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Aniagwu Highlights Oborevwori’s Achievements, Says Governor Will Respond to Critics with Projects; Riverine Deltans Reacts
* Says nothing to show in the Riverine Areas
* Call for supplementary budget provisions for capital projects in Riverine Areas
By Luck Ebide
The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads and Public Information), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has affirmed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is focused on delivering developmental projects across the state rather than engaging in political battles. Aniagwu made this assertion during a press briefing held in Asaba, emphasizing that the governor would continue to address critics through tangible project deliveries ahead of the 2027 election.
Flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, Aniagwu stated that Governor Oborevwori remains committed to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He dismissed rumors suggesting the governor might defect from the party. “We have seen a whole lot of publications in different places, including those that are insinuating that he is leaving the PDP. Oborevwori is a very proud member of the People’s Democratic Party. Today, Oborevwori is a clear leader amongst leaders of the party in Nigeria, and he is not in any way hungry to abandon the People’s Democratic Party,” Aniagwu stressed.
The commissioner outlined several projects initiated and completed by the governor, noting that Oborevwori has continued with projects inherited from the previous administration while initiating new ones. He listed ongoing road projects such as the Okpanam-Ibusa bypass, the Beneku Bridge, and various sections of the Asaba-Ughelli dual carriageway. He also highlighted the completion of the six-story High Court Complex in Asaba.
Regarding new projects, Aniagwu pointed to significant developments in Warri and Effurun, where road expansions and three flyover bridges are being constructed by Julius Berger. He added that numerous roads across Delta North, South, and Central senatorial districts have been completed or are underway, including internal roads in Sapele and Okpe, and the dualization of Ezesi Road in Orerokpe.
“His business, at the moment, is governance, and he is not going to lose sight of it,” Aniagwu said, emphasizing that the governor is committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to all Deltans. “Because of side talks and because he believes that this is not the time to begin to play politics, what he is doing at the moment is to ensure that he keeps faith with all Deltans,” he said.
Aniagwu further highlighted achievements in the education and health sectors, noting the establishment of a campus of Southern Delta State University at Orerokpe and the introduction of a College of Health Sciences at the Ozoro campus. He also cited upgrades to general hospitals and over 150 primary healthcare centers, as well as the establishment of a College of Health Technology in Ovrode.
On housing, Aniagwu said the government has begun constructing 50 housing units as a pilot scheme across Ozoro, Kwale, and Owa-Oyibu, and is building additional duplexes to accommodate commissioners in government quarters.
Speaking on the state’s economic diversification efforts, Aniagwu noted that the administration has partnered with UTM LNG to harness the state’s vast natural gas reserves. He added that over N200 billion has been paid to reduce the state’s debt, while contractors have been mobilized with new jobs and outstanding job certificates paid promptly.
Meanwhile, reactions from the Riverine Ijaw communities indicate dissatisfaction with the governor’s performance in their area. Prince Dr. Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, a former State House Assembly contender and prominent advocate for good governance, called on Governor Oborevwori to allocate a supplementary budget of at least N300 billion for critical projects to open up the Riverine Ijaw area. These projects include the Ayakoromor Bridge, the Odimodi-Ogulagha Road, the Torugbene-Ojobo Road, the Ayakoromor-Burutu Road and more, in the 2025 fiscal year.
Bibaikefie reminded the government of the Riverine Ijaws’ consistent loyalty to the PDP during the 2023 elections and beyond, noting that they played a significant role in preventing the APC from winning in Delta State. “There’s no issue with investing colossal amounts in capital projects within the areas of the state that have consistently voted against the PDP, but there’s something fundamentally wrong for the state government to consistently abandon the areas that have remained faithful in voting for the PDP in Delta State,” he said.
He argued that the Riverine Ijaws deserve equitable treatment, given their contributions to the state’s finances through oil resources. “More than that, no state should be this cruel to a people whose landed oil resources play a critical role in the state finances, from 13% derivation to the excess crude account funds accruals, thereby keeping Delta State as the highest FAC allocation earner for almost a decade,” he said.
“Assuming that we don’t produce anything or give any votes, it doesn’t still eliminate the fact that we are part of this state and should be treated equitably,” Bibaikefie added.
He called on critical stakeholders in the party and State to persuade governor Oborevwori before it is too late, adding that nobody can tell who which governor will suffer the Age-long abandonment of the Ijaw Riverine Areas. “A Stitch in time saves nine” he concluded.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — IduwiniVoice Media Limited has lauded the leadership of Prof. Benjamin Okaba, outgoing President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), for overseeing what it described as a historic and credible electoral process, with particular emphasis on the successful deployment of a fully electronic voting system.
In a congratulatory message signed by its Chief Executive Officer/Editor-in-Chief, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, the media organisation commended Okaba for demonstrating “leadership, intellectual capacity and sagacity” throughout his tenure, noting that his insistence on conducting elections ahead of the constitutional deadline preserved the integrity of the council.
The statement stressed that the decision to avoid any form of interim or ad-hoc leadership structure “saved the Ijaw nation from a familiar pitfall that could have weakened its governance framework,” describing the move as a bold commitment to democratic principles.
Of particular significance, the organisation highlighted the introduction and execution of a fully electronic voting system, which it said marked a turning point in the conduct of internal elections within the Ijaw nation.
According to IduwiniVoice, Okaba’s “provision of necessary resources for the deployment of a totally electronic voting system is astutely exemplary,” adding that the process ensured transparency, efficiency, and credibility throughout the April 13, 2026 elections.
The media outfit further noted that the seamless conduct of the poll, characterized by real-time voting and result transmission, has set a new benchmark not only for socio-cultural organisations but also for national electoral bodies. It described the innovation as “a credible lesson” for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging that such technology be scaled up and replicated in Nigeria’s general elections to enhance public trust and electoral integrity.
IduwiniVoice also used the opportunity to commend the peaceful transition process initiated by the outgoing leadership, noting that Okaba’s readiness to hand over power to a successor reflects a rare commitment to democratic values in a region where leadership continuity is often contested.
The statement added that, “in a world where privileged individuals often cling to power, Prof. Okaba has once again demonstrated that greed, selfishness, and sit-tight tendencies are not reflective of the true character of an Ijaw son.”
As the INC prepares for a new phase under incoming leadership, the organisation wished the outgoing president a smooth transition and success in his future endeavours, applauding his “true patriotism and unwavering service to the Ijaw nation.”
The April 13 election, widely regarded as one of the most technologically driven in the history of the INC, has continued to attract commendation from stakeholders across the Niger Delta, with observers citing the electronic voting model as a pathway for broader electoral reforms in Nigeria.
By Charity Ebi
The emergence of Chief (Amb.) Sheriff Mulade as National Treasurer of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has been described as a strong endorsement of accountability and reform within the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body.
Reacting to the outcome of the April 13, 2026 national elections, the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) said Mulade’s victory reflects the trust reposed in him by delegates across the region, citing his long-standing advocacy for peace, environmental justice, and good governance.
In a statement issued by its President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the forum noted that the election outcome demonstrates a collective desire among Ijaw stakeholders for transparent financial leadership at a time when the INC is expected to reposition itself for greater impact.
Mulade, who is also the National President of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), clinched the treasurer position after a keen contest that attracted widespread interest within the Niger Delta. His emergence, according to observers, signals a shift toward experienced leadership with a proven record in community engagement and advocacy.
The IPF emphasised that the new treasurer’s reputation for prudence and integrity places him in a strategic position to strengthen financial discipline within the congress. The forum added that effective management of resources would be critical in enabling the INC to meet its objectives and respond to the evolving needs of the Ijaw people.
It further urged stakeholders, including leaders, youths, and affiliated groups, to rally support for the newly elected executives to ensure stability and continuity in the organisation’s programmes.
Analysts view Mulade’s election as a defining moment for the INC, expressing optimism that his leadership in the treasury will contribute to improved transparency and institutional growth.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote unity, development, and responsible leadership across Ijawland, while wishing the new treasurer a productive tenure.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has congratulated High Chief Barr. MacDonald Ebi Igbadiwei on his emergence as President-elect of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) following the April 13, 2026 election held at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
In a statement released on Monday, the National President of IPF, Ozobo Austin, described Igbadiwei’s victory as a significant turning point for the Ijaw nation, noting that the outcome reflects the collective will and aspirations of the people.
According to the Forum, the mandate given to the President-elect goes beyond electoral success, representing a deeper trust reposed in a leader believed to possess a clear understanding of the region’s historical struggles and the pathway to its progress.
“Igbadiwei rises from the very essence of our land. His emergence signals that the right leadership has taken charge at a critical time,” the statement noted, adding that the moment resonates strongly across Ijaw communities.
The IPF highlighted Igbadiwei’s experience, communication skills, and intellectual depth as qualities that position him to steer the affairs of the Ijaw nation effectively. It expressed confidence that his leadership would foster unity, strengthen communal identity, and advance the socio-political and economic interests of the people.
The Forum further urged the President-elect to remain guided by the collective aspirations of the Ijaw people, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership anchored on cultural values and shared responsibility.
Meanwhile, the IPF called on all aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders in the recently concluded election to set aside their differences in the interest of unity and progress. It described the contest as an internal democratic exercise that should not create lasting divisions among Ijaw people.
The Forum stressed that pressing challenges facing the region—including environmental concerns, development deficits, and political representation—require a united and coordinated approach.
It appealed to former contenders to contribute their ideas, experience, and support to the new leadership, noting that collective effort remains essential in advancing the Ijaw cause.
According to the IPF, history will favour those who prioritise the common good over personal ambition, urging all sons and daughters of Ijaw land to rally behind the new INC leadership in building a stronger and more prosperous future for the nation.