News
Delta State Government Orders Installation of CCTVs in Worship Centres, Schools, Others
Delta State Government Orders Installation of CCTVs in Worship Centres, Schools, Others
By Tobouke JEMINE
The Delta State government has instructed that centres of worship, schools and other public centres in the state install CCTVs in and around their surroundings.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu the directive is aimed at providing adequate security in and around public places in the state.
The state government stated that the move was in compliance with an existing law that became operative on July 28, 2020, but had been poorly observed and implemented.
According to the statement, failure to obey or comply with the directive will result in a 2-year jail term and a fine of N500,000 as well as the sealing of the affected premises until compliance is achieved.
The statement reads: “As part of measures to provide adequate security in and around public places, the State Government has directed all owners of such facilities to install Smart Surveillance Cameras failing which, the places will be sealed and their owners prosecuted.
“The government said the public places listed in the law include Shopping Malls, Eateries, Cinemas, Supermarkets, Petrol/Gas Stations, Private Parks, Event Centres, Hotels, Public and Private Offices, Worship Centres, and Schools.
“Although the law became operative in July 28, 2020, its observance has been very poor. Thus, the very important help which the surveillance cameras ought to give the security agencies in their professional work of providing adequate security in and around these public places has not been available.
“Therefore, with increasing crime trends, the state government is strengthening existing security arrangements which include the enforcement of this law among other initiatives.
“The SSG gave the prescribed specifications of the surveillance cameras to include for outdoor viewing: 4k bullet CCTV camera 8MP with 50m night vision (show colour at night); 4k Ultra HD Video – captures high quality 4k images up to 20 frames per second. The camera records file with resolution of 3840 x 2160, equivalent to 4 frame.
“For indoor cameras the SSG said it should be 4k 8mp dome IP camera built-in mic, starlight video (shows colours at night, 12vdc or PoE, IP67 Weather proof, Wall/Ceiling/Pole Mount Lens type: fixed focal length, 2.8mm and 4mm.
“While Speed dome rotating IP camera for streets and Roads must be 4k 8mp IP Camera and must have the following features 1/1.8” progressive scan CMOS, High-quality imaging with 8MP resolution, Excellent low-light performance, 32x optical zoom and 16x digital zoom, Expansive night view with up to 650-foot (200m) IR range. Face capture: up to 5 captured at the same time. Active Deterrence: White flashing light and audible warning can be triggered by certain events, MD 2.0 – Human and vehicle deterrence.
“Failure on the part of any owner or proprietor of any of the public places listed above to install the prescribed camera attracts on conviction, a term of 2 years imprisonment and a fine of N500, 000.00 with the additional liability of having the affected place sealed-up until compliance is effected.
“The statement assured all Deltans and residents in the state of the government’s strong resolve to protect them, but added that all must play their part to assist government and the security agencies to deliver on this commitment to keep everyone safe and businesses functional.”
News
GOV OBOREWORI BOOSTS TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS WITH 65 LAND CRUISERS TO STRENGTHEN GRASSROOTS PEACE
By: Divine Perezide
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, has handed over 65 brand new Toyota Land Cruisers to traditional rulers across the state in a move aimed at strengthening grassroots governance, peacebuilding, and rural security coordination.

Presenting the vehicles in Asaba, the state government said the gesture reflects the administration’s recognition of the strategic role traditional institutions play in maintaining social stability, mediating communal disputes, and fostering collaboration between communities and government agencies.
The governor described traditional rulers as indispensable partners in sustaining harmony in rural areas, noting that enhanced mobility would enable quicker engagement with communities, faster response to emerging tensions, and closer cooperation with security operatives.

“This intervention is part of our people-centered leadership approach. It is a deliberate effort to build lasting peace and sustain the achievements of our MORE Agenda,” Governor Oborevwori stated, emphasizing that development thrives only in an atmosphere of peace.
Government officials explained that the vehicles would improve accessibility across difficult terrains, enable traditional leaders to attend to community matters more efficiently, and reinforce the interface between grassroots institutions and the state.

Stakeholders have commended the initiative as timely, especially as many rural communities rely heavily on traditional institutions for conflict resolution, cultural administration, and early warning mechanisms in times of tension.
With the distribution of the Land Cruisers, the Oborevwori administration says it remains committed to deepening rural engagement, strengthening local leadership structures, and advancing its peace-building framework across Delta State.
IduwiniVoice
News
PANDEF Reconciliation Committee Appeals for Peace in Rivers State Crisis
By: Derick Peretengboro
Port Harcourt, 12 January 2026 — A Reconciliation Committee appointed by the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has appealed to political actors in Rivers State to end the ongoing crisis that has deeply affected governance and public confidence in the oil-rich state.
Headed by Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, the Committee was inaugurated on 12th January 2026 to “explore ways of bringing the escalating political crisis in Rivers State to an end,” a crisis, the Committee noted, that “has persisted for too long.”
In a statement at the inauguration, Chief Agabi said the Committee was privileged to serve and expressed gratitude to God and PANDEF leadership, particularly Ambassador Godknows Igali, Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, and His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Papapraye Diete Spiff, former Governor of Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass. The statement described Sir Diete Spiff as “a man whose commitment to the South-South and the nation as a whole has never been in doubt,” adding that “it is the sacrifices of men like him that bequeathed the States of the South-South to the people of that area.”
Highlighting the gravity of the state’s political stand-off, the Committee warned that continuing conflict could erode confidence in the political actors’ commitment to the “interest of the people of Rivers State and of the nation.”
Using a local proverb to caution against self-destructive disputes, the statement urged caution: “Let the parties involved not be as the Clam and the Oyster … The fisherman picked them up, took them home and made a nice fine meal of Clam and Oyster. May it not be with Rivers State as it was with the Clam and the Oyster.”
Chief Agabi expressed optimism that the crisis could be resolved without external intervention, arguing that “the parties to this dispute are one people who began as one” and urging humility: “If they have now offended one another, they must be humble enough to apologize and to forgive. It is in forgiving that true greatness can be found.”
The Committee called for goodwill and prayer, countering the often-held view that religion has no place in politics. The statement read: “The misconception that God has no place in our politics has harmed and continues to harm the nation … Whether we are governors or ministers or legislators … it is to God that we owe our appointments and promotions.”
On the key figures involved in the crisis, Chief Agabi spoke personally of both the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Governor Fubara, saying: “The Minister … is my friend. He is my benefactor.… The mighty hand of God is upon him. That great Hand demands that he should lead this reconciliation … I trust [Governor Fubara] to respect that bond.”
The Committee also extended respect to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, praying for “a change of heart on their part” and urging them that “in forgiving the Governor whatever wrongs he has committed … they will demonstrate … restraint, … public spirit and … maturity.”
Concluding its charge, the Committee emphasized that it was not a judicial body, but an appeal for unity: “This Committee is not appointed to sit in judgment … Our duty is to appeal to the parties to be reconciled with one another… We appeal to the parties to embrace reconciliation… Sacrifices are called for. Make them and let there be peace.”
News
Niger Delta Scholars to Launch New Book on Warri Federal Constituency Delineation
By: Divine Perezide
Warri, Delta State — Residents of the Warri Federal Constituency and surrounding environment are set to witness the public presentation of a new book titled “Warri Federal Constituency Delineation: Itsekiri & the Challenge of Sustaining the Burden of Lies”, authored by M. Keme.
The event, being organized by Niger Delta Scholars on behalf of stakeholders in the constituency, is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 23rd, 2026, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Warri, with proceedings commencing at 11:00am.
According to the organizers, the book interrogates historical and contemporary issues surrounding the delineation of Warri Federal Constituency, with particular focus on the Itsekiri ethnic group and the socio-political narratives that have shaped representation over the years.
The public presentation will be chaired by Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), who is expected to lend scholarly insight into the relevance of the publication to ongoing debates in Niger Delta politics.
The book will be formally reviewed by noted academic Professor Benedict Binebai, providing an evaluative perspective on the text and its contributions to regional political discourse.
The organizers have issued an open invitation to scholars, political leaders, community stakeholders, and the general public to attend the presentation ceremony. Enquiries and confirmations can be directed to the official RSVP line: 08023865232.
The forthcoming launch is anticipated to spark renewed intellectual and civic engagement on constituency delineation, ethnic relations, and democratic representation in the Niger Delta.
