Politics
Breaking: Ayakoromor Bridge Contract Re-awarded to Setraco – Funkekeme
The earlier revoked Ayakoromor bridge contract has been re-awarded to Setraco Nigerian Limited for speedier completion, by the Governor Okowa-led Delta State Government.
This was said last Monday by Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, the Senior Political Adviser to the Delta State Governor and Director-General of the Delta State Peoples Democratic Campaign Council, during the PDP Ward-to-Ward Campaign at Ayakoromor Ward-7 in Burutu Local Government Area.
Funkekeme, a former Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and former Delta State Commissioner for Works, under whose watch the bridge project was initiated said, the Ayakoromor Bridge is a product of PDP government and would be better completed by the party who deemed it useful to initiate the project. The people of Ayakoromor should therefore vote all candidates of the PDP in the 2023 elections.
He said;
“This bridge is a product of PDP government led by Dr. Emmanual Uduaghan and I was Commissioner for Works. When the present government felt that the contractor was not meeting expectations, the contract was terminated. And now, he (Okowa) has re-awarded it to Setraco, so that the bridge can be completed within the remaining period of this administration.
“Don’t let anybody deceive you that they’ll complete Ayakoromor bridge. They have not completed any bridge or road since 2015. They cannot come here to deceive you. Ayakoromor people are more enlightened than them.
“Let me reassure you that the bridge will be completed by this government,”.
It is pertinent to state that, the Ayakoromor bridge, being constructed across the River Forcados, is the longest bridge on the proposed Warri-Ogulagha road. The bridge is part of the reviewed road project, first awarded by the Chief James Ibori administration and designed to initially take of from Isaba, which was thwarted by unresolved allegations of embezzlement of released mobilization funds.
However, the Governor Uduaghan administration reviewed it and decided to reroute the road from Egbo-Ide in Udu LGA, from where the above 1.5 kilometer bridge would land in the first town at Ayakoromor, Burutu LGA.
The contract was terminated by Governor Okowa in October 2022, citing the slow pace of work by the contractor, after over ten years of work and an initial upward review of the contract sum from 6 billion to 10 billion naira.
If the information shared by the Senior Political Adviser to Governor Okowa is to mean a thing to the Burutu people, it would mean that their unabated cry for the speedy completion of this all-important bridge will yield desired goals, so that the next administration can continue to extend one of the most important roads in the whole of Nigeria that would eventually link the multibillion dollar Forcados Oil Storage Terminal located in Ogulagha and Odimodi, to Warri mainland.
It is on record that Governor Okowa and his delegates have promised the completion of this bridge over ten times since 2015. Whilst some think this is another wild promise for the purpose of elections campaign only, the people are left with no options but to wait earnestly, how this one coming from a trusted son of the soil, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon would turn out.
* FCT Minister meets party leaders at his residence in Abuja
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, hosted delegates and key leaders of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) at his private residence in Abuja on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The meeting comes just as the APC prepares for its high-stakes National Convention scheduled to begin today, Friday, March 27, at Eagle Square.
The gathering included several high-ranking political figures, most notably the newly re-elected APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Victor Giadom. Other attendees included federal lawmakers from the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister’s political structure. This strategic session follows the conclusion of the APC South-South Zonal Congress in Asaba, where the party unified its leadership positions ahead of the national gathering.
During the meeting, the delegation reaffirmed their alignment with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu and discussed the state’s voting bloc for the convention. The Minister’s role in hosting the APC delegates, despite his formal affiliation with the PDP, continues to highlight his significant influence over the opposition’s internal machinery in Rivers State.
The meeting, which took place in Abuja, notably excluded Governor Siminalayi Fubara, further signaling a deepening rift within the state’s political structure following the Governor’s recent defection to the APC.
Governor Fubara’s absence from the meeting has sparked fresh debate over his standing within his new party. While the Governor has previously called for peace and collaboration, the Minister’s camp has remained critical of his administrative style and perceived lack of consultation with the party’s established foundation. The meeting ended without an official communiqué, but insiders suggest that a major realignment of local government coordinators for the “Renewed Hope Ambassadors” was a primary agenda item. This latest development suggests that despite being in the same party, the power struggle between the predecessor and successor shows no signs of a permanent resolution.
Politics
APF SENSITIZATION TOUR RE-SHAPES EKEREMOR POLITICAL LANDSCAPE AS APC CONSOLIDATES GRASSROOT SUPPORT
By: Derick Peretengboro
Ekeremor, Bayelsa State – A major political shift is unfolding in Ekeremor Constituency III as the Alabini Progressive Front (APF) has embarked on an intensive sensitization tour that has significantly strengthened the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s influence across the area.
The two-day engagement, held from November 25 to 26, 2025, followed closely on the heels of Governor Douyi Diri’s dramatic move to the APC, a development that has redrawn Bayelsa’s political power structure. Led by Hon. Chief Berry Negerese, the APF, visited key communities including Agge, Aghoro Federated Community, Letugbene, Amatu 2, and Azagbene Federated Community, sparking enthusiastic responses from residents.
During the tour, Chief Negerese emphasized that the outreach was aimed at providing clarity and direction on the APF’s alignment with the APC rather than serving as a political campaign. He stressed that Governor Diri’s defection had made it essential for the grassroots to understand the broader implications of the shifting political landscape.
“Politics is local, and our people must be well informed,” he told community members. “The APF stands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Senator Douyi Diri, and Minister Senator Heineken Lokpobiri as we work to reposition our constituency for greater development.”
The tour was met with widespread excitement, with many residents publicly announcing their decision to abandon the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in favour of joining the APC through the APF structure. Community members described the visit as , noting that it offered the first direct engagement on the Party (PDP) in favour of joining the APC through the APF structure. Community members described the visit as timely, noting that it offered the first direct engagement on the political realignment taking place in Bayelsa State.
Observers say the turnout and reactions signal a major realignment in Constituency III, with the APF demonstrating strong organisational capacity and growing local influence.
Chief Negerese was accompanied by prominent leaders of the Front, including High Chief Job Ayiba, Deputy Director General; Hon. Victor Ebiyekon, Secretary General; Elder Chief Augustine Lugbeinwei; Hon. Comr. Bonny Collins, Councillor Ward 11; Pastor Mrs. Emienboh Bolouperemor, Councillor Ward 12; Chief Victor Onniye; Comr. Esther Ingo; Chief Shagari Idolobo; Mr. Thursday Alabor; Mr. Frank Gold; Chief Bralade Ebabogha; and Mr. Felix Obiriki, among others.
As realignments continue across the state, the APF’s successful sensitization drive is being seen as a defining moment that has strengthened the APC’s grassroots base in Ekeremor Constituency III. Analysts believe the development will play a crucial role in shaping future political engagement in the region.
The message from the constituency is unmistakable: A significant political tide has shifted, and the Alabini Progressive Front is at the centre of the movement, as reported by Prince Dressman Igburu for RV News
By Prof. Benedict Binebai
Justice often becomes a sensitive topic for those who have historically wielded power to oppress others. For decades, the Warri Ijaws have faced systemic injustices at the hands of Itsekiri imperialism, which has sought to marginalize and silence their voices. Now, as efforts are made to correct these historical wrongs and restore the rights and privileges of the Ijaw people, those who previously benefited from this imbalance are raising alarms, feigning concern about the changes.
The reality is that the Ijaw people have long fought for justice and recognition of their rightful place. They are not land grabbers or aggressors but individuals seeking to reclaim their heritage and assert their rights in the face of long-standing oppression. The resistance from the Itsekiri side stems from a reluctance to relinquish power and privilege.v
As the balance of power shifts toward justice and equity, it’s crucial to recognize the historical context and legitimate grievances of the Ijaw people. Their struggle is about restoring balance and ensuring their rights are respected, not perpetuating conflict. By standing up for their rights, the Ijaw people seek a just and fair resolution to decades of oppression.
The Ijaws, Urhobos, and Itskeris of Warri have coexisted for many years. It’s essential for everyone to respect the voice of justice and work towards a harmonious and equitable society. By doing so, we can build a future where all communities can thrive together.