The land is not green anymore 

it is now red.  

White, the colour of peace has been poured over  

with the blood of the innocent.   

People now leave the country like ants fleeing boiling water.  

Our security budget swells like a greedy belly,  

yet insecurity grows taller than mountains.  

Two governments rule here:  

one is in the State House,  

the other in the forest,  

taxing farmers for the right to breathe  

and appointing their own Commander-in-Chief that has a standing army.

There is no sovereignty in Nigeria anymore.

So if a guest comes carrying peace in his hands,  

do not push him away because of pride.  

Pride does not mend broken roads,  

and it does not chase fear away from our nights.  

Right now, Nigeria needs help,  

Nigeria needs the quiet sound of peace  

flowing like a calm river through our streets.  

Nigeria, when help comes as a guest, 

do not shut your door and pretend you are not at home.  

Open the door wide,  

dust the chairs,  

make a room soft enough for it to rest.  

Help is a rare traveller,

when it comes, host it.  

My people,  

stop crying that America will come to drink our oil.  

America’s cups are already full,  

their wells are deep with their own riches.  

The mouths that shout loudest saying  "don't come" 

are the same corrupt mouths that have been dipping  

into our pot of wealth for decades.  

They are the ones we raised up as protectors,  

but behind our backs  

they feed the very criminals that kill us.

Our political leaders have turned into the wolves.

The night’s watchmen now hide thieves in their pockets.  

And  to you, ordinary Nigerian,  

who says the guest should not come  

because you enjoy the small crumbs  

falling from the thieves' table ...

I have pity for you.  

You walk with chains round your neck,  

chains that will not break even with a lifetime of days.  

Nigeria's wound is so open  

that even a school child can see its bleeding.  

Yet you, grown and wise,  

still wave the helper away,  

as if you have been charmed  

by the sweet tongue of our political leaders.  

The truth is simple:  

Nigeria is on fire.  

The flames eat the ground,  

smoke climbs into the clouds.  

If rain falls from across the sea  

to cool our burning land,

let the innocent be silent and welcome it,  

and let the guilty keep showing their teeth,  

shouting into the wind,  

“We don’t want America!”

EBIKABOWEI KEDIKUMO - writes from Ayakoromo

Just-ln: INEC Declares Soludo Winner Of 2025 Anambra Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), winner of the Anambra State governorship election.

According to the official results released by INEC, a total of 584,054 votes were collated across the 21 local government areas of the state. Soludo polled 422,664 votes, maintaining a commanding lead over his closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 99,445 votes.

Other parties that participated include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which garnered 8,208 votes, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which trailed with 1,401 votes.

Announcing the results at the INEC State Collation Centre in Awka on Sunday, the State Collation Officer and Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edogah Omoregie, commended stakeholders for their cooperation throughout the exercise.

Below are the local government results as announced by INEC:

LGA APC, APGA LP, PDP

Dunukofia 3,284 14,892 71 16

Awka North 3,661 15,895 299 203

Njikoka 5,687 22,213 311 47

Nnewi South 9,281 17,286 73 12

Nnewi North 5,441 20,320 1,140 45

Ayamelum 7,478 13,340 117 13

Anambra East 3,108 14,665 304 207

Ogbaru 3,768 22,803 347 30

Oyi 5,118 18,882 3,641 16

Orumba North 2,615 24,664 131 17

Orumba South 2,828 19,818 16 18

Aguata 4,125 35,559 124 82

Onitsha North 4,677 24,225 500 111

Onitsha South 4,156 15,742 615 73

Anaocha 5,956 20,118 483 42

Awka South 5,038 27,896 520 63

Idemili South 6,015 17,224 276 40

Ekwusigo 2,973 18,749 194 70

Idemili North 6,383 25,498 1,275 125, 

Ihiala 4,425 23,557 135 .

With victories recorded in all 19 local government areas so far announced, Soludo’s triumph reinforces APGA’s dominance in Anambra politics and consolidates his position as one of the most influential political figures in the state.

Delta ljaw Broadcasters Felicitate with the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom, HRM. Joseph Timiyan (JP) on his 20Th Coronation Anniversary

‎Congratulation! 

Congratulations!! 

Congratulations!!

‎

‎We Executive and members of the Forum of Delta Ijaw Broadcasters (FODIB), heartily congratulate and celebrate with the revered Pere of Ogulagha Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Elder (Capt) King Joseph Timiyan JP, Ph.d. Torububou 1st, on the auspicious occasion of marking 20 years on the throne. 

‎

‎This remarkable milestone is a testament to your exemplary leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to peace and development.

‎

‎We are happy to identify with His Royal Majesty for his two decades on the throne of his forefathers having consistently demonstrated exceptional virtues, championing peace and development in the kingdom. His leadership has created an environment conducive to growth, progress, and prosperity, inspiring his subjects and the wider community.

‎

‎FODIB commends the Pere's visionary leadership, which has fostered a culture of peace, stability, and cooperation. His dedication to the well-being of his people and his commitment to promoting development have earned him the respect and admiration of all.

‎

‎As the Pere celebrates this significant milestone, FODIB prays for longevity on the throne, good health, and continued wisdom to guide the kingdom towards greater heights.

‎

‎Long live the Pere! Long live Ogulagha Kingdom!

‎

‎Signed:

‎

‎Hon. Amb. Tamsokunbiri Mmd

‎National President 

Mrs Ezon Ebi Odumosu

National Vice President 

‎

‎Prince Pere Botu, 

‎National Secretary

‎Forum of Delta Ijaw Broadcasters (FODIB)

DR. DENNIS OTUARO–A STEADFAST HAND AT THE HELM OF THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME

From the moment Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro assumed the role of Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta matters and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, it became clear that his leadership would mark a turning point. He stepped into the office with a blend of calm determination and sharp intelligence, bringing with him a mind well-tuned for problem-solving and a heart deeply committed to the welfare of his people. Where there had once been uncertainty about the future of the programme, he brought a sense of firm direction, moving with the precision of a skilful captain guiding a vessel through challenging tides. His approach has never been hurried nor careless; instead, he has treated the task with a patient but purposeful stride, ensuring every decision truly serves the long-term good of the Niger Delta.  

Under his stewardship, the programme has been lifted from the narrow confines of routine financial handouts into a broad platform for empowering minds and building skills. Dr. Otuaro understands that real transformation comes not from dependency, but from giving people the means to stand proudly on their own. Through carefully designed interventions in education and vocational training, he has provided thousands with tools sharp enough to carve out their future. His expanded scholarship scheme, which has seen over 140 students sent to study in countries such as the United Kingdom and South Africa, stands as a living testimony to his belief that knowledge is the strongest weapon against poverty and stagnation. These scholars, like well-sown seeds, will return home bearing fruits in the form of expertise, ideas, and leadership for the communities that nurtured them.  

What sets Dr. Otuaro apart is his insistence on inclusion. His leadership voice has consistently called for every segment of society -- men, women, and youth --  to be part of the peace-building and development journey. He understands that progress built by only a select few is unstable, but progress built by all hands endures. His “human face” principle has made the programme relatable, transforming it from a cold administrative body into a warm and accessible platform for hope and progress. Through this, he has reached communities often overlooked, listening to concerns, embracing feedback, and reshaping policies to suit the real needs of ordinary people. His ability to connect at both a strategic and personal level has replaced suspicion with trust, and despair with a quiet confidence in tomorrow.  

Like all reformers who dare to challenge the comfort of the status quo, Dr. Otuaro has faced resistance. There are those who cling to old habits, preferring the loose gates of unchecked spending over the disciplined order he has brought. Some have tried to slow his pace with waves of misinformation, throwing false accusations into the public space in an attempt to blur the truth. Yet, he has remained unshaken. Instead of straying from his course, his resolve has only deepened. He has refused to allow the coffers of the programme to become an open feast for a few, standing instead for accountability and transparency. In this stand, his courage has been tested, but the firmness of his principles has proven stronger than any external storm.  

Dr. Otuaro’s reforms are not for applause alone; they are built for lasting value. For this reason, he has called upon beneficiaries and stakeholders to unite under a common goal. His leadership message is clear -- divided efforts leave gaps, but united will creates strength. It is now the responsibility of community leaders, ex-agitators, civil society groups, and youth organisations to rally together, offering contributions that build on his vision. He asks not for blind praise, but for meaningful dialogue, constructive feedback, and shared commitment to the outcomes we all desire. The work is collective; the success must be shared.  

Already, his tenure has painted a new portrait of the Presidential Amnesty Programme -- one defined by direction, growth, and genuine service to the people. It is not the image of an office bound by limited ideas, but that of a living institution shaping peace, opportunity, and progress. Dr. Otuaro has his hands firmly on the wheel, but he has opened his arms to invite all to take their place on the journey. The road ahead may have its trials, but those who travel alongside him know that these steps are leading towards a brighter horizon for the Niger Delta. In years to come, the history of this region will remember Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro not merely as an administrator, but as a leader who combined intelligence with compassion, courage with fairness, and vision with unwavering commitment to the greater good.  

EBIKABOWEI KEDIKUMO - writes from Ayakoromo Town, Delta State

Elon Musk to emerge first world trillionaira as Tesla shareholders approve $1 trillion pay package for him

The massive pay package could make Musk the world's first trillionaire, but the Tesla CEO needs to hit a series of ambitious milestones over the next decade.

Analysts have said that the vote is a positive for Tesla's stock.

Tesla shareholders on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a pay package for CEO Elon Musk that could reach $1 trillion (€870 billion).

The pay package received more than 75% shareholder support, a Tesla official said at the company's annual meeting.

"What we are about to embark upon is not merely a new chapter of the future of Tesla, but a whole new book," Musk said in Austin, Texas, flanked by dancing humanoid robots. "This really is going to be quite the story."

A victory for Musk was largely anticipated, as he was allowed to vote his roughly 15% stake. Shares of Tesla rose about 1% in after-hours trading.

Some of Tesla's major investors, including Norway's sovereign wealth fund and investor advisory firms Glass Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services, had opposed Musk's compensation plan, arguing that the pay could decrease shareholder value.

What will Musk have to do to get paid?

The $1 trillion pay package could make Musk, who is already the wealthiest person on the planet, the world's first trillionaire. But the payout is conditional. 

Over the next decade, Musk needs to increase Tesla's market value from the current $1.5 trillion to at least $8.5 trillion.

The payout also hinges on a series of other milestones: delivering 20 million vehicles, having one million robotaxis in operation, selling one million robots and earning as much as $400 billion in core profit.

Are Elon Musk's politics to blame as Tesla sales tank?

The compensation would come in the form of a stock grant that would give Musk as many as 423.7 million new shares over the next 10 years. 

Those shares would be worth nearly $1 trillion if Tesla reaches the $8.5 trillion market capitalization required for Musk to qualify for the full payout.

The landmark compensation was crafted to ensure Musk's continued service to Tesla.

The company's board had said Musk could quit if the pay package was not approved. 

Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm argued that keeping Musk was essential to Tesla's future.

The vote will also help ease investor worries that Musk has become distracted by his work in politics. He formerly worked as an adviser to US President Donald Trump, but left the administration in May. 

Besides Tesla, Musk also runs his other companies, including rocket maker SpaceX and artificial intelligence startup xAI.

Just-ln: IPF condemns sponsored media campaigns against Otuaro, highlights his Impactful achievements in office

The apex body of ljaw media practitioners and CEOs otherwise Known as the ljaw Publishers Forum, lPF, has condemned in a strong term over the misguided sponsored media attacks on the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme for Niger Delta ex-agitators, High Chief. Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro by some unscrupulous selfish individuals in the Niger Delta region, stressing that Otuaro is committed in delivering the mandate of the program on reintegration, empowerment and human resource development with integrity, transparency and accountability in the past one year in office.

The group in a statement at a World Press Conference held on Thursday in warri, advised critics of Dr. Otuaro's sterling leadership to substantiate their mere allegations transparently and through proper channels, rather than towing the part of lies, deceit and destructive opposition.

Speaking at the conference, the national president of the media conglomerates, Comrade Austin Ozobo noted that Otuaro has catapulted the presidential amnesty programme from just paying monthly stipends to the ex-agitators to real empowerment on human capital development for the people of Niger Delta for a better future.

He said Otuaro expanded scholarship scheme has deployed over 140 scholars from the Niger Delta region to overseas, especially to the UK and South Africa on professional courses in the area of Aviation engineering, Port management, oil and gas sector, medicine, law among other relevant professions.

The media body reiterated that the future of the Niger Delta region and the wellbeing of her people is guaranteed and well protected by Dennis Otuaro led amnesty administration, adding that he deserves the collective support by the people in transforming the region for the better.

However, read below full details of the statement:

World Press Conference by the Ijaw Publishers Forum on the Activities of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro.

Gentlemen of the Press,

The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) is a collective of professional media practitioners dedicated to upholding truth, balance, and fairness in our reporting. 

We are not a tool in anyone’s hands — our allegiance is to the truth, the people, and the progress of the Niger Delta. As journalists of conscience, we commend and defend good leadership wherever it is found, especially among Ijaw sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in service.

Our mission is simple: to speak without fear or favour, to highlight performance where it exists, and to challenge wrongdoing when it appears. 

Therefore, when we lend our voice in support of any public office holder, it is not out of sentiment, politics, or personal gain, but out of an objective recognition of results, integrity, and purposeful leadership.

In this spirit, we gather today for this World Press Conference to present the true picture of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under the capable leadership of Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro — a man whose administration has revived confidence, restored focus, and repositioned the programme for the genuine empowerment of Niger Deltans.

Having said that, we, the conglomerate of Ijaw media organisations, hereby express our strong support for the leadership of High Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro (Ph.D.) as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

His tenure, since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 14 March 2024, has already demonstrated clarity of purpose, measurable achievements, and dedication to service.

Key Achievements & Commitments

Academic and Leadership Credentials: Dr. Otuaro entered office with strong academic credentials. He holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Politics and Development Studies, an M.Sc. in Public Administration, and a B.Sc. in Education.

Beyond Stipends — Real Empowerment: Under his leadership, PAP has moved beyond mere stipend payments to ex-agitators and launched broader human capital development interventions.

Human-Focused Leadership: The Administrator emphasised “giving the programme a human face… developed for the people of the Niger Delta for a better future.”

Expanded Scholarship Scheme: PAP has deployed over 140 scholars overseas (notably to the UK and South Africa) as part of its expanded scholarship programme.

Inclusive Stakeholder Participation: He has consistently called for stakeholder inclusion, including women’s participation in the peace process for the Niger Delta.

Commitment to Peace and Development: He has reaffirmed the programme’s mandate of promoting sustainable peace, security, and development in the Niger Delta region.

Strategic Repositioning of PAP: 

These are not symbolic gestures alone — they reflect a strategic repositioning of PAP to deliver tangible value, particularly through education, vocational training, and stakeholder engagement for communities long impacted by militancy, environmental degradation, and underdevelopment.

Our Position

We maintain that Dr. Otuaro’s stewardship has placed the Presidential Amnesty Programme on firmer footing in terms of transparency, accountability, and performance.

It is in the interest of the Niger Delta people and Nigeria as a whole that the programme should not be derailed by those who prefer the status quo or view reform as a threat to entrenched interests.

Genuine criticism and oversight are welcome — but what we are witnessing in certain quarters are attempts to undermine a capable, reform-minded leader through misdirection, misinformation, and vested-interest campaigns.

For example, credible reports indicate that attacks on the Administrator have increased simply because he “refused to open the coffers of the Amnesty Programme to certain groups of individuals.”

Call to Action..

We therefore call upon:

PAP delegates, beneficiaries, and Niger Delta community stakeholders to continue supporting Dr. Otuaro and his reform agenda. Unity behind reform-minded leadership is indispensable.

Media houses, civil society organisations, and youth groups to offer constructive feedback rather than destructive opposition. Let debates be about ideas and outcomes, not personalities.

Critics of Dr. Otuaro’s leadership to substantiate their allegations transparently and through proper channels, rather than behind the cover of gossip, clandestine campaigns, or destabilising tactics.

All arms of government — federal, state, and local — to give PAP the institutional backing it needs to fulfil its mandate. The region deserves no less.

Conclusion

We assert that the future of the Niger Delta and the wellbeing of its people will not be served by retreating into old patterns. For the Presidential Amnesty Programme to deliver on its promise of reintegration, empowerment, and development, it must be allowed to evolve under capable stewardship.

Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro has demonstrated the aptitude, commitment, and vision required for this task. We pledge our continued support for his success — and we urge others to abandon partisan posturing and join in the collective work of transforming the Niger Delta for the better.

God bless Ijaw Publishers Forum

God bless Niger Delta

God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria

Signed:

Comrade Ozobo Austin, President, Ijaw Publishers Forum.

November 6, 2025

Oborevwori Calls for Innovation, Sustainability, Equity in National Infrastructure Development

…Says Delta Remains Committed to Federal Collaboration on Works, Transport Network

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for innovation, sustainability, and equity in the planning, financing, and execution of Nigeria’s infrastructure projects, stressing that meaningful national development can only be achieved through strong collaboration among all tiers of government and the active involvement of the private sector.

The Governor who made the call on Thursday during the 30th Meeting of the National Council on Works, held in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, was represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze.

Oborevwori described the annual gathering as more than a meeting of professionals and policymakers, but a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s shared resolve to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure landscape.

He emphasized Delta State’s continued commitment to infrastructure as a driver of socioeconomic transformation, highlighting his administration’s MORE Agenda, which prioritizes expanding rural road networks, modernizing urban infrastructure, and improving connectivity across the state.

“From the creeks and coastal communities of the Niger Delta to the vibrant urban centres of Asaba, Warri, and Ughelli, our people understand that roads, bridges, and public works are not merely physical structures; they are lifelines of opportunity, access, and unity,” Oborevwori said.

The Governor noted that his administration had upheld continuity in governance by completing inherited projects while initiating new ones that reflect the current and future aspirations of Deltans.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Works for its proactive funding prioritization, especially the continuation of NNPCL-funded projects under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, describing the initiative as “pragmatic, forward-looking, and essential to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s road network.”

Oborevwori urged the council to adopt innovative financing models that combine public investment with private capital to ensure efficiency, transparency, and value for money. 

He further stressed the importance of sustainability in project design and execution, calling for climate-resilient and environmentally sound infrastructure adaptable to evolving needs.

He also emphasized equity in infrastructure distribution, noting that all regions of Nigeria regardless of geography or population  deserve fair access to quality infrastructure that fosters growth and inclusion.

Reiterating Delta’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government and other states, Oborevwori assured that the state brings its experience and commitment to national efforts aimed at transforming lives and strengthening unity through infrastructure.

He expressed optimism that the 30th Council Meeting, themed “Discipline, Transparency and Innovation in Engineering Practice,” would mark a defining moment in Nigeria’s infrastructure journey.

Host Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State also welcomed delegates, expressing delight at the convergence of professionals to exchange ideas and shape the nation’s infrastructural future.

He affirmed Ekiti’s commitment to advancing engineering-driven economic growth through sustained investments, partnerships, and innovation.

“Engineers are the backbone of progress. Their creativity and expertise will help us build a brighter, more prosperous Nigeria,” Oyebanji stated.

The Ekiti governor thanked President Tinubu for ongoing federal interventions in state road projects and assured continued collaboration to rehabilitate other critical transport assets across the state.

In his welcome remarks, Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, represented by Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goroyon, Esq., commended President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to infrastructure renewal under the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Umahi noted that the council serves as a strategic platform to shape infrastructure policy and engineering practice nationwide, calling for discipline, transparency, and innovation in service delivery.

“Discipline ensures professionalism and ethical conduct. Transparency builds trust and safeguards public confidence. Innovation allows us to meet modern infrastructure demands through technologies like drone mapping, geotechnical mapping, and climate-resilient materials,” the Minister said.

Delegates to the council meeting include federal and state officials, engineers, policymakers, and representatives of professional bodies such as the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).

WHEN THE MEN WITH GUNS BECOME THE GOVERNMENT GUESTS-The Hyena Learned to Use a Spoon -

It was a hot afternoon,  

and the sky looked tired,  

its face painted with red dust.  

A man without a crown stepped into a “peace meeting.”  

But his hands did not carry peace.  

In one hand was an AK-47  

in the other, a sharp rocket,  

as if they were wedding gifts.  

His guards stood tall like iron poles,  

the government men grinned like actors on a big stage, 

for who dares frown at the landlord of fear?  

Nigeria is a house with no doors,  

its windows always open to thieves,  

its gates guarded by men who sleep on pillows stuffed with corruption.  

The bandit shook hands with the leaders,  

and their pens danced happily,  

writing agreements on paper that smelled of blood.  

The lunch table was covered with shining plates,  

but what they truly served was fear  

seasoned with betrayal.  

The elders said:  

“When the hunter dines with the hyena, the goats will never sleep in peace.  

 For in the heart of the feast, there is no difference between the eater and the eaten.”  

In Nigeria today,  

the hyena is everywhere, 

It now knows how to use a spoon.  

It smiles in photographs with governors,  

sits in air-conditioned rooms, 

with senators 

and eats steaming jollof rice with ministers.  

They laugh together over plates of meat,  

while widows drink tears  

and refugees chew dry crumbs.  

Here, banditry is no longer a crime , 

it is a business run by the bold and blessed.  

Better than selling petrol,  

almost holy like the offering bag in church.  

Everyone knows the price of a kidnapping,  

everyone knows the buyers sit inside government houses,  

wearing perfume instead of guilt.  

Villagers count their dead under the moonlight,  

while leaders count their profit under warm chandelier lamps.  

When guns are invited to meetings,  

the power of words becomes very small.  

The killers laugh wide for the camera,  

the government frowns behind closed doors,  

and the people kneel in dark corners,  

because God is now the last policeman.  

Nigeria, my Nigeria ...

the world watches like it’s a comedy movie with a very sad ending.  

Afghanistan nods like a brother in pain,  

Gaza sighs with tired lungs,  

Ukraine sends condolences.  

But our trophy of shame shines bright,  

because here, the hunter and the hyena eat from the same bowl.  

Nowhere is safe,  

for the hunters have sold their guns to hyenas.  

The hyenas wear parliamentary suits,  

smell of expensive perfume,  

and guard the sheep with fake smiles.  

The monster sleeps soundly in government houses,  

the bandits wear crowns of gold,  

and the people…  

wear only the black cloth of grief.  

And so the banquet continues.  

The killers toast their wine,  

the leaders nod in approval,  

and the ordinary people wait for rescue that never comes.  

Nigeria is a grand theatre,  

with stage lights shining on terror,  

its actors dressed in government suits,  

and the script written in blood.  

One day, the curtain will fall , 

and all the diners at the king’s table  

will see that the feast was cooked  

with the tears of the land.  

EBIKABOWEI KEDIKUMO - writes from Ayakoromo Town, Delta State

Ijaw Nation Did Not Defect to APC, PDP Stakeholders Condemn Governor Diri’s Reckless Statement

PRESS STATEMENT

6/11/2025. 

Ijaw Nation Did Not Defect to APC, PDP Stakeholders Condemn Governor Diri’s Reckless Statement

We, the undersigned stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) across Ijaw land, express deep disappointment and total rejection of the reckless and misleading statement made by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, wherein he shamefully claimed that “Ijaw Nation has defected to the APC.”

This statement is not only false but insulting, politically deceptive and an affront to the collective dignity of the Ijaw people.

Governor Diri may have chosen to defect for his own personal political survival but under no moral, cultural, political or historical justification can one man claim to speak for the entire Ijaw Nation, a nation whose identity and struggle is rooted in blood, sacrifice, intellectual leadership and centuries of survival.

The Ijaw Nation Is Not a Political Commodity.

For the record:

The Ijaw Nation is not a party structure.

The Ijaw Nation is not a political faction.

The Ijaw Nation is not a bargaining chip in Abuja.

We are a proud ethnic nationality, the fourth largest in Nigeria, spanning nine states and maritime communities extending beyond national borders. No individual, not even a sitting Governor, holds the mandate to trade the collective destiny of our people on the altar of personal ambition.

A Shameful Betrayal

Governor Diri’s decision to align with the same political interests that blackmailed and destroyed the Presidency of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2015 is a betrayal of memory, history, sacrifice and the Ijaw struggle.

His attempt to drag the Ijaw Nation into his private defection is dishonorable and unacceptable.

It is a weakness disguised as strategy.

It is a sell-out masquerading as diplomacy.

We Demand an Immediate Public Apology

Governor Diri must publicly withdraw his false claim and apologize to the Ijaw Nation.

On the Deputy Governor

We will not tolerate any move, direct or subtle to victimize or impeach Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, whose refusal to defect reflects courage, integrity and loyalty to the Ijaw struggle.

Bayelsa State is not one man’s estate.

The House of Assembly is not a private tool of intimidation.

Political survival should not be achieved by sacrificing the soul of a nation.

Our Verdict

We hereby pass a Vote of No Confidence on Governor Douye Diri for betraying the political conscience of the Ijaw Nation.

The Governor should have been uniting the Ijaw people, strengthening our institutions, empowering our youths, defending our voice and protecting our dignity, not selling our identity for personal favors.

Signed

1. Elder Prince Simon Epebifiye, PDP stakeholder Ekeremor LGA, Bayelsa state.

2. Hon. George A. Benjamin, PDP stakeholder Degema LGA, Rivers State.

3. Comr. Ebide Brown, (BWYC)Bayelsa state.

4. Comr. Jackson Agbor. Acting (PDP) Chairman,Burutu LGA, Delta State.

5. Hon. Ebigba Omoun. Acting (PDP) Chairman, Bomadi LGA, Delta State 

6. Chief Charles Ekiyor — Acting (PDP)Chairman,  Patani LGA, Delta State 

7. Gen. John Musa, PDP stakeholder Bomadi LGA, Delta State 

8. Victor Isaiah,Former  Brass local Government Chairman, Bayelsa state.

9. Governor Ekpo, PDP stakeholder Warri North LGA, Edo State.

10. Hon. Lawrence Steven, PDP stakeholder Eredo LGA,Ondo State.

11. Mr. Jim Tonye Samson, PDP stakeholder Degema LGA,Rivers