The Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS has given Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger six months, from January 29 to July 29, 2025, to reconsider their decision to exit the regional bloc.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, announced the six-month grace on Sunday in Abuja after the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
“The Authority takes note of the notification by the Republic of Burkina Faso, Republic of Mali and Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.
ECOWAS
“The Authority acknowledges that by the provisions of Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from January 29, 2025.
“The Authority decides to set the period from January 29, 2025 to July 29, 2025, as a transitional period and to keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries during the transition period.
“In this regard, the Authority extends the mandate of the President of Togo and the President of Senegal to continue their mediation role up to the end of the transition period to bring the three member countries back to ECOWAS.
“Without prejudice to the spirit of the opening, the Authority directs the President of the Commission to launch withdrawal formalities after the end of the deadline of January 29 2025 and to draw up a contingency plan covering various areas.
“The Authority directs the Council of Ministers to convene an Extraordinary Session during the 2nd quarter of 2025 to consider and adopt both separation modalities and the contingency plan covering political and economic relations between ECOWAS and the Republic of Niger, Republic of Mali and Burkina Faso,” Touray read from the communiqué.
ECOWAS leaders commended the exemplary diplomatic engagement of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, as well as the diplomatic efforts of the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS, President Bola Tinubu, and other individual member states toward the three countries.
In his closing remarks, President Tinubu commended the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government for spirited discussions throughout the Summit.
He noted that the collective resolve underscored their strength to address the region’s pressing challenges.
“As we move forward to implement the outcomes of this Summit, let us remain united in our determination and steadfast in our commitment to the principles that bind us together as a Community.
“I call on all Member States to redouble their efforts in ensuring that the decisions reached here translate into tangible benefits for our citizens,” he said.
The Nigerian leader encouraged the leaders to carry forward the optimism and the resolve that guided the deliberations.
“Together, let us continue to champion the cause of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa, to build ECOWAS as a community of peoples anchored on the ideals of freedom, justice, democracy, and a vision of good governance that addresses the legitimate aspirations of our people,” he said.
President Tinubu congratulated the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, as he attended his valedictory session as AUC Chair.
He further praised Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, whom he fondly called “Mr. Democrat,” and wished him resounding success.
He said ECOWAS will continue to draw from President Akufo-Addo’s fountain of wisdom.
As an Esan man, let me begin with a disclaimer: Contrary to the lies of Senator (and former Governor) Adams Oshiomhole, the name, Okpebholo, does not mean “The Rescuer.” It means “great community” or “wonderful people.”
Oshiomhole’s customary flippancy comes from trying too hard to be everything he is not, particularly smart or empathetic. He may have once been married to an Esan woman, but he demonstrates no grasp of the Esan language let alone its etymology.
I confess to being among the many stunned by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s budget presentation last week as he struggled to pronounce the most important number in his speech. And I say that as one who has sat with quite a few governors, including another Esan governor, the late Professor Ambrose Alli, about whom I have proudly testified.
Of course, Prof. Alli was incomparable. Nobody is asking Okpebholo to transform into a professor simply because of their common Esan heritage. But Esan teenagers, including the PDP governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, whom I knew when he was a teenager in secondary school in Ibadan, routinely know how to read.
The chairman of Okpebholo’s APC in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, appears not to know this: that there is a difference between being a professor and being illiterate. Much less does he seem to know the difference between the man in the street and a convicted thief.
As a result, Tenebe stepped out of the dark dungeons where APC leaders stumble around (and I speak as the first to identify the collapse of the party as far back as February 2017), to accuse Mr. Ighodalo of “having stolen billions of naira before.” On video!
Ighodalo does not waste time. It took him just hours to bring the heavy lawsuit that would most probably end Tenebe’s political pretensions.
Two months ago, he had also swiftly sued Oshiomhole for N20bn for associating him with an alleged pyramid scheme in which numerous Nigerians were defrauded.
What was at stake on the floor of the Assembly on Tuesday was not ethics or even education: it was literacy.
Okpebholo had, somehow, won a senatorial seat. He was appearing in the House as state governor, although that election is in dispute. He was taking the microphone to show the people of Edo that he could read. He could not.
Surely he must have had at least one night—or the breakfast hour in Government House—to practice the reading of his own budget address?
Despite several trials and restarts—including “it is confusing me,” he could convince nobody that he is literate. His embarrassing performance immediately went viral.
To be sure, Okpebholo does not know how old he is. Two months before the governorship election, news broke that he had falsified his birth records, presenting three different dates—in 1970, 1972 and 1977—to the electoral commission.
One week before the election, he was summoned by an Abuja court to explain his having been born several times.
He also somehow also wrote his School Certificate examinations in his late 30s, instead of his teens as is normally the case, turning in abysmal scores.
It is noteworthy that his best subject was Mathematics, where he scored a C5 although, 16 years later, he is still unable to express a number in the billions.
He did not appear to have even been a registered voter, either. On July 10, SaharaReporters reported that there was no evidence to that effect at the electoral commission.
Beyond all this, candidate Okpebholo kept away from the media. In public, he often did not know what he was talking about, either, requiring the ubiquitousness of Oshiomhole at his side not to fall apart. Despite Oshiomhole, on one occasion he promised to supply Edo with “insecurity.”
Oshiomhole had no objection to that either, and the project to enthrone Okpebholo went ahead. By the end of September, Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC National Chairman and himself the subject of famous allegations of corruption, was on hand in Abuja to present the governor-elect to President Bola Tinubu. How symbolic, but as I had said 15 months earlier, the elements were scrubbing out the concept of character.
Among the Edos, Okpebholo ought to have retained only the right to walk past the Edo Government House gates, not drive in through them as governor, but President Tinubu had promised APC that it would have Edo State, and Oshiomhole delivered.
I have written about Oshiomhole for years, often favourably, including one awful afternoon on a Benin City street that as governor, he was caught yelling at a widow to “go and die.” Given the political tunnel through which he had emerged, I argued as he left the Edo governorship that for Nigeria, he might be the road to tomorrow.
That was in July 2017, when I reflected on his determination to end the era of godfatherism in Edo politics. My final question was: “Can he rise above narrow interests and fight for his country, bringing his brand of scorched-earth justice on every false tree and every withering branch?”
Sadly, Oshiomhole has become worse for Edo and Nigeria than Mr. Tony Anenih ever was. Writing when the man died in 2018, I declared that he had not been a patriot.
“Anenih…was a cold-blooded PDP-partisan who saw Nigeria through the eyes of his party; he never saw PDP through the eyes of Nigeria.”
I described the PDP brand as one of “political brigandage, ethical arson and administrative incompetence,” and in which “murder, looting and injustice ran the day.”
Of its 16 years, I said Anenih was “the Chris Uba—or the Jagaban, if you like—of Edo State politics.”
That was the monster that Oshiomhole fought. Sadly, it is what the former governor has metamorphosed into, and worse: anything for APC, no matter what.
No, the Okpebholo story is not about Okpebholo. It is about Oshiomhole, who knew the APC governorship candidate far more than anyone else. It is a story of immense hatred and hypocrisy for the people and public affairs. He owes Anenih a lot of apologies.
Because of Oshiomhole, Edo now has a puppet, not a governor. It has a chief executive with three birthdays who is ill-prepared for nothing beyond running errands in Abuja. He has given Edo an operative that, when he appears on television, parents would be muting the audio.
That is what happens when the governor’s most memorable early words, in his own introduction, are: “[My speech] is confusing me.”
We are on our way to a one-party state in which greed and ruthlessness are recommended, and the less known about you, the more qualified you are. The more obtuse your preparation and more convoluted your record, the more of an APC hero you are.
Governor Okpebholo concluded his budget presentation still unable to pronounce its value.
Nationwide, for 60 years, Nigeria has had bad governors, but none of them began by warning the world that, on top of massive doubts about who they really are or how they got here, they are semi-literate. In today’s world, if you can’t read, you can’t lead.
ASABA, Delta State – In a call to action for improved healthcare infrastructure, the Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization, and Nutrition (ACOMIN) presented an update on its ongoing efforts at a media briefing held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the NUJ Press Centre, Asaba. The event spotlighted critical issues undermining healthcare delivery in Delta State while showcasing the progress achieved under the Global Fund (GF) Malaria Community-Led Monitoring Project.
Delivering the keynote address, Sir Austin A. Uwede outlined significant challenges facing healthcare facilities in the state. He stressed that inadequate infrastructure, lack of basic medical equipment, unreliable power supply, and poor water access continue to hinder quality healthcare delivery and diminish public trust in the system.
Key Challenges in Healthcare Facilities
During his address, Sir Uwede drew attention to the dire conditions observed during project implementation:
Aging Buildings: Many health centers are housed in dilapidated structures with cracked walls and leaking roofs, posing risks to patients and healthcare workers.
Medical Equipment Deficiency: The absence of basic diagnostic tools, including thermometers and sphygmomanometers, severely limits the capacity of primary healthcare centers (PHCs).
Frequent Power Outages: Regular electricity failures disrupt medical services, particularly at night, delaying treatment and putting lives at risk.
Water Shortages: The lack of clean water supply heightens the risk of infections and compromises healthcare delivery.
Sir Austin Uwede
“These challenges not only weaken healthcare delivery but also erode the confidence of communities in the health system,” Sir Uwede remarked.
Despite the hurdles, ACOMIN’s community-led approach has driven meaningful progress in Delta State. Sir Uwede highlighted several achievements:
1. Facility Upgrades: Local communities have renovated PHCs, installed generators, repaired solar panels, and supplied essential equipment such as delivery beds and medical devices.
2. Increased Support: Local government councils deployed additional staff to understaffed centers, while community leaders and philanthropists funded borehole projects, donated water purifiers, and provided rechargeable lamps.
3. Advocacy for Ownership: Efforts to encourage community participation have fostered a sense of responsibility and accountability among residents, improving infrastructure maintenance and service delivery.
Acknowledgment of Stakeholder Efforts
Delta State ACOMIN Chairman, Pastor Greg Sifo, lauded the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, emphasizing the value of quarterly updates to assess progress and identify improvement areas. He acknowledged the contributions of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), community members, and local authorities in driving these successes.
Dr. Julie Aniah of the Delta State Ministry of Health commended ACOMIN for its dedication, expressing optimism about eradicating malaria in the state. Similarly, Dr. Charles Eboka from the Delta State Primary Healthcare Development Agency highlighted Delta State’s recognition with a $400,000 award as the best-performing South-South state in primary healthcare commitment.
A Collective Call to Action
Sir Uwede concluded the briefing with a resounding call for all stakeholders to prioritize healthcare infrastructure improvements. He urged government agencies, philanthropists, religious organizations, and private sector partners to invest in the revitalization of healthcare facilities.
“Together, we can transform our healthcare system into one that delivers quality care and restores community trust,” Sir Uwede affirmed.
As the Global Fund Malaria Grant continues its implementation, the ACOMIN initiative exemplifies the power of community-led efforts in addressing systemic healthcare challenges. With sustained collaboration and commitment, the vision of accessible, affordable, and reliable healthcare for Delta State becomes increasingly attainable.
The Delta State Child Rights Implementation Committee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, and Social Development, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas, has urged orphanages across the state to adopt best practices and streamline adoption processes to safeguard the welfare of children in their care.
This call was made during a recent committee meeting that brought together Heads of Personnel Management from local government areas, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and other stakeholders committed to enforcing the Child Rights Law in Delta State.
In her address, Mrs. Agas expressed concerns over irregularities observed in some of the state’s 62 registered orphanages under the ministry’s supervision.
“Children in these facilities must receive proper care and attention. However, we’ve noticed cases where some children have living relatives or are withheld by orphanages from being adopted,” she said.
She also highlighted the ministry’s ongoing efforts to regulate the admission process for children in orphanages to prevent exploitation and ensure the facilities cater to children who genuinely need care.
“This regulation will minimise cases of children with living relatives being admitted, ensuring resources are allocated to the truly vulnerable,” Mrs. Agas explained.
The Permanent Secretary further outlined challenges faced by law enforcement agencies, including insufficient funding, manpower, and logistics, but reassured attendees of the ministry’s commitment to overcoming these hurdles through collaboration.
A representative from the Delta State Correctional Centre, Idongeit Lucky, also raised concerns about the plight of infants living with incarcerated mothers, calling for additional support for these vulnerable children.
Meanwhile, Mr. Patrick Ochei, representing the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State Council, highlighted persistent challenges in addressing child abuse.
“Many cases are withdrawn due to fear of stigmatisation or threats from suspects, while cultural pressures often lead families to settle informally, undermining legal processes,” he said.
Mr. Ochei also criticised bureaucratic delays and financial demands that hinder access to justice for child abuse victims. He emphasised the need for public awareness campaigns and commended the NUJ’s role in amplifying the committee’s efforts through consistent media coverage.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to enforcing the Child Rights Law and fostering partnerships to create a safer environment for children in Delta State.
Abel Johngold is a prominent journalist and media professional based in Delta State, Nigeria. He is the publisher of Spade Nigeria, an online news platform that provides news and analysis across various topics. Johngold also holds the position of Chairman of the Federal Information Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State Council. His contributions to journalism in Delta State have earned him recognition and respect within the media community.
Recently, Johngold gained public attention following the burial of his mother, Deaconess Victoria Omatie Esiorho. The ceremony, held in December 2023, was a significant event attended by dignitaries, colleagues, and representatives of various organizations. Deaconess Esiorho, a retired Superintendent of Police, was celebrated for her dedication to justice and truth throughout her life. During his tribute, Johngold expressed deep admiration for his mother’s life and the values she upheld, emphasizing her influence as a strong and principled figure.
In addition to his journalistic career, Johngold is affiliated with various professional bodies, including the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Delta Online Publishers Forum. His involvement in these organizations highlights his commitment to advancing the standards of journalism and public communication in Nigeria.
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, Vito Corsica Deck, commemorated World Human Rights Day on Tuesday in Asaba, Delta State, alongside the global community.
In a statement signed by Comrade Michael Chukwuma Nwadei, the Pyrates Cap’n of Vito Corsica Deck, the group emphasized the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Describing the day as a “poignant reminder of fundamental rights and freedoms,” the NAS lamented the persistent human rights violations in Nigeria, despite the ideals outlined in the declaration.
NAS Human Rights Day
The statement expressed concern over the alarming state of human rights abuses in the country, particularly the conduct of security agencies. Citing the #EndBadGovernance protest of August 1, 2024, where at least 17 protesters lost their lives nationwide, the group condemned the excessive use of force during peaceful demonstrations.
Call for Accountability
The NAS identified impunity among security personnel as a key driver of the human rights crisis. “Extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and prolonged detentions have become commonplace,” the statement read, noting that these abuses disproportionately impact vulnerable groups, including youths, ethnic minorities, and marginalized communities.
NAS Human Rights Day
The group also highlighted the plight of displaced Nigerians due to forced evictions, violence, and insurgency, which have left many living in fear. Women and girls were specifically mentioned as facing significant challenges, including gender-based violence, harmful traditional practices, and restricted access to essential services.
Freedom of Expression Under Threat
Citing the case of human rights activist Dele Farotimi, who was arrested for criticizing the government’s COVID-19 response, the NAS drew attention to the shrinking space for freedom of expression in Nigeria. “The government’s intolerance for dissent and its use of repressive tactics to silence critical voices is alarming,” the group stated.
Recommendations for Reform
To address these issues, the NAS called on the Nigerian government to take decisive action by:
Holding human rights violators accountable, regardless of their rank.
Conducting impartial investigations into allegations of abuse.
Strengthening the judiciary to deliver timely and fair justice.
Implementing comprehensive police reforms to enhance accountability and professionalism.
Protecting vulnerable populations, including women, children, and marginalized communities.
Additionally, the group urged the government to repeal oppressive laws such as the Cybercrime Act, which has been used to stifle journalists and activists, and to uphold citizens’ rights to peaceful protests and freedom of expression.
A Renewed Call for Justice and Equality
“As we observe Human Rights Day, we must reaffirm our commitment to dignity, equality, and justice,” the NAS stated. The group called for international collaboration and systemic reforms to promote accountability and ensure that the rights of all Nigerians are protected.
The National Association of Seadogs concluded with a plea to the government to prioritize human rights and build a nation where every citizen can live in peace, security, and freedom.
Peace has remained elusive to the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) since the formation of the party on 6th February, 2013, from a merger of three largest opposition parties. APC filed for its first-ever electoral contest in Nigeria in Delta through Olorogun O’tega Emerhor who sought to replace the late Senator Akpor Pius Ewherido, who was then senator representing Delta Central in the Senate. Late Senator Ewherido was one of the leading national figures in Nigeria that formed APC. He, however, died barely few months after the party was formed on June 30, 2013. Ewherido’s demise left the party without a leader in Delta as politicians struggled to get hold of the structure for the party at the time.
The Delta chapter has been embroiled in crisis since that election when some of its members refused to work for the victory of the party’s candidate in the October senatorial by-election. Since then, it has been one day one fight. From 2013 till date, the Delta APC has not presented a united front for any electoral contest.
Otega Emerhor
The internal wrangling did not abate in subsequent elections in the state. The situation has led to poor performance for electoral victories at the polls. The internal challenges have also culminated in a fractured party structure that impeded on the party’s performance in the 2023 elections. Though, the party was unable to win the governorship seat, Delta APC made tremendous progress by winning two senatorial seats, a House of Representatives’ seat and seven seats into the Delta State House of Assembly. This is the biggest achievement an opposition party had pulled since return of democracy in 1999 in Delta State.
The party’s loss in the 2023 election was blamed on internal strife as some party members worked against some candidates of the party, particularly the governorship candidate and then Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.
Olorogun Otega Emerhor, CON
Immediately after the 2023 general elections, the party was thrown into a major crisis with counter-accusations against some leaders of the party. The crisis led the Elder Omeni Sobotie’s headed Delta APC to constitute a Reconciliation Committee chaired by the party’s 2015 governorship candidate and founding leader, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor to meet with aggrieved chieftains across the state.
The Emerhor-led committee was tasked with investigating the causes of this disunity and proposing a path forward. Months after the committee was set up, the committee has since submitted her report to the State Working Committee (SWC). The report comprehensively detailed causes of internal conflicts, grievances, and a set of strategic recommendations to mend the party and position it for success in future elections.
Party Divided Against Herself
According to the report, the committee identified that Delta APC is severely fragmented, weakened by distrust among its leaders and divisions among its members. It noted that though there are many prominent and influential leaders within the party, but these figures lead separate factions, creating an environment of mistrust and competition rather than collaboration. This disunity has filtered down to the grassroots level, where party members, following their respective leaders, are equally divided and suspicious of one another.
“The party is divided, and the State Working Committee (SWC), tasked with leading the party, is not strong enough to unite the members. The SWC’s members are themselves fractured, and because of this, the committee lacks the leadership required to heal the divisions,” the report partly read.
Further compounding these challenges, the SWC suffers from a lack of legitimacy. The report reveals that the committee was not formed through an inclusive process, leaving many leaders feeling detached and disconnected from its activities. “The SWC’s composition was flawed from the start,” the report notes. Adding, “Many leaders do not feel ownership of the committee, and there is no process for funding its activities.”
In addition to these internal conflicts, the committee identified several external factors that have contributed to the weakening of the party. These include poor communication, lack of regular meetings, financial underfunding, and an overall lack of trust in leadership.
The Path to Reconciliation
To address these issues, the committee has proposed several key strategies aimed at unifying the party and restoring its effectiveness. A central recommendation is the establishment of a Delta APC Leadership Council, which will serve as a collegiate leadership body to unify the various factions.
The report suggests that this council should include a wide range of political figures, such as governors, former governors, ministers, senators, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC). “Delta APC does not have a governor to provide central leadership,” the report explains. “As a result, a leadership council that includes the most influential figures from all strata of the party is necessary.”
The proposed council will be co-chaired by the immediate past governorship candidate of the party and the current Honourable Minister. The leadership of the council will ensure a collaborative and inclusive approach to party decision-making. The council’s functions will include advising the SWC, assisting in funding the party’s activities, and helping to streamline the nomination process for appointments and elections.
Beyond the state-level leadership, the committee also emphasised the importance of building unity at the grassroots level. To this end, the report calls for the establishment of Senatorial Councils, Local Government Area (LGA) Councils, and Ward Councils. These councils are designed to foster unity within local structures, reduce factionalism, and ensure that party members at all levels feel included in the decision-making process.
The Senatorial Councils, for example, will be responsible for addressing issues related to party unity and will involve key stakeholders such as current and former federal and state political appointees, legislators, and party executives. Each council will meet quarterly, with a quorum of one-third of members required for decisions to be made.
At the LGA level, councils will work closely with the Senatorial Councils to unite factions, while Ward Councils will focus on grassroots mobilization and engagement. The report emphasizes that these councils will prioritize unity above all else, working together to align the party’s efforts and build a more cohesive structure.
Nexus Between Party Funding and Internal Democracy
One of the most pressing issues identified in the report is the party’s lack of a consistent and reliable funding mechanism. The committee recommends that the State Leadership Council take responsibility for instituting and overseeing fundraising efforts, with a focus on monthly levies from members, particularly political appointees, elected officials, and other influential figures within the party.
“The current system of fundraising is inadequate,” the report highlights. “The lack of funding has significantly hindered the ability of the party at all levels to meet its operational needs and hold regular meetings.”
In addition to financial restructuring, the report also tackles issues of internal democracy, which has been a source of considerable grievance among party members. The committee recommends that the Leadership Council work with the National Working Committee (NWC) to conduct inclusive congresses where positions are contested on a level playing field. This approach would avoid the imposition of candidates and officials, which has led to dissatisfaction and discontent within the party ranks.
“We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of past congresses,” the report asserts. “There must be an inclusive, transparent process that respects the rights of all party members.
“The leadership of the council shall compose of the immediate past governorship candidate of the party and the current honourable minister as co-chairmen. A secretary to council shall be designated/elected from among members at the inaugural meeting. The secretary shall come from a senatorial district different from those of the co-chairmen. Council meetings, secretary to council shall convene meetings of the council after consultation with the leadership. The secretary may convene a meeting upon the request of the state party chairman if the co-chairmen fail to agree to call a meeting.
The council shall meet at least once in every quarter and meetings of the council shall be hosted by member leaders on a rotational/ voluntary basis. This is to assist foster friendships and camaraderie. However, emergency meeting(s) can be convened in-between by the secretary subject to consultation and approval by the council leadership or upon request by the state chairman. The quorum for meetings of the council shall be 1/3 of the members provided a co-chairman and the state party chairman are present. Decisions by the council shall be by a simple majority of those in attendance.
The report also details the grievances expressed by party members during the reconciliation process. Key issues include:
Disunity and Distrust: The failure of party leaders to work together and support the collective interests of the party has led to fragmented support and ineffective campaigning.
Self-Serving Interests: Many leaders are accused of prioritizing personal agendas over the common good, which has resulted in poor decision-making and internal sabotage.
Imposition of Candidates: The lack of consultation in the selection of candidates and officials has led to widespread dissatisfaction and disaffection.
Olorogun Otega Emerhor
Financial Mismanagement: The inadequate funding of election campaigns has left the party vulnerable to financial inducements from opposition parties.
Lack of Regular Meetings: The failure to hold frequent meetings has left party members uninformed and disconnected from the decision-making process.
A Unified Future for Delta APC
The Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led Reconciliation Committee has provided a roadmap for restoring unity and strength to the Delta State APC. Through its recommendations, which include the formation of a Leadership Council, grassroots councils, a sustainable funding strategy, and a commitment to internal democracy, the committee aims to address the long-standing issues that have undermined the party’s cohesion.
In conclusion, the report offers hope for a united Delta APC capable of challenging for political power in future elections in the oil-rich Delta. However, it is clear that the success of these recommendations will depend on the willingness of party leaders to set aside personal interests and work towards the collective good of the party.
Sadly, few party leaders for their self preservation and personal interest, are fighting so hard to ensure that this path to success for the Delta APC doesn’t succeed. They have employed all forms of antidemocratic strategies, including outright propaganda spoil and demarket Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led Delta APC Reconciliation Committee and it’s implications. The route these leaders took when they hijacked the party structure in a winners takes it all during the last party Congress which resulted in party’s poor outing in the last election even when Deltans were ready for a change of government, but the party failed to capitalize on it because it’s was a “One Strong Man Show!”
“The unity of Delta APC rests on the ability of its leaders to trust one another and put the party first,” the report concludes. “Only then can the party regain its strength and achieve victory in future elections.”
Olorogun Otega Emerhor and APC
Comrade Unue Emeka, writes from Asaba, Delta State
Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, Delta State Commissioner for Information, has played a significant role in the media evolution and political landscape in Delta State. Deploying a well tested, strategic, media management approach, which he honed to near perfection in his previous engagements, particularly as State Publicity Secretary of Delta PDP, Dr. Osuoza has steadily and systematically delivered on his defined portfolio mandate, which is fundamentally anchored, on shaping the collective public perception of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration and effectively advancing the MORE Agenda, positively.
Operating within the existing ambit of extant statutes and principles, both professionally and administratively, Dr. Osuoza has established his own stylistic imprimatur on the media relations landscape in the State, by combining traditional communication methods with emerging modern strategies offered by new media and digital platforms, to disseminate appropriate textual content, complemented by corroborative visual optics, to create a much desired clarity in the promotional messaging of the M.O.R.E Agenda’s sectoral accomplishments.
By effectively utilizing social media, television, radio and print, he has amplified the successes of the MORE Agenda and engendered public discourse around the administration’s initiatives. His excellent ability to craft engaging narratives, has not only addressed the existential concerns of our peoples, but has also inspired hope and captured the genuine, uncensored joys, euphoria and optimism they have continued to express, with the delivery of life impacting projects in their own corner of the state.
Through these platforms, he has strategically shared updates, responded to questions, encouraged discourse between the government and the people and guaranteed the constancy of the administration’s milestones and ongoing projects, by reinforcing a message of transparency and progress.
This holistic, all inclusive approach, has ensured that the state government’s initiatives are communicated effectively, which has been vital in building a positive image of the government amongst the majority of the citizens, thus fostering a better understanding of the systemic goals and verifiable achievements delivered by the M.O.R.E Agenda, under the able and dynamic leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Indeed, Osuoza’s efforts have not only reimagined public awareness through the robust involvement and participation of not just critical stakeholders and direct beneficiaries in the ownership of the various landmark achievement stories across the three Senatorial zones, they have also maintained a consistent fidelity to professionalism and developmental journalism ethics, which celebrates honesty, transparency and unambiguity, in the state’s media relations with its publics.
Dr. Osuoza’s unshakable commitment in promoting the MORE Agenda, and its intrinsic mandate to elevate key sectors such as infrastructure, education and healthcare and others, through its operational components of Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security, remains unwavering.
His intentional focus and determination in publicizing these efforts, complemented by his hands-on approach to always insist on balanced, accurate and favorable reporting, has introduced a noticeable progressive shift in the media’s coverage of Delta State governance and contributed to an enhanced public perception of the state government’s performance.
While this pleasant shift has no doubt bolstered support for the MORE Agenda by being instrumental in ensuring that the public is well-informed and supportive of the state’s developmental trajectory, it has equally helped to build stronger relationships and synergy between the government and key media stakeholders.
Dr. Osuoza’s strategic interventions in the media space, have earned him a solid media management niche in recognition of his admirable originality as a skilled communicator, deploying the critical and necessary tools to push the promotional narrative to his audiences with effective simplicity.
His ability to accommodate and utilize both traditional and modern media platforms to full advantage, has not only highlighted the visible and substantial progress being made under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, it has also ensured that the successes of the MORE Agenda are widely propagated and comprehended, and most importantly, helped reshape how Delta State is perceived both at home and in the Diaspora.
In its resolve towards dealing with Gender Based Violence (GBV) issues and in line with the 16 days activism to zero tolerance in GBV, the Delta State Government, through the State Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force are set to proscute and arraign three rape offenders in the State.
Delta State
In a case referred on 18th November, 2024, at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, a 16 years old student of Otovwodo Grammar School Ughelli, named XXXX (Classified), living at Slaughter Road Ughelli, was allegedly raped by 3 boys on the 17th of November, 2024, at about 6:30pm in Otovwodo Grammar School Ughelli, when she was passing through the school premises on her way from an errand.
The victim was allegedly ambushed, tied up in a classroom and was subsequently raped by the 3 boys who took her in turns.
According to the SARC report of December 5, 2024, the veginal examination shows a “broken hyperemic hymen”.
Sexually assaulted girl, rape
The report, which as signed by the Social Welfare Officer, Ughelli North LGA, Ubiomo Davidson Efetomere, added that the boys (rapists) namely: Henry Godwin, Orovwoni Christian and James Power who are in their late teens and early twenties were apprehended and taken to Court and they were subsequently remanded custody at the Federal Correctional Centre, Okere Warri.
This newspaper also gathered that in a Police report dated 29th November, 2024, informing the Court of the probable cause to order the remand of the rapists in custody in Federal Correctional Centre, the Legal Officer (O/C Legal) of the Nigeria Police Force, Area Command Ughelli, stated that, “the trio are reasonably suspected to have committed the offence of Rape, punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code Cap C21. Vol. 1 Laws of Delta State of Nigeria 2006, within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court.
Ughelli
In a phone call with Mrs. Kessiena Ufuoma Aroture, the Matron of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre Ughelli, she said the Centre has so far recorded conviction of four case relating to defilement of underaged girls in the Council Area and another pending one is coming up tomorrow at the Court.
She disclosed that on hearing of the defilement case. the Centre’s medical Team swung into action by attending to the girl medically and invited the police to investigate the case which was done and later got conviction to remand the rapists.
“We have done several cases like that but this is the latest of defilement case by the State Ministry of Women Affairs”. The Matron stated.
Spade Nigeria News (Online) also gathered that the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs lent a powerful voice to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, amplifying the call for collective action and solidarity in addressing the pressing global issue. The Ministry’s advocacy is a powerful reminder of the need to stand united in the fight against GBV. These campaigns have evolved to tackle cultural, systemic, and policy challenges, one message remains unequivocal: There is no excuse for violence against women and girls.
All efforts to get the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe to speak on the case did not yielded results as his phone calls from Spade Nigeria News Online were not answered. While he just responded “Pls remind me on monday” to Whatsapp messages sent to same phone number.
Abel Johngold Orheruata, MNIPR, is a distinguished journalist, human rights activist, and community leader celebrated for his remarkable contributions to investigative journalism, public relations, and civic development. A former student activist at the University of Ibadan, he has made significant strides in public discourse, education, and fostering alumni engagement.
Abel Johngold Orheruata
Known for his deep commitment to community development, Abel’s passion for assisting others defines his work and personal mission.
Abel Johngold Orheruata, MNIPR
His contributions to developmental journalism illuminate critical issues in civil society and the public sphere, championing democratic values and societal progress. Drawing inspiration from theorists like Jürgen Habermas, his research explores the power of rational discourse and collaboration in nurturing democracy and protecting human rights. Abel’s investigative journalism has been pivotal in uncovering corruption among Nigeria’s political leaders, reinforcing his reputation as a fearless advocate for accountability.
Abel Johngold Orheruata
As a seasoned public relations professional, Abel Johngold Orheruata is a registered member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and serves as Chairman of the Federal Information Chapel of NUJ Delta State Council. His dedication extends to civic education, where he actively delivers lectures on the National Orientation Agency’s (NOA) Core Values Charter to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Delta State, equipping them with the principles and skills to serve as patriotic citizens.
Abel Johngold Orheruata, MNIPR
A proud alumnus of the University of Ibadan, Abel has held various leadership roles within the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), including serving as the longest-tenured Publicity/Social Secretary of the Asaba Chapter. Through his efforts, he has strengthened alumni networks and spearheaded initiatives that drive community development and personal empowerment.
Abel Johngold Orheruata
Abel is also a strong advocate for ethical media practices and enhanced communication strategies. He has organized workshops and partnered with organizations to promote media literacy, particularly within faith-based contexts, fostering understanding and unity across diverse groups.
In summary, Abel Johngold Orheruata exemplifies multidisciplinary leadership through his contributions to journalism, human rights advocacy, community engagement, and progressive communication. His unwavering dedication to societal advancement solidifies his role as a trailblazer in promoting democratic values and ethical leadership.
Abel Johngold Orheruata
He is an active member of several esteemed organizations, including the NUJ, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Junior Chamber International (JAYCEE), and the National Association of Seadogs (NAS International), Pyrates Confraternity. Additionally, he serves as the Worldwide Publicity Secretary of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide.
