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Ayakoromor Bridge: Build On Okowa’s Wins And Right His Wrongs – Bibaikefie To Gov. Oborevwori
By Anthony Beauty.
Ayakoromor Bridge: Build On Okowa’s Wins And Right His Wrongs – Bibaikefie To Gov. Oborevwori
Delta State, Nigeria – In a passionate plea for better governance and the completion of the long-awaited Ayakoromor Bridge project, Good Governance Advocate and prominent Burutu politician, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, has called upon His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State, to reinforce the successes of his predecessor, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, not the failures.
The Ayakoromor Bridge, a vital infrastructure project that holds the missing links in connecting the Forcados Oil Export Terminal, one of the largest crude oil storage and export points in Nigeria, and many economically viable riverine communities to Warri City, has languished for for over ten years, causing inconveniences, hampering economic development, and endangering the lives of the riverine communities it was meant to serve.
Mr. Bibaikefie’s call comes in the wake of Governor Oborevwori’s recent 100 Days in Office commemoration, during which the said legacy Ayakoromor Bridge project was conspicuously omitted from the list of projects the Oborevwori’s government has tucked for accelerated completion.
Bibaikefie, a former House of Assembly contender and a seasoned politician with deep roots across Burutu Local Government Area, expressed his concerns over the continued delay in resumption of work on the Ayakoromor Bridge after so many backs and forth. He emphasized that this critical infrastructure project has suffered too many unwarranted setbacks since it was initiated by former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. Adding that Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa refused to lift a pin concerning the bridge after so many promises, revocation, upgrade and re-award, for eight years.
“While Governor Okowa achieved many notable successes during his tenure, the Ayakoromor Bridge remains amongst the many failures of his government and recorded as an unfinished chapter in his legacy,” said Bibaikefie.
“I therefore implore Governor Oborevwori to honor the vision and commitment of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan by prioritizing the completion of this all-important bridge project.”
The Ayakoromor Bridge, when completed, is expected to link so many communities, boost local commerce, and improve the overall quality of life for residents in the Delta Riverine Area. Furthermore, it holds the potential to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities, aligning with Governor Oborevwori’s vision for a MORE for Delta State.
In his plea, Bibaikefie highlighted that Delta State deserves continuity in the pursuit of essential developmental projects, emphasizing that completing the Ayakoromor Bridge would not only rectify a past shortcoming but also demonstrate Governor Oborevwori’s dedication to the welfare of his riverine constituents.
As the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori has the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy of progress by ensuring the completion of the Ayakoromor Bridge, a symbol of connectivity, development, and improved living standards for the people of the region. Bibaikefie’s call serves as a reminder that leadership should build on past achievements and correct past mistakes to propel the state forward.
The people of Delta State and residents of the Burutu eagerly await Governor Oborevwori’s quick response to this call for action, hoping that the completion of the Ayakoromor Bridge will mark a significant step towards a brighter future for Delta Riverine Dwellers and serve Oborevwori’s “MORE For All Deltans Agenda.”
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28,000bpd Ogidigben Oilfield Shutdown by Itsekiri Youth, Under PINL Not Tantita’s Coverage – Tompolo
By Divine Perezide
High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has disassociated his company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, from the recent protest and shutdown of an oil facility in Warri, Delta State.
Speaking through his media aide, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo PhD., Tompolo clarified that the affected oil field, located in Ugborodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area, does not fall within Tantita’s jurisdiction. He stressed that the facility is under the protection of another security firm, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), which is owned by the Olu of Warri.
“It is not only Tantita that is doing the security job. The Olu of Itsekiri’s company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, is also covering that area,” Bebenimibo explained. He further stated, “The Ogidigben oil field is not under our watch but under Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), a firm linked to the Olu of Itsekiri.”
The facility, currently operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings following its acquisition from Shell, reportedly produces around 28,000 barrels of oil per day. It was shut down on Wednesday by aggrieved members of the Itsekiri community. The protesters, who carried placards, voiced their dissatisfaction over alleged marginalisation in ward delineation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In response to the incident, Bebenimibo emphasized that the protest and the shutdown had no connection to Tompolo or Tantita. “Nobody dares Tantita. The issue has nothing to do with Tantita and Tompolo,” he stated firmly.
The protest remained peaceful, but it successfully brought operations at the facility to a standstill, underlining ongoing tensions related to political representation in the region.
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“Peace is the Panacea for Development” Dr. Takeme Said as He Inaugurates Burutu Peace and Advocacy Committee
By Favour Bibaikefie
In a bid to strengthen harmony and peaceful coexistence within Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Council Chairman Dr. Julius Takeme on Tuesday formally inaugurated a 23-member Peace Building and Advocacy Committee.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the council secretariat in Burutu, marked a significant step toward fulfilling the chairman’s campaign promises, particularly on conflict resolution and community engagement. The committee, chaired by retired Justice J.F. Daubry, comprises individuals described by Dr. Takeme as “men and women of integrity,” selected for their reputation and dedication to peaceful service.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Takeme outlined the committee’s core responsibilities, which include mediating disputes among individuals, groups, and communities to maintain the prevailing peace in the area. “Your responsibility includes the amicable settlement of disputes between individuals, groups and communities. Please, do your very best to meditate diligently,” he said.
Chief Fidelis Tubotu was appointed Secretary of the committee, while members include Apostle Godsflag Agboun, Chief October Kuro-Ogu, Gen. Brodrick Demeyeibo, Chief Elimina Namah Eselemo, Chief James Nicketen, Barr. B.D. Ekpese, Barr. Torugbene Oloye, Chief Patrick Fufeyin, Chief Gabriel Benede, Chief Lucky Yoweibo, and Dr. (Mrs.) Jennet Abdullahi.
Additional members are Chief Dauyeibo Kitua, Chief Apiakise Apiakise Coleman, Barr. Isa Clark, Hon. Gift Gomeromo, Prince Peter Numa, Chief Torololo Love, Chief Clement Kęmetimibibo, Chief (Mrs.) Ter Okpe, Chief Pukon Samson Eles, Chief Douglas T.M.O, and Chief Fidelis Tubotu.
Dr. Takeme reiterated his administration’s intention to mirror Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s “More Agenda” through proactive peace initiatives and conflict resolution efforts. “We promised to replicate Gov. Oborevwori’s More Agenda in Burutu, and one of our targets is to resolve as many lingering inter and intra-communal disputes. We believe in your individual and collective capabilities to help this government deliver on this promise,” he said.
He further noted, “We want to make Burutu a reflection of Oborevwori’s good governance that has rendered even the main opposition parties speechless.”
The council chairman encouraged committee members to remain upright and committed, emphasizing the importance of including the local chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in their peacebuilding activities. According to him, “CAN is pivotal to peace building.”
In his response on behalf of the committee, Justice Daubry expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them and pledged their unwavering commitment. “We will not disappoint the council,” he assured.
The event was attended by council executive members including Vice Chairman Chief (Mrs.) Georgina Evah; Supervisor for Education, Hon. Okpako Doctor; Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon. Immaculate Birialade; Supervisor for Environment, Hon. Godwin Oro; and Supervisor for Works, Hon. Pudigha Biakpara. Traditional rulers from various communities across the local government were also present, further highlighting the importance of the initiative.
By Divine Perezide
A recent photograph showing the former Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Deacon Kingsley B. Otuaro, in the company of prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has stirred a wave of speculation and political interpretation on social media and beyond.
The image, which has been widely circulated, raised questions about Otuaro’s political affiliations, with some observers hinting at possible realignment or defection. However, Pastor Arex Akemotubo, the spokesperson for Otuaro and the Auditor of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, has come forward to dispel the growing speculation.
In a statement addressing the issue, Akemotubo emphasized that the meeting was not politically motivated, but rather a reflection of statesmanship and democratic engagement.
“It’s normal for leaders across party lines to interact and engage on various national issues of mutual interest,” he said. “Such interactions are a testament to the maturity of our democracy and the spirit of collaboration that transcends party differences.”
Akemotubo’s remarks appear aimed at reinforcing Otuaro’s continued commitment to the PDP, while also highlighting the evolving nature of political discourse in Nigeria, where bipartisan dialogue is increasingly common.
Observers note that Otuaro has maintained a reputation for inclusive leadership and bridge-building throughout his political career, and his recent appearance should not be misread as a signal of political defection.
As the political landscape continues to shift ahead of 2027 elections, such instances of cross-party engagement are expected to grow, underscoring the importance of context in interpreting political interactions.