News
March 11: Why Deltans Should Vote For Sheriff Oborevwori As Governor.
By Geo Edesiri
With the Governorship and House of Assembly elections around the corner, it has become necessary to examine factors that voters ought to consider in reaching the final decision to cast their votes for candidates. This interrogation is specially for the benefit of the voters in Delta State.
Therefore, one believes that voters in Delta State necessarily need to consider the factors of identifying the virtues of competence, integrity, character, ability to deliver on electoral promises, soundness of mind, and physical ability. But also very important is the need to consider the issue of experience of a candidate vis-a-vis the knowledge or skill that one has acquired from doing a job or activity.
Therefore, the people of Delta State as they prepare to vote, one expects that they will examine each candidate and make their decisions based on the above factors as well as factors that a candidate possesses like being a grassroots person, one who understands the yearnings of the people and can relate with them at their levels. In other words, Deltans should examine candidates who have the ability to relate with the high and the low in society. In other words, the local content quality of candidates must be an essential desideratum because such a candidate is better placed to identify with the needs and desires of the people. Such a candidate is not an elitist person; this feature is an uncommon endowment that makes such a candidate better placed in relating with people of the grassroots.
Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) possesses these factors in abundance, including being a certified and tested Christian and a notable philanthropist. These are rare factors that distinguish him as a man that should fit the bill of a Governor that is endowed with the milk of human kindness.
It is also necessary to let Deltans not to be carried away by sentiments that are the products of petty grudges and anger that have degenerated into misplaced aggression coming from a segment of disenchanted politicians formally in the PDP fold who have now pitched tent and are working for the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Deltans must in making their choice to cast votes take note of why APC must never be considered because of the sufferings that the Federal Government administration of the party has brought Nigerians into.
Deltans and other voters must examine how the APC has brought insecurity, especially with the menace of Fulani herdsmen who have made life unbearable for our farmers, whose crops and source of livelihood have been adversely affected. What did Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the one seeking votes to be Governor do when Deltans were faced with the challenge of the rampaging activities of the AK-47-wielding herdsmen? How many of the herdsmen did he help to arrest and bring to book? As Deputy Senate President, what did he do to prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari to bring the plight of the suffering Deltans to the notice of the President?
Truth is that Omo-Agege and cohorts looked away while Deltans faced torture inflicted on them by the herdsmen. He lost the discipline of a patriotic Deltan to make a case for them just because he wanted to be in the good books of President Buhari. This is why voters must reject Omo-Agege as Governor because his record of service fell short of the expectations of Deltans. He does not deserve their votes.
But Oborevwori as Speaker, worked assiduously with the executive arm to nip the situation in the bud. The efforts culminated in the passing of the anti-open grazing law passed by the House of Assembly, as well as a law creating the Delta Hawk security outfit that has helped to go after daredevil agents of insecurity. This has to a large extent eased the insecurity situation in the State, so much so that persons running away from the scourge of insecurity in their States have now found Delta State as a safe and secure haven to live in.
This consideration, in my view, stands Rt. Hon. Oborevwori in good stead to deserve the votes of Deltans on March 11. This stands him better to continue and improve on what Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has done so far. This he has encapsulated in his vision ‘to keep Delta State ahead in all aspects of social and economic wellbeing,” with the mission “To run an open, responsive Government that meets the needs and aspirations of our people through infrastructural development, growth in human capital and improved social harmony.”
Oborevwori as Governor will hit the ground running by building on the legacies and foundation already built by Governor Okowa. He does not need to begin to learn afresh, which will take time. The features of Governors are already in place, he will only need minor but meaningful adjustments that will not need any time wasting to accomplish and get to work.
Delta State should consider the above issues as very germane for continuity and Sheriff Oborevwori is the man that fits the bill along with his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme. You don’t go to University to acquire experience. It was acquired on the job and for eight solid years Oborevwori has been in the saddle as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. He has the experience to deliver M.O.R.E to Deltans.
Deltans must be careful to vote in the right person and not those who seek to undermine the oneness and unity of the people of the State. Let’s not give room for the unity in Delta State to be compromised. Sheriff Oborevwori is the man that will build on this important legacy.
Sheriff Oborevwori is it. Vote Sheriff Oborevwori come March 11, 2023.
© Edesiri wrote in from Asaba.
By Christy David
Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has urged President Bola Tinubu to focus on serving the interests of the Nigerian people rather than catering to a select political group. His remarks follow recent controversial actions by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
Okaba stressed the need for Tinubu to take a firm stance against the growing influence of political elites and fulfill his commitments to the nation. “The president is tactically being unfair to Nigerians and encouraging Wike to keep doing more. It’s not fair,” he stated. “Nigerians expect so much from you, and that is why they voted massively for you. Serve the people, not a cabal.”
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Wednesday, Okaba voiced concerns over Wike’s involvement in political activities in Bayelsa, particularly regarding planned rallies in the state. He condemned these actions as unfair and divisive, arguing that they worsen political tensions in the Niger Delta.
Okaba pointed to the upcoming rallies on April 12, where opposing groups are expected to gather at the same venue, as a deliberate attempt to manipulate the political climate. He accused Wike of using these events to advance personal interests at the expense of the Ijaw people.
Describing Wike’s actions as a direct challenge to the Ijaw nation, Okaba criticized the former governor’s inflammatory rhetoric and the transformation of welcome rallies into platforms for political crises.
News
IPF Visit Burutu for On-the-spot Assessment as Dr. Takeme Reiterates Commitment to Sustaining Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area in Delta State, Dr. Julius Takeme, has reaffirmed his dedication to sustainable development across the council in consonance with the Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori MORE agenda. He made this commitment on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by members of the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) at the local government secretariat.
The visit marked the beginning of an inspection tour by the IPF, a coalition of media executives, across Ijaw local government areas nationwide.
In his address to the IPF delegation, Takeme emphasized that his administration is committed to the MORE AGENDA, a developmental initiative championed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He highlighted that within one year, Burutu Local Government has witnessed significant infrastructural improvements under his leadership.
“Guided by Governor Oborevwori’s MORE AGENDA, our administration has undertaken numerous visible infrastructural projects in Burutu,” Takeme stated. “This mandate has driven us to prioritize the transformation of Burutu, leading to the construction of a combined one-kilometer internal road network.”
The Olotu of Obotebe Kingdom further noted that his administration has invested in critical sectors such as public health, sanitation, housing, and civil servant welfare. He pointed out that several senior council officers had previously faced challenging working conditions, which his administration has actively addressed.
Takeme listed key intervention projects, including the renovation of health centers in Labulouseigha and Ofougbene communities, the construction and renovation of senior staff quarters, and the building of residential quarters for the President of the Customary Court. Additional projects include the construction of three modern public toilets, distribution of essential medicines to health centers, and the employment of over 2,000 women to maintain cleanliness within the local government headquarters.
He further disclosed that several other projects are in the pipeline and will be officially commissioned as part of his administration’s one-year anniversary celebrations.
IPF President and Niger Delta activist, Comrade Austin Ozobo, who also serves as the Publisher of Congress Newspaper, explained that the forum’s tour aims to evaluate governance and development across Ijaw communities. He commended Takeme for his efforts and urged him to sustain the momentum in delivering essential services and infrastructure to the people of Burutu.
By Warefa Pereke.
March 31, 2025.
Thousands of Dignitaries and Media Outfits Witnessed the Unveiling of Iduwini Voice Newspaper.
March 29, 2025, will be etched in the annals of history as the day Iduwini Voice Newspaper was officially launched at the prestigious MBB Event Center. The highly anticipated event, drew thousands of dignitaries, media personalities, and enthusiasts from across the region to MBB event Center, Refinery Road Effurun, Delta State.
The launch ceremony, which commenced at 11:00 am, was a testament to the meticulous planning and organization of the Media team. The MBB Event Center was transformed into a vibrant hub of activity, with attendees eagerly awaiting the unveiling of Iduwini Voice Newspaper.
In his welcome address, The Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Iduwini Voice Newspaper, Dr. Peretengboro Clintin Bibaikefie, outlined the publication’s vision and mission, emphasizing its commitment to factual reporting, balanced analysis, and investigative journalism.
“Permit me to say that the idea of Iduwini Voice stemmed from a revolutionary vision that tasked me heavily in a deep ‘wilderness of the mind,’ thronging hard to come up with a catchy, fancy, and contemporary brand name, but kept being guided back to my root…For too long, our stories have been told by others – often with bias, misrepresentation, or outright immission, often intended to manipulate the powers that be against us Africans, Nigerians, Niger Deltans, and Ijaws in particular. The Iduwini Voice was founded on the principle of authenticity, truth, and empowerment. We believe that everyone has a story to tell, but not everyone has the platform to tell it. This is why we boldly adopted the slogan: “Voice of the Voiceless.””
“We will strive to provide our readers with accurate, timely, and engaging content, while also promoting the values of fairness, justice, and equality,” he said.
In his lecture delivered at the occasion of Iduwini Voice Newspaper/TV launch, entitled: “The Digital Tide And The Upsurge of Avant-Garde Journalism”, Professor Benedict Ebimotimi Binebai explored the remarkable journey of Iduwini Voice Newspaper and its impact on the media world. “Iduwini Voice delves into the vision of creativity and innovation that have made it a beacon of Avant-Garde storytelling. Iduwini Voice brings stories from the grassroots, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. It helps to preserve the cultural heritage and traditions of the Niger Delta region, and conducts in-depth investigations into issues like corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation,” he said.
In his keynote address, The Father of the Day, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, President Ijaw National Congress, said that as the Ijaw Nation demonstrates its dedication to the development of the media industry, Iduwini Voice Newspaper will become a leading voice in Nigerian journalism, promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The chief Launcher, Chief Dr. Julius Takeme JP (Phd), The Olotu of Obotebe Kingdom, and Chairman, Burutu Local Government Council, pressed on the need for the Ijaws to support any Ijaw cause financially and otherwise. “We are proud to launch Iduwini Voice Newspaper, a platform that will provide a voice for the voiceless, promote transparency, and hold leaders accountable,” he stated.
Chief Comrade Cheriff Mulade, Director-General, Center For Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), who Chaired the occasion, emphasized the importance of a free and independent press in promoting democracy and good governance. He expressed his commitment to supporting the growth and development of the media industry in Niger Delta.
The event featured a range of activities, including a discussion on the role of the media in promoting democracy, a presentation on the history and significance of Iduwini Voice Newspaper, and a tour of the publication’s state-of-the-art facilities.
As the curtains drew to a close with a vote of thanks offered by Barrister Sam Ikporukpo, attendees were treated to a spectacular display of music, dance, and other performances, showcasing the rich diversity of the Niger Delta region.
Other dignitaries present were Pastor Adonis Osarobo, the Zonal Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Later Rain Zone, Spiritual Father of the Day, Hon. Julius Pondi, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment & Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, Abuja, Comrade Newworld Endoro, Chairman, Odimodi Community, Hon. Dennis Yenbri Bibaikefie, Mr. Akin Benikrukru, PIA Chairman, Iduwini Host Community Development Board, Delta State.
Others were Comrade Isaiah Tamaraunimi Ingo, SA to the NDDC Chairman, Comrade Ozobo Austin,
Publisher of Cogress Newspaper & President, Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), Mr. Cletus Opukeme,
Publisher of Daily Watch Newspaper,
Also present were Arex Ambrose Akemotubo, CEO, WaffiTv & Auditor of Delta State PDP, Jacobs Brakere Abai, CEO of Gbaramatuvoice, Comrade Mike Ugedi, CEO of Delta Events Tv,
Ekpegha Tamaraupreye,
Publisher of South-South Daily, and a host of others.
In an interview with Media personnel after the lunching, the Editor-in-chief of the Ezon Efie Media outfit, Engr. Warefa Pereke, said that with its lunch, Iduwini Voice Newspaper has set a new standard for journalism in Nigeria, and its commitment to truth, fairness, and accountability is expected to resonate with readers across the Nigeria”.
PHOTO CAPTION: Dignitaries and guests at the launch of Iduwini Voice Newspaper at the MBB Event Center on March 29, 2025.