The 5/5 “All-The-Way” demand by the ruling party to deliver all flag bearers of the party across all elective position is noticeably becoming unpopular and unfashionable in recent times. Electorates, especially some honest leaders in the party are becoming more aware that some flag bearers lack competence or antecedents and were foisted on them.
In the other divide of the minority parties where there is dearth of adequate and qualified candidates to vie for all elective positions but some, the parties are left open to adopting candidates from other political parties in those positions they couldn’t field. These two reasons amongst others have become germane and form a thrust for the Rainbow Coalition postulated by the Honourable Minister of FCT, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
Recently making the rounds is the faceoff between the Honourable Minister of FCT and former Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and Imo State Governor and Chairman of APC Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma, over the emergence of the Rainbow Coalition by the former as an organ to steer the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu.
The APC Governors Forum in a press briefing dissociated self from the Rainbow Coalition and discountenance same, deeming it as anti-party or cross-party, capable of undermining the vote strength of President Tinubu in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
Responding to the position of the APC Governors Forum led by Uzodinma, Wike condemned the interference of the APC Governors in Rivers State politics where the Rainbow Coalition was birthed, adding that it is a political doctrine that has been working for the people of Rivers State before now and nothing can change it. He assured that the Rainbow Coalition has the potential to deliver more votes for President Tinubu come 2027.
Making a sweep of the APC Governors, Wike described them as lazy, incapable for mobilizing their people and advised them to focus on how to redeem their image by delivering their respective states for President Tinubu come 2027 general elections. “Most of them could not deliver up to 25% for Mr President in 2023, and they are coming here to say No to Rainbow Coalition; if you don’t understand it, come to Rivers State, we will teach you;” Wike maintained.
Rainbow Coalition is a conception that contemplates and empower the people to choose candidates irrespective of the political party fielding them. The coalition is also meant to be deployed in voting one candidate, likely President Tinubu, by different political parties (who have no presidential candidates) bearing different spectrum of colours like the rainbow colours.
The Rainbow Coalition in principle ultra vires the 5/5 “All-The-Way” party demand which, instead of appealing to the choices of the electorates, demands that the electorates vote for all the party candidates for all positions, from top to bottom. While the Rainbow Coalition is people-oriented, the 5/5 “All-The-Way” demand is a concoction of party leadership forced down the throat of electorates to enable sycophancy amongst themselves.
Modern day politics is evolving to the true meaning of democracy as the people are empowered, becoming more aware and more involved in choosing and electing their leaders. This suggests that Wike could be right by his postulation of the Rainbow Coalition which empowers the electorate to belong to the party of their choice and vote the candidate of their choice irrespective of political affiliation.
The backdrop that gave rise to the Rainbow Coalition is now far-fetched. One of the contributive factors is the make-believe in the internal politics of political parties during primaries. Recently, political parties predetermine the flag bearer that emerges for their party either through consensus or skewed voting in secret ballot, leaving a likely popular and qualified candidate aggrieved and open to leaving the party for another party where there is a level-playing ground to pick the ticket and represent his people.
The above factor with several others is the reason why popular and eligible candidates for different elective positions are scattered across political parties brandishing different colours.
The Rainbow Coalition therefore is a deliberate attempt to bring together these candidates and the electorates scattered across political parties under one umbrella to satisfy the choices of the people and not the demands of party. It is then proper to assign this coalition the rainbow colour since different political parties with spectrum of colours are representing one interest – that of the people.
The Wike Rainbow Coalition postulation is indeed the right way to go to address the characteristic fraud and sharp practices within political parties that robs popular and eligible candidates off the tickets during primaries, and undermines the overriding choices of the people during the general elections.
In the wake of the turn of events following the emergence of Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as the ruling party APC flag bearer of Delta North Senatorial District for 2027 general elections in place of incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko, it has become pertinent and concerning to put in the right perspective the misgivings masked in campaign propaganda fettered by propagandists of anti-Anioma State creation.
The reappearance of the bill for Anioma State creation on the floor of the National Assembly couldn’t have come at a better time than now – no less thanks to distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko, who made unequivocal the call for parity, equity and fairness in state strength for the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones.
The political permutations of the state creation in the National Assembly resulted in the expedience to situate Anioma State in the South-East zone without prejudice to the culture of the Anioma people, to bring the South-East region at state parity with other geopolitical zones.
This bill reintroduced on 2nd July 2024 has witnessed a remarkable progress to the final stage, having scaled through the first and second reading, awaiting the third reading and harmonization by the red and green chambers, as well as witnessed zonal public hearings on constitutional amendment in Enugu and Uyo with the buy-in of 97 Senators including the Presidency. Moreover, a number of stakeholders engagements initiated by Senator Nwoko within and outside the senatorial district has made the call more popular given its overriding importance to the people of Anioma in particular and Delta in general.
In a twist of event and what seems to be a potential setback to the noble call for Anioma State creation, the ruling party APC in Delta State conducted a primary that didn’t contemplate continuity for consolidation of the Anioma State creation bill by its proponent, but a preference for hierarchical interest in the person of the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
As a means of counteracting the Ned Nwoko pro-Anioma agenda and justifying his preference, the APC flag bearer for Delta North Senatorial District, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa allegedly claimed that the call for Anioma State creation at this time was ill-timed and ill-conceived, citing lack of depth in stakeholders’ consultation and personal interest of Senator Ned Nwoko.
The crux of the matter is the personal interest of Senator Ned Nwoko alleged by Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and his sympathizers. This kind of criticism of a noble cause calls for public concern, scrutiny and discussion because it is not only an attack on the personality of the proponent of the bill but undermines the people who will benefit from it. Succinctly put, it is a ploy to “call a dog a bad name just to kill it;” not minding the domestic usefulness of a dog.
Senator Nwoko’s three-year spell so far in the red chamber has been impeccable and one with attendant results. He has passed 33 bills and moved 22 motion, still counting with numerous Infrastructural and empowerment projects across the senatorial district. Before he became a senator, he was self-made – a successful international lawyer with credits of Paris Funds recovery for Nigeria, and a titan in the business industry. It is thus despicable and mischievous to allege that the noble and people-oriented call for Anioma State creation is for the senator’s self-empowerment allegedly to become the first Governor of Anioma State or whatsoever.
The call and push for Anioma State creation like every other concerned states in the region are pushing for their states of interest, should be put in the right perspective. It is obviously not for Ned’s profiting as alleged by naysayers, but a “Mobutu Gift” – to be deployed for the benefit of Anioma people.
The “Mobutu Gift” of 1973 was a 5million USD gift from President Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire to his Mauritania’s counterpart President Moktar Ould Daddah during a working visit when the benefactor realized that his host had no befitting suit as a president. Instead of using the money for luxury clothing and suits as intended, the Mauritanian President deposited the money into his country’s treasury and the money was instead utilized to build teachers training center for human capital development to confront and conquer illiteracy, poverty and underdevelopment that bedeviled the country as at then.
It is within this intendment the call and push for Anioma State creation was reinitiated lately by the distinguished senator, to unbundle the enormous potentials of Delta State in both natural resources and human capital, and drive grassroots development through state fragmentation.
State creation is a public cause; It is only a mischievous mind that would see personal gain instead of the “Mobutu Gift” narrative. Our people should begin to see the bigger picture in state creation and stop conjuring defective views and spewing misleading narratives to help their paymasters score cheap political points. Our people should begin to see that with Delta State having Anioma State as a sister-state irrespective of the geopolitical zone, there would be more allocation and revenues (IGR, Oil Derivations and FAAC), more local government areas for grassroots development, more local and international interventions, more elective offices (2 gubernatorial seats, 6 senatorial seats, 18 HoR, and multiple HoA, Chairmanship and Councillorship seats) for aspirants, 2 different Police Commands and more employment of police personnel to strengthen internal security, 2 different public service organogram for Delta and Anioma requiring more facilities for Secretariats, more infrastructure, more manpower and more employment; there would be exponential growth in public service as, say, a grade level 14 or 15 officer may eventually become a Director being the likely superior officer; more industrialization and employment opportunities for the teaming youths, business boom in a viable compact economy of the respective states; and so on.
Like the people of Mauritania, the good people of Anioma would not want to sacrifice their posterity in the altar of malicious politics but prefer a representation to consolidate the realization of Anioma state dream that would release and unleash them to self-realization and unprecedented development.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated an elder statesman and business magnate, Chief Johnbull Ejovi, the Udu of Agbon Kingdom, on his 71st birthday.
Governor Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described Ejovi as a visionary leader and distinguished son of Ethiope East, whose contributions to community development, business and philanthropy had extended beyond Delta State.
Oborevwori said he joined the people of Ethiope East, the Urhobo nation and well-wishers across the country to celebrate Ejovi, whom he described as a man of wisdom, mentor and pillar of support to many.
“Chief Johnbull Ejovi’s legacy of selfless service and philanthropy continues to inspire generations,” the governor said.
He commended the celebrant’s business acumen, leadership qualities and commitment to the development of Agbon Kingdom and Delta State, saying his contributions had left lasting marks on the growth and unity of so many communities.
The governor said Ejovi’s 71st birthday was a milestone worthy of celebration, given his years of service to humanity and contributions to the socio-economic development of the state.
“On behalf of my family, the government and the entire people of Delta State, I heartily congratulate our dear elder statesman and leader on this remarkable milestone.
“We pray that the Almighty God continues to bless him with good health, strength and many more fruitful years,” Oborevwori added.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has felicitated former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr Steve Orishe Oru, on his 79th birth anniversary.
Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, described Oru as a consummate politician, accomplished leader and elder statesman whose contributions to the development of Delta State and Nigeria remained noteworthy.
The governor commended Dr Steve Oru for his significant contributions to public service through his various positions, including Chairman of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and Chairman of the Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara.
Oborevwori said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I heartily rejoice with a great leader and amiable elder statesman, Dr Stephen Orishe Oru, as he celebrates his 79th birth anniversary.
“I join your family, political associates and other well-wishers in thanking God for blessing you with strength and wisdom to serve the people of Delta and Nigeria.
“It is my prayer that God will continue to protect you, grant you good and bless you with more years of fulfilment and service to God and humanity.”
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, commiserated with the Catholic Diocese of Warri and the Christian faithful over the death of Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Mario Ozele, Episcopal Vicar of Ughelli Pastoral Region and Parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ughelli.
Fr Ozele, who was aged 60, died in the early hours of Tuesday, September 15, 2026, after an illness.
In a condolence message contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori described the death of the priest as a painful loss to the Catholic Church, his parishioners and the people of Delta State.
The Governor commiserated with the Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, priests, religious leaders and the entire Catholic community, urging them to draw strength from the deceased priest’s life of dedicated service to God and humanity.
He also expressed sympathy with the immediate family of the deceased, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, will on Tuesday, September 22, swear in Mr. Emasogbe Matthew Oghene as the state’s new Auditor-General and inaugurate the Governing Councils of three state-owned universities.
The ceremonies, scheduled for 10am at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, will see the formal inauguration of the Governing Councils of the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor; Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba; and Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro.
Oghene’s appointment as Auditor-General followed his recent screening and confirmation by the Delta State House of Assembly.
The Assembly charged him to deploy his experience towards strengthening accountability, transparency and sound financial management in the state.
The inauguration of the university councils is expected to strengthen governance, oversight and institutional administration across the three institutions.
For the University of Delta, Agbor, Professor Victor Peretomode will serve as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council. Other members are Rear Admiral Peter I. Eluma, Professor Mrs. Ebele Egwunyega, Dr. Roland Oritsejafor, Mrs. Joy Enwa, Professor Ben Oghojafor and Professor Patrick Oromareghake.
At Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Professor Patrick Muoboghare is the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman. Members of the council are Dr. Christopher Onyemenam, Chief Elmina V. Namah, Professor Jacob Oboreh, Dr. Mrs. Josephine Konyeme, Dr. Mrs. Philomena Imonivewerha and Professor Rowell Ubogu.
For Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Chief Godson Echegile will serve as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman. Other members of the council are Professor Benedict Binebai, Surveyor Mrs. Felicia Omatsola, Professor Stella Chiemeke, Dr. Tosan Luck Popo, Professor William Ehwarieme and Professor Mrs. Regina Arisi.
The constitution of the three governing councils was earlier approved by Governor Oborevwori and announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu.
According to a fresh notice signed by the SSG, the swearing-in and inauguration ceremonies will take place at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, with the event scheduled to commence at 10am.
The appointees and invited guests are expected to be seated by 9:30am.
The controversy surrounding the invitation of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to speak at the recent Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt has generated considerable debate.
Was he the appropriate choice for a professional gathering of lawyers? Did his background and public persona fit the expectations of an NBA conference? Were the concerns raised about his invitation justified?
These are legitimate questions.
But there is another question, perhaps more important, that the controversy seems to have pushed into the background:
Why has Nigeria created a space in which a man with a smartphone and a social-media platform can command the attention and confidence that many established institutions appear to be struggling to retain?
For me, that is the real story.
VDM did not create the vacuum. He found himself standing in it.
When citizens look elsewhere
Over the past few years, VDM has become an unusual phenomenon in Nigeria.
To some Nigerians who feel powerless, ignored or shut out by established institutions, he has become another door to knock on when other doors appear closed.
When people have problems that ordinarily should be taken to the police, some now take them to VDM. When someone believes he has been cheated but cannot afford a prolonged legal battle, social media sometimes becomes the first avenue of appeal. When violent attacks, kidnappings or killings occur, VDM is often among those drawing public attention to the victims and demanding answers.
When someone feels oppressed or ignored by an institution, it is increasingly common to see the person make a video and direct an appeal to him.
Time and again, he has brought attention to cases that might otherwise have disappeared quietly.
That does not mean that everything VDM says or does should be accepted as correct. It certainly does not mean that social media should replace the police, the courts or other legally constituted institutions.
Far from it.
But the phenomenon itself deserves serious examination.
Why are people listening to him?
The Ahoada school project
My reflection on this question deepened recently when I came across a video of VDM inspecting a school project in Ahoada, Rivers State.
The project is being financed by Nigerian music star Burna Boy, who, according to the account surrounding the project, entrusted VDM with overseeing its execution.
Ahoada West Local Government Area is the ancestral home of Burna Boy, and the project appears to be a significant intervention intended to provide educational infrastructure for the community.
VDM was seen walking through the developing facility, taking his followers from one section of the project to another.
There were classrooms, toilets, a clinic, a football field and other facilities under construction.
He explained aspects of the work and discussed how funds were being applied.
I was struck by the apparent emphasis on visibility and accountability.
But another thought immediately followed:
Why should a project intended for the public good require an individual social-media personality to become its public face of accountability?
And that question leads to an even bigger one.
What has happened to the institutions that should ordinarily provide such facilities and guarantee accountability in the first place?
The project therefore presents two contrasting realities.
On one hand, it demonstrates what individuals can achieve when they decide to deploy their resources and influence for the public good.
On the other, it exposes the gaps that emerge when government institutions fail, or are perceived to have failed, to fulfil responsibilities expected of them.
Why VDM?
I also found myself asking another question:
Why did Burna Boy choose VDM?
I cannot speak for the musician, and I do not know all the considerations behind his decision.
But the answer may have something to do with trust, availability and the perception that VDM would remain visibly engaged with the project and publicly account for its progress.
That choice is significant.
It suggests that VDM’s influence may no longer be confined to social-media advocacy or public confrontation.
He is increasingly occupying a space between people who need help and individuals who have resources but are looking for someone they trust to act.
That is precisely what makes his rise worth studying.
The missing link
Nigeria has no shortage of institutions.
We have the police. We have courts, lawyers and judges. We have regulatory agencies, elected representatives, ministries and commissions.
We have some of the finest professionals and most accomplished intellectuals on the continent.
Yet an increasing number of Nigerians appear to believe that one man with a phone and a social-media platform may give them a better chance of being heard than some of the institutions formally established to protect their rights.
That contradiction should concern all of us.
VDM appears to have occupied the space between the citizen and the institution.
He has become, for some people, a missing link between a complaint and the possibility of being heard.
And that is not necessarily a compliment to VDM.
It is, in many respects, an indictment of the system.
Expertise without courage
This phenomenon also raises questions about expertise and public responsibility.
Nigeria has no shortage of educated and highly accomplished professionals. But expertise alone does not guarantee that institutions will act courageously, fairly or independently.
Knowledge becomes most valuable when it is accompanied by the willingness to deploy it in defence of justice and the public interest.
This is where expertise intersects with power.
Public confidence is shaped not only by what professionals know, but also by how freely they are able to exercise their judgement when doing so brings them into conflict with powerful interests.
Over time, some individuals who were once celebrated for speaking truth to power have moved closer to the institutions and actors they once criticised.
Such transitions are not necessarily evidence that principles have been abandoned. Proximity to power can sometimes provide greater opportunities to influence change.
But it can also make sustained criticism more difficult.
The deeper question is therefore this:
How much of the independence that made a public voice distinctive can survive when that voice moves closer to power?
The lawyers who allegedly agree privately
One of VDM’s claims after the NBA conference particularly caught my attention.
In a video clip, he said that some lawyers approached him privately to express support for views he had raised publicly. According to him, they told him they would have liked to express similar views themselves but felt constrained by their profession.
I have not independently verified that claim.
But if it is accurate, it raises a profound question about professional culture.
What happens when people acknowledge a problem privately but are reluctant to confront it publicly?
At what point can concern for the dignity of a profession become an obstacle to acknowledging its shortcomings?
And what should the dignity of a profession ultimately mean if ordinary people are gradually losing confidence in the institutions associated with it?
These are uncomfortable questions, but they are questions worth asking.
Falana and the VDM controversy
This brings me to another dimension of the controversy.
Femi Falana, SAN, has for decades been one of Nigeria’s most prominent voices on human rights, civil liberties and public accountability.
His record of confronting injustice gives his interventions considerable weight.
It is therefore understandable that his criticism of VDM’s invitation to the NBA conference attracted attention.
Falana questioned the wisdom of inviting “somebody from nowhere” to such a professional gathering.
The argument about expertise is understandable. Professional bodies have every right to consider the competence, experience and suitability of speakers invited to their conferences.
But the expression “somebody from nowhere” also raises another question:
Where exactly is nowhere?
By what measure do we decide who counts as “somebody” in Nigeria?
Is recognition determined by professional qualifications, titles, political connections, wealth, family background, polished English or acceptance by the establishment?
Or can public relevance also emerge from the trust an individual earns among ordinary citizens?
I believe that is the question beneath the controversy.
Falana and VDM may have more in common than it appears
Interestingly, Falana and VDM may not be as far apart as the present disagreement suggests.
They belong to different generations and operate in very different ways.
One is a highly respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria with decades of legal and human-rights activism behind him. The other is a social-media personality who has built his influence through direct communication with the public.
Their methods are different.
Their language is different.
Their platforms are different.
But both, in different periods and in different ways, have occupied a space created when citizens lose confidence in formal institutions.
For years, Falana himself became one of the voices Nigerians turned to when they believed established institutions were unwilling or unable to confront powerful interests.
That is why the broader lesson may not be about choosing between Falana and VDM.
It should instead be about asking why Nigerians continue to need people like them in the first place.
Where institutions work effectively, citizens should not have to search for a Falana, a VDM, a courageous journalist or a generous philanthropist before they can be heard.
The danger of replacing institutions with personalities
There is, however, a danger in celebrating personalities too much.
No society can sustainably depend on exceptional individuals.
Individuals are temporary. They can make mistakes. Their circumstances can change. Their loyalties can shift. Even those who begin with the best intentions can eventually become compromised.
Institutions, at their best, are designed to provide continuity beyond personalities.
Justice should not depend on whether a particular influencer is interested in a case.
Police accountability should not depend on whether a particular activist picks up his phone.
Public infrastructure should not depend solely on whether a celebrity chooses to intervene.
Electoral justice should not depend on the influence of individual personalities.
The ultimate goal should therefore be to build institutions strong enough that exceptional individuals become complements to the system rather than substitutes for it.
The judiciary and the wider crisis of confidence
The same concern extends to Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems.
There is already growing discussion among some opposition political actors about the usefulness or effectiveness of post-election litigation following the 2027 elections.
Whether that ultimately develops into a formal or collective position remains to be seen.
But the very possibility deserves attention.
The courts are supposed to provide a final avenue of redress when electoral processes are disputed.
Therefore, whenever political actors begin speaking as though that avenue may no longer offer sufficient hope, the issue should not simply be dismissed as partisan rhetoric.
The more important question is:
What has brought them to that conclusion?
The issue goes beyond any particular political party or election.
It speaks to public confidence in the judiciary as a credible and dependable mechanism for resolving disputes.
And once confidence in the formal avenue of redress begins to decline, another question inevitably follows:
What is the alternative?
The man without a wig
VDM has no wig.
He has no gown.
He has no SAN after his name.
He holds no political office.
He may lack the polished language and professional pedigree of many people who sat in that conference hall.
Yet he possesses something that some Nigerian institutions are struggling to recover:
the attention and trust of a significant number of ordinary Nigerians.
That trust does not make him infallible.
It does not make him a substitute for lawyers, judges, police officers, regulators or elected officials.
And it certainly should not place him beyond scrutiny.
But it is significant enough to make us ask how he earned it.
The real question
The temptation in moments like this is to focus on the individual.
Is VDM qualified?
Is his dressing appropriate?
Is his language acceptable?
Should he have been invited to the NBA conference?
Are his methods proper?
These questions have their place.
But if we stop there, we may miss the bigger story.
The rise of VDM is telling us something about Nigeria.
When people take police matters to social media, something is missing.
When citizens seek justice from online influencers instead of established institutions, something is missing.
When professional knowledge becomes disconnected from conscience and public responsibility, something is missing.
When professionals acknowledge concerns privately but are reluctant to express them publicly, something is missing.
And when voices once celebrated for challenging power become increasingly identified with defending or explaining the establishment, something is missing.
VDM did not create that missing link.
He simply found himself standing in the widening space between ordinary Nigerians and the institutions that were supposed to serve them.
What should VDM do with the influence?
The extraordinary confidence VDM has acquired among sections of the public is both an opportunity and a responsibility.
His greatest contribution may ultimately not be measured by the number of disputes he intervenes in, the distressed citizens he assists or even the projects he helps supervise.
A more enduring contribution would be to use his influence to turn public attention back towards the institutions that ought to be functioning properly.
He can ask why they failed.
He can demand accountability from those responsible.
He can expose gaps.
He can amplify the voices of victims.
But, perhaps most importantly, he can insist that institutions do their jobs.
That is where the VDM phenomenon can become bigger than VDM himself.
Because the objective should not be to create a permanent society in which citizens must find an influential personality before they can obtain justice.
The objective should be to build a society where the ordinary citizen can walk into a police station, approach a court, contact a regulatory agency or petition a public institution and reasonably expect to be heard.
VDM is the symptom, not the disease
Perhaps, therefore, the controversy surrounding VDM’s appearance at the NBA conference should not end with arguments about whether he deserved to be on the panel.
The more important conversation is about the society that produced his relevance.
VDM may not be the answer.
He may not even be the right person for every problem.
But he is evidence of a question Nigeria has not adequately answered:
Why are people listening to him?
Until established institutions confront that question honestly, dismissing VDM will not make the phenomenon disappear.
The smartphone is not the problem.
The social-media platform is not the problem.
Even VDM himself may not be the problem.
The problem is the widening distance between citizens and the institutions that are supposed to serve them.
Close that distance, restore confidence, make institutions responsive, strengthen accountability and give citizens reason to believe that justice can be obtained without shouting online—and the space occupied by personalities like VDM will naturally shrink.
Until then, he will remain what his rise increasingly suggests he has become:
the face of a missing link.
Moses E. Akhimienmhonan
Writer & Public Affairs Commentator
Alhaji Bamanga Tukur born 15 September 1935 passed on early hours today at 90. .
Until his death, he was a Nigerian businessman and politician who served as Minister for Industries in the administration of General Sani Abacha during the 1990s.
He began his public service career at the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, where he served as General Manager from 1975 to 1982.
He was one of the high-profile civil servants and military officers who acquired large areas of farmland along the various River Basin authorities. He was the life patron of ABR. He was president of the Africa Business Roundtable in 2012. From March 2012 to January 2014, Tukur was National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Although he attained a ripe age with just 3days before his 91st birthday, the circumstances surrounding his passing has not been disclosed by his families.
The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, said that his administration is committed to transforming the state’s maritime sector, expanding infrastructure, and deepening partnerships with international development agencies to drive sustainable economic growth.
Governor Oborevwori spoke when he received on courtesy call European Union delegation to Nigeria and ECO WAS led by Mr. Massimo De Luca.
According to the Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, he was very happy with the assurance given by Mr Luca, that plans are in top gear for the development of Burutu Port as part of coastal corridor from Lagos through Burutu to Onitsha and Ajaokuta.
He said: “We have been talking about the blue economy since the beginning of this administration, and we are all very eager to participate in it and enjoy the enormous benefits that the blue economy has to offer.
“In particular, the proposed development of waterway and maritime transportation across the region presents a very exciting opportunity for Delta State.
“As a state with an extensive network of waterways, we are ready to provide all the necessary cooperation and support to enable this dream which is indeed our collective dream to become a reality.
“We have been talking about developing our blue economy and seaports for many years; to the best of my knowledge, this is the first time I am witnessing such a strong combination of serious-minded institutions and development partners coming together with a clear commitment to making this dream a reality.
“With the European Union, development partners, and all these important institutions standing together in support of this initiative, there is every reason to be optimistic.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, we sincerely appreciate you for your continued partnership and support.
“We have also heard about your willingness to work and cooperate with the state to improve the lives of persons living with disabilities, particularly by providing the necessary support and opportunities to enable them to live more independent and productive lives; this is a very important area, and we commend you for the initiative.
“On behalf of the Government of Delta State, I assure you that we will provide all the necessary support and cooperation required to bring this project to fruition.”
Earlier in his remarks, Mr Luca said; “the main focus of our visit to Delta State has indeed been the Blue Economy and related activities. Our presentation today will focus mainly on the Sea Link Project.
“As you probably know, the European Union has a long legacy of supporting development initiatives in Delta State.
Over the years, we have supported dozens of community projects across various local government areas, in fact, across all the local government areas of the state.
“These projects included water infrastructure, schools, health centres, civic centres, palm-oil processing facilities and other community-based investments.
“The Sea-Link Project is very important; for more than a decade, Nigeria and West Africa have had the development of coastal transportation along the West African coast high on the agenda.
In the case of Nigeria, an obvious extension of this concept is the development of a link between the major ports currently centred around Lagos and the Niger Delta, extending further up the River Niger.
“Under what we call the Global Gateway strategy, the general framework which, I believe, my Ambassador also discussed with the Governor during his visit a few months ago.
“The first transformative impact of this project is that it will help shift traffic from the roads to the rivers and coastal waterways; it will also create new business opportunities and stimulate economic activity.
“When you look at the geography of the project, we already have an existing Port that may require substantial rehabilitation, but it is strategically located in the Niger Delta. I am referring to the Port of Burutu.
“Burutu has excellent geographical conditions and significant competitive advantages in terms of accessibility and its potential to support maritime and inland, waterway transportation.
“The Sea Link, as it is currently envisaged, would establish a route from Lagos, through the coastal corridor to Burutu, and then up the River Niger through Onitsha and onward towards Ajaokuta.
“We are already putting together the various pieces of the financing structure because there is a consortium involving several parties that will participate in the project.
“The required investments will involve several components, including barges and port infrastructure, particularly infrastructure at Burutu.
“In the case of Burutu, we also see the potential for developing the port beyond simply being a stopover along the route to the River Niger.
“We believe Burutu has the potential to become a fully fledged international port; this gives the project a dual aspect.
“There is the potential to develop Burutu into a Port that is open to the ocean and international trade, similar in some respects to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium.”
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on security and emergency-response agencies across the country to sustain inter-agency collaboration, effective intelligence sharing, and rapid response to neutralize emerging security threats.
The Governor made the call on Thursday in Asaba during the closing ceremony of the Rapid Response 3 Exercise, organized by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through the Presidential Communication Command and Control Centre (PC4).
Represented at the event by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D., Governor Oborevwori described the choice of Asaba as a milestone, noting that Delta State is the first sub-national location outside the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to host the national assignment.
According to him, national security is a collective responsibility requiring strong coordination among all security arms, traditional institutions, and citizens.
”The security challenges confronting our nation today are complex and dynamic, requiring not only courage and professionalism, but also effective coordination, intelligence sharing, rapid response, strong inter-agency collaboration, and the support of all citizens; as such, it gives me great pleasure to be here today as we bring to a successful conclusion the Rapid Response 3 Exercise, organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser through the Presidential Communication Command and Control Centre (PC4) and hosted here in Asaba, Delta State.
“This is indeed another audacious initiative to rein-in insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminality that have plagued our dear nation for so long.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Delta State, I heartily congratulate all participants for the successful completion of this very important national assignment.
“It is particularly gratifying to note that Delta State was selected to host this exercise which is the first at the sub-national level outside Abuja; this is unprecedented and marks a positive shift in Crisis Response awareness and training.
“This exercise has once again demonstrated that national security is a collective responsibility.
“This understanding resonated in the theme and proceedings of the Delta Security Summit held on 17th June, 2026; II am convinced that this Rapid Response 3 Exercise has provided a solid platform for our security and emergency-response institutions to test their readiness, strengthen operational coordination and improve their capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats.
“For us in Delta State, the exercise is particularly important because of our strategic position as a major economic, commercial and maritime hub playing host to sensitive national assets.
“The peace and security of our communities are essential not only to the wellbeing of our people but also to the economic stability and prosperity of Nigeria.
“We are deeply appreciative to the Office of the National Security Adviser for choosing Delta State, and particularly Asaba, the State Capital, as the venue for this important exercise.
“I wish to equally extend my commendation to all the participating security and emergency-management agencies for their dedication, discipline and professionalism evidently demonstrated throughout the exercise.
“It is also noteworthy to underscore that an exercise such as this should not end with the closing ceremony; the lessons learnt, skills acquired, the inter-agencies relationships established and the operational capabilities developed must be further sharpened, sustained beyond today and put to effective use.
“As a government, we will continue to support initiatives that promote peace, security and stability in Delta State; we will strengthen existing collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional institutions, communities and other stakeholders.
“We recognize that no single institution can secure our communities alone and that Security is the collective responsibility of all and sundry.
“I urge all participants to return to your respective commands and institutions as ambassadors of the knowledge and experience gained. Let the spirit of cooperation, professionalism and rapid response demonstrated during this exercise become a permanent feature of our national security architecture.
“As we formally bring the Rapid Response 3 Exercise to a close, I am confident that the knowledge acquired, partnerships forged and lessons learnt will contribute significantly to our collective capacity to protect lives, property and critical national assets.
“Once again, I congratulate all participants on the successful completion of the exercise,” the Governor said.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughon, Director PC4 Office of the National Security Adviser, thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his exceptional support and commitment to strengthening security architecture.
“Your Excellency, we deeply appreciate your gracious acceptance to host the Rapid Response 3 in Delta State, the first of its kind outside the Federal Capital Territory.
“This gesture is a testament to your administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety and security of the people of Delta State, as well as your continued partnership with the Federal Government in advancing national security,” Malam Ribadu said.
