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.

By Favour Bibaikefie

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially debunked claims spreading across social media platforms that its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has been dismissed by President Bola Tinubu. A widely circulated message on WhatsApp falsely alleged that Prof. Yakubu had been replaced by Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan.

Reacting to the rumors in a statement to Vanguard, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, firmly denied the claims. “Please, disregard. It is not true,” he stated.

Prof. Yakubu, currently serving the final months of his second term, is expected to step down later this year. The procedure for selecting a new chairman involves several stages: the President nominates a candidate, who is then profiled by the Department of State Services (DSS). The nominee must then be reviewed by the National Council of State before the name is submitted to the Senate for confirmation.

At this time, no official declaration has been made regarding any successor to Prof. Yakubu.