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Tag: Delta State

  • Delta govt moves to profile herdsmen over violence against farmers

    Delta govt moves to profile herdsmen over violence against farmers

    The Delta State Government has initiated plans to profile herdsmen and cattle owners operating within the state as part of efforts to curb rising incidents of violence against farmers and foster peaceful coexistence between both groups.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock and Inter-Ethnic Relations, Chief Jeffrey Azagba, disclosed this during a meeting with members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Delta State Chapter.

    Azagba said: “It is worrisome that armed herdsmen are causing havoc in some communities,” Chief Azagba stated.

    “Profiling them will help identify the bad eggs and ensure peace in our communities.”

    He urged the leadership of MACBAN to submit a comprehensive list of their members, emphasizing that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is committed to rooting out any elements undermining his peace and development agenda.

    “Delta State is an agrarian state. We must scale up agricultural production without the fear of insecurity,” Azagba said.

    “Anyone aiding or abetting criminal activities should either relocate or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.”

    In response, the State Secretary of MACBAN, Mustapha Suleiman, expressed gratitude to the government for the initiative.

    He assured that the herdsmen community would fully support and align with the administration’s peace and security agenda.

    “We appreciate the government’s approach and will work hand in hand to ensure a peaceful coexistence,” Suleiman said.

  • Police in Delta nab interstates kidnap syndicate

    Police in Delta nab interstates kidnap syndicate

    The Police Command in Delta says it has apprehended a three-man interstates kidnap syndicate.

    Spokesman of the command, SP Bright Edafe disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Warri.

    Edafe said that the suspects were nabbed on Friday by the operatives of CP – Special Assignment Team (CP – SAT) of the command.

    He said that the police team, based on credible information, trailed the suspected hoodlums to Port Harcourt and effected their arrest.

    Edafe explained that the first arrested suspect, upon interrogation, led the police team to the residence of the coordinator and leader of the syndicate in Port Harcourt.

    According to him, the gang leader coordinates the various syndicates within the South South and SouthEast regions.

    “On May 16, 2025, operatives of the CP – SAT successfully dismantled a notorious interstate kidnap syndicate that had been operating in Delta, Rivers, Imo and Enugu State.

    “The operatives trailed the suspects to Port Harcourt, where they arrested a 21-year-old member of the syndicate in the Elelenwo area of the state.

    “Upon interrogation, the suspect led a police team to the arrest of their gang leader and coordinator at the same area in Port Harcourt.

    “The suspected gang leader coordinates the various syndicates within the South South and South East regions,” Edafe said.

    The command’s spokesman said that further investigation led to the arrest of a 38-year-old suspect in his residence at the Oil Mill area in Port Harcourt.

    He alleged that the suspects spearhead their criminal operations in the Enugu State axis

    Edafe said upon further investigation, the suspects led operatives to a bush on the Ughelli – Ozoro Road where assorted weapons belonging to them were recovered.

    He said that the weapons recovered included: one AK-47 Rifle loaded with 23 rounds of live ammunition and a Pump action gun with seven rounds of live cartridges.

  • Oborevwori building bridges of possibility in Delta – Aniagwu

    Oborevwori building bridges of possibility in Delta – Aniagwu

    The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, on Monday, stated that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is building bridges of possibility connecting communities and laying the foundation for progressive development.

    Speaking during an interview on ADBN Television, Aniagwu noted that Delta State has become a land of bridges not only physical structures but also symbolic connections among its people.

    “We are constructing a significant number of bridges,” he said. “Let me emphasize for the record: these bridges are built to bridge a gap, and that means where there are gaps of connectivity somewhere Oborevwori builds bridges to facilitate human interaction.”

    He described the many physical and social divides that once separated communities, rivers and ravines that forced school children to wait for unstable boats, isolated farmers from the market, and distanced families and friends. But, he added, these divides are now being closed one bridge at a time.

    He cited the Beneku Bridge as a prime example. It now stands firmly over the sacred river that once divided Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East. For years, crossing this river demanded courage and patience as people relied on rickety barges. Today, the bridge has become a unifying symbol no longer are the people separated by water, but connected by shared purpose.

    Further downstream, the Asaba-Ase Bridge is linking Isoko South to Asaba-Ase in Ndokwa East, while the Ayakoromo Bridge in the southern part of the state is being fast-tracked. With its bold design featuring 34-meter spans over the unpredictable River Forcados, it connects Ughelli South to Ayakoromo and neighboring communities in Burutu local government area, ushering in new opportunities for shared development.

    “These are not just bridges,” Aniagwu emphasized. “They are bridges of possibility.”

    In the Trans-Warri Corridor, 19 bridges are being constructed each one a thread in the fabric of regional unity. Each tells a story of vision, governance, and the refusal to let geography determine the destiny of the people.

    In the city of Warri and its environs, flyovers are under construction to reduce traffic congestion at key junctions, including PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, and Enerhen Junction. When completed, commuters will no longer endure endless gridlock, marking a significant shift in urban mobility.

    Aniagwu also highlighted the importance of political alignment with the central government, noting that such alignment has brought Delta State closer to the nation’s key sources of power and resources.

    “We are the number one contributor to Nigeria’s central purse by virtue of our vintage position in oil production,” he said. “Yet for too long, we stood outside the dining room, hungry, while the feast continued inside.”

    Addressing political dynamics in the state, Aniagwu stressed that the existence or strength of a political party does not depend solely on the governor’s affiliation.

    “Even if a party has only two or three members in a particular area, it can still mobilize and grow,” he explained. “From councilorship to chairmanship, House of Assembly to the National Assembly even to the governorship growth is always possible.”

    He dismissed the notion that only the ruling party is functional, stating that political evolution is natural, and individuals have the right to choose their affiliations freely.

    “No political party has been deregistered by INEC,” he said. “New parties can still be formed. Unlike in the military era, where only two parties existed the SDP and NRC today’s democracy encourages diversity.”

    Aniagwu described the current political climate as one of evolution, where some parties gain regional strength—like APGA in the Southeast—while others aim for national reach, like the PDP, APC, and recently, the Labour Party.

    “Tradition doesn’t come from one act,” he added. “It evolves. Over time, what begins as a trend becomes part of the people.”

    He concluded by reaffirming the importance of good governance, not the number of parties.

    “What matters is not how many parties exist, but the direction we are going. If we deliver on governance and earn the people’s trust, that becomes the real measure of political strength.”

  • PDP leaders in Ughelli North visit ex-Chairman Nomuoja, emphasize unity

    PDP leaders in Ughelli North visit ex-Chairman Nomuoja, emphasize unity

    A delegation of prominent leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ughelli North Local Government Area paid a courtesy visit to Pastor Kesiena Nomuoja, the former PDP Chairman of Ughelli North, at his country home in Agbarho.

    The visit emphasised the party’s commitment to promoting unity and solidarity amid ongoing political dynamics in Delta State.

    The delegation included Chief Scott Udu and Hon. Daniel Emaye Daniel, the Acting Chairman of PDP Ughelli North, Madam Rita Agba, Mr. Alex Akporute, Comr. Benedict, the Acting PDP Youth Leader, and Oke Umurhohwo, a respected PDP chieftain in Delta State.

    Their presence highlighted the party’s efforts to strengthen bonds and promote camaraderie among members.

    Speaking about the visit, Oke Umurhohwo praised Pastor Nomuoja’s enduring contributions to the PDP, emphasizing the need for unity at this critical juncture. “Pastor Nomuoja’s leadership and dedication have been a cornerstone for our party in Ughelli North. This visit is evidence of our resolve to remain united and focused on advancing the PDP’s ideals in Delta State,” Umurhohwo stated.

    The visit comes at a time when Delta State’s political landscape is navigating significant challenges, with the PDP striving to maintain its influence and cohesion. The leaders expressed appreciation for Nomuoja’s past efforts and reaffirmed their commitment to building stronger relationships within the party.

    Aderiobor Blessing Ebruphiyor, the Acting Publicity Secretary of PDP Ughelli North, described the visit as a “gesture of goodwill” aimed at reinforcing the party’s unity. “This is a clear demonstration of our collective resolve to work together and uphold the values that define the PDP,” Ebruphiyor noted.

    The courtesy visit signals a proactive step by PDP leaders in Ughelli North to consolidate support and promote harmony as the party navigates the evolving political terrain in Delta State

  • MEASLES/RUBELLA: Delta moves to shield children from deadly diseases(Photos)

    MEASLES/RUBELLA: Delta moves to shield children from deadly diseases(Photos)

    ..as First Lady Flags Off Vaccine Advocacy Rollout

    Delta State Government is not leaving any stone unturned to protect the younger generation, particularly children between nine months and 15 years, against deadly diseases such as measles and rubella.

    To this end, the state government, in partnership with the ‘You Matter Charity Foundation’, the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other donor agencies, flagged off the Measles-Rubella Vaccine (MRV) Advocacy Rollout in the state.

    The event which was flagged off by the wife of the State Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, was held yesterday at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

    Flagging off the MRV advocacy campaign in Asaba, Deaconess Oborevwori said the importance of the advocacy is to increase vaccine access and acceptability, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates, and ensure a reduction in children suffering from measles, rubella and related complications.

    ‘’The MORE Agenda, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is committed to the well-being of all Deltans, ensuring that childhood diseases and child mortality are reduced to the barest minimum through effective immunisation.

    ”Every parent and caregiver must take advantage of these vaccination services provided. It is the right of every child to be vaccinated and safe from vaccine-preventable diseases. The vaccines are safe and effective, save lives and are administered free-of-charge,’’ she said.

    She called on stakeholders to champion the immunisation project in their local government areas, provide the needed logistics and support for the exercise, even as she appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders and other opinion leaders to be at the forefront of the campaign to make the exercise a success.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, noted that measles and rubella are highly infectious, viral diseases transmitted through respiratory droplets, stressing that measles can result in serious complications such as pneumonia and even death.

    The Health Commissioner said the vaccine would curb the morbidity and mortality related to measles and rubella diseases, even as he thanked the state and federal government for ensuring the health security of Deltans.

    He said officials of the state and federal governments would be doing the immunisation across the 441 health centres in the state, just as he dismissed all myths related to vaccine acceptance.

    The ceremony which featured goodwill messages from representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and other partners was attended by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme; members of the State House of Assembly; members of the State Executive Council; and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments.

    Other dignitaries present included the Delta State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Delta, Vice Chairmen of local government councils, wives of local government chairmen, political appointees and other top government functionaries.

  • Delta lawmaker expresses worry over gully erosion affecting constituency

    Delta lawmaker expresses worry over gully erosion affecting constituency

    The member representing Oshimili North in the Delta House of Assembly, Mr Frank Esenwah (APC), has expressed concern over gully erosion ravaging several areas in his constituency, including Igbuzor, Illah, Ogbeozoma and others.

    Esenwah while speaking with journalists in  Asaba on Monday, noted that many residents in the affected areas have been displaced following the devastating impact of the erosion.

    The lawmaker lamented that he had to abandon his personal house that he built over 25  years ago at Illah due to the deep gully erosion ravaging the area.

    “The house I have in Illah, built more than 25 years ago, erosion is eating it up. There is a ravaging gully erosion in that area that can swallow a three-storey building,” he said.

    Esenwah noted that the government was aware of the danger posed by the ecological trends and was taking steps in collaboration with the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP)
    to tackle the gullies.

    “Thankfully, we are now in the mainstream political party. We can see whether we can access more funds to address all these gullies.

    “But above all, we need the media to do more advocacy on the dire need to accord priority to tackling the gullies,” he stated.

    Esenwah gave an assurance of continued impactful representation of the people of Oshimili North in the State House of Assembly.

    He announced plans to roll out various empowerment packages for women, youths, and men in the constituency in June to mark his two years as their representative.

    The lawmaker disclosed that he had co-sponsored some bills aimed at impacting meaningfully on the socio-economic development of the state.

    He also expressed satisfaction with the successes recorded in the State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.

    Esenwah  commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for his administration’s unprecedented performance within two years.

  • Oborevwori hails late Edwin Clark as a national icon, urges Nigerians to emulate his legacy(Photos)

    Oborevwori hails late Edwin Clark as a national icon, urges Nigerians to emulate his legacy(Photos)

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Nigerians from all walks of life to draw inspiration from the life and legacy of the late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, describing him as a “patriotic leader” and “the conscience of the Nigerian nation.”

    Speaking during a memorial lecture and tribute held in honour of the late statesman at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Isaac Wilkie, paid glowing tribute to Chief Clark, whom he described as a “national icon of integrity and courage.”

    According to the governor, “Pa Clark was a towering figure revered across Nigeria for his steadfast commitment to justice, fairness, and national unity.

    “Chief Edwin Clark was bold and courageous, always standing for what was right and just”.

    “His voice was a moral compass in times of uncertainty. His life remains an enduring example to all Nigerians, especially the younger generation. He lived for service, not self, and his legacy of uprightness, patriotism, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

    Governor Oborevwori further emphasized that the late elder statesman’s contributions to national development and his unwavering advocacy for equity made him one of the most respected voices in the country.

    “He rendered selfless service to the people and will be sorely missed, not just in Delta State, but across Nigeria,” he added.

  • Why Delta ranks highest in oil production — Aniagwu

    Why Delta ranks highest in oil production — Aniagwu

    The Delta State Government has said it has consistently taken strategic steps over the years to boost national revenue by ensuring peace and development in oil-producing communities across the state.

    The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, stated this during an interview on Channels TV Politics Today on Friday night.

    Aniagwu, responding to comments made by a Delta APC stalwart, Collins Eselemo, emphasized that Delta State could not have emerged as the country’s highest oil-producing state without investing in the peace and development of its oil-producing communities.

    According to Aniagwu, “Governor Oborevwori has brought significant development to our state”.

    “Former Governor Okowa did not commission the Ogulaha-Okonti-Odimodi Road, as claimed. However, Okowa did construct and inaugurate the 20.29km Obotobo I, Obotobo II, Sokebulou, and Yokiri roads in Ogulagha, Burutu Local Government Area.

    “Eselemo fails to understand that the people living in the creeks have homes there. They own vehicles and need accessible roads. One of the key reasons we have not experienced significant pipeline vandalism in Delta is because we extended development to the creeks, where most of the oil is extracted.

    “Previously, they would tell the people that development was only on paper, confined to pipeline areas. But instead of keeping development in the pipeline, the Delta State Government starting with the Okowa administration and now deepened by Governor Oborevwori took development directly to the people.

    “Eselemo questions the economic importance of developing the creeks, but that is precisely why Delta is a leading oil-producing state because our brothers and sisters in the creeks have been empowered and included.

    “He is asking why we develop those areas. It’s a shameful question. Imagine how shallow his reasoning is, especially coming from someone who is himself from the creeks.”

    The Commissioner also mentioned that Governor Oborevwori’s leadership facilitated the defection of former PDP members in the state to the APC in order to drive further development.

    “We joined the APC with the intention of broadening the spectrum of development in Delta. We have extended a hand of partnership to our brothers and sisters we met in the APC. Naturally, not everyone will be on the same page from day one, but with time, full integration will happen.

    “Talking about developments in Eselemo’s local government area, we have completed all road projects in Burutu Town. The Ayakoromo Bridge is under construction, and work is ongoing on the Ogulaha-Okonti-Odimodi Road.

    “We are also building the 47-kilometer Ohoror-Bomadi road, and Eselemo is fully aware of this. If he wants to talk about development, I am more than willing to engage him.”

    Responding to Eselemo’s claim that the Julius Berger bridges in Effurun and Warri are within a 400-meter stretch, Aniagwu dismissed the allegation as false and misleading.

    “He claimed that the bridges being constructed in Effurun and Warri are only 400 meters apart. That’s not true. One of the bridges alone exceeds 400 meters in length and we are building three.

    “Let him tell you whether the Enerhen Junction is just 400 meters from the DSC Roundabout. Let him say if PTI Junction is just 400 meters from Enerhen Junction, or from the DSC Roundabout. Clearly, he is not telling the truth.

    “And it’s not just bridges we are building, we are also expanding the corridor. Everyone who travels through that corridor has commended Governor Oborevwori for his commitment to infrastructure.

    “So I want to know what exactly my brother Collins is unhappy about. Is it our move to the APC or the state’s infrastructural progress? That needs to be clarified.

    “Collins used to be more coherent in his arguments than what I witnessed tonight. Responding to the issues he raised is difficult because even he doesn’t seem to know what exactly his problem is with our move to the APC.”

    On allegations that the state owes over N400 billion, Aniagwu debunked the claim, describing it as false and completely detached from reality.

    “No one is owing N400 billion. Since Governor Oborevwori assumed office, he has not borrowed a single dime.

    “In fact, he has repaid over N280 billion in loans and contractual obligations, many of which were inherited from the previous administration and tied to bridging finance.

    “So I really don’t understand where Eselemo stands. He is moving from one argument to another without any consistency or clarity.

    “I thought he wanted to discuss our defection to the APC. But instead, he started attacking even the APC’s spokesperson, which left me puzzled about what interests or tendencies he represents.

    “Perhaps he thought he would come here, spread falsehoods, paint distorted pictures, and go unchecked. But that won’t happen.

    “Beyond that, I want to emphasize that we are making tangible progress in Delta and we are moving forward.

    “You heard the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. He acknowledged that everyone has come together. The APC leaders we met have all welcomed the move.

    “So I really need to understand the angle my brother Collins Eselemo is coming from. It’s obvious he is disorganized in his arguments tonight, and that is quite unfortunate.

    “I hope, after this interview, he reflects on his position. Right now, he is jumping from one point to another without addressing the very issues he raised.”

  • Urhobo Foundation unveils 25 years master plan to catapult nation into an industrial hub

    Urhobo Foundation unveils 25 years master plan to catapult nation into an industrial hub

    *Expansion of Aladja Steel Company

    *Turning Usubi into an international airport with maintenance centre

    *Urhobo language academy

    *Launched Partners for Sustainable development (PSD) and Technical Working Groups(TWGs)

    *Revitalisation of Urhobo culture, others

    The Urhobo Foundation has unveiled a 25-year master plan to catapult the Urhobo Nation into an industrial hub of international level by 2050.

    This positive development was brought to light by the Urhobo Foundation,an intellectual forum generating economic and sociocultural ideas for developing human and environmental assets in Urhobo Land when it successfully convened a landmark Global Webinar themed “Advancing Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Urhoboland:

    ‘ Strategies for 2030 and Beyond”, bringing together a distinguished panel of thought leaders, professionals, government representatives, and Urhobo stakeholders worldwide.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG ) reports this was contained in a communique signed by the conveners, Dr. Benson Uwheru, Prince. Randolph Eruma Gborie Secretary, Organizing Committee Chairman, Organizing Committee
    Urhobo Foundation.

    The webinar focused on galvanizing collective action towards the effective implementation of the Urhobo Nation 25-Year Development Master Plan, a people-centered framework rooted in the vision of an industrialized, prosperous, and inclusive Urhobo Nation.

    READ major outcomes below:

    Key Outcomes and Resolutions include: 1. Launch of the Partners for Sustainable Development (PSD) Platform .

    The Urhobo Foundation will establish a PSD platform to serve as the primary coordinating mechanism for the implementation of the 25Year Development Master Plan.

    2. Formation of Technical Working Groups (TWGs)

    Sector-specific TWGs will be constituted for each of the 14 strategic target areas to develop detailed action plans, performance indicators, and resource frameworks.

    3. Urhobo Development Fund
     All Urhobo Sons and Daughters have been encouraged to contribute towards creating a dedicated Urhobo Development Fund to catalyze strategic investments.

    4. Federal Government and Infrastructure Revitalization
     Distinguished government officials, legislators and patriotic Urhobo Sons & Daughters are encouraged to demonstrate commitment and work collaboratively to:
    i. Reactivate the Delta Steel Company in Aladja.

    ii. Revive the Sapele Port to boost trade and logistics in the region.

    iii. Extend the Osubi Airport runway and develop export hub facilities in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Aviation. iv. The Osubi Airport should be upgraded to an aerotropolis- international airport and should include hosting a 5-Star airport hotel, aircraft maintenance hangars for D-checks, Agric Export Terminal, International Conference Centre, Golf Course, Film Village – a metropolitan hub that will be a springboard for the development of the Urhobo nation

    5. Cultural Revitalization Initiatives
    A key resolution was the establishment of an Urhobo Language and Cultural Academy to be facilitated through the Urhobo Foundation.

    A passionate and consistent campaign to promote the Urhobo language and culture for primary and secondary schools including tertiary institutions is encouraged.

    6. Diaspora Engagement and Youth Development

    The creation of a Diaspora–Homeland Youth Network to facilitate the transfer of skills, knowledge, and experiences between global Urhobo youths and local communities is encouraged.

    7. Entrepreneurship and Access to Capital
     The Urhobo Nation should partner with DFIs such as Bank of Industry (BOI) to:
    i. Design investment vehicles for development projects.

    ii. Provide awareness and access to SME funding opportunities.
    8. Local Economic Development
    Emphasis was placed on launching cottage industry initiatives across Urhobo villages to enhance local food processing, craft production, and job creation.

    9. Blended Finance Strategy
     A blended finance structure should be developed to leverage public and private capital, including Federal Government grants and donor funding.

    10. Youth Engagement and Social Rebuilding
    § The Foundation should consider convening youth town halls to address moral, social, and economic issues.
    § Continuous engagement of Urhobo Clubs and Associations is encouraged as the implementation of the plan takes primacy.
    11. Policy Advocacy and Lobbying
     A dedicated lobbying arm will be established to engage government institutions, donor agencies, and multilaterals for policy support and funding.

    12. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
    A robust M&E framework will be developed to track implementation progress across all 14 target areas.

    Success stories and case studies from past Urhobo development initiatives will be documented.

    13. Strategic Communication and Collaboration Tools

    Digital platforms will be created to coordinate volunteer activities under each strategic pillar and target area.

    The planning committee will compile and circulate the full list of webinar attendees with their roles and interests.

    14. Next Webinar and Progress Review

    The next progress webinar will be scheduled by the Team, where pillar leads will present reports and updates.

    15. Knowledge Management and Archiving

    The Foundation will publish a documentation of the 25-Year Master Plan and the webinar proceedings for institutional memory and global dissemination.

    16. Next Steps
    Immediate establishment of the PSD platform and activation of TWGs (June 2025)

    Compilation of attendee list and WhatsApp group setup (May 2025)

    First Progress Webinar and Reporting (Q4 2025)

    Conclusion
    The Global Webinar marks a transformative milestone in Urhobo history. It reinforced the urgency of collective ownership, collaboration, and commitment to a shared vision of prosperity and dignity for all Urhobos.

    The Urhobo Foundation remains steadfast in its role as a catalyst for coordination, accountability, and excellence.

    Urhobo Ovuovo!
    Unity is Strength.

  • Delta’s shift to APC anchored on governance, not politics – Aniagwu

    Delta’s shift to APC anchored on governance, not politics – Aniagwu

    The Delta State Government has again defended the recent political realignment that saw key members of the administration, including lawmakers and political appointees, defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a strategic move in the best interest of governance and development in the state.

    Speaking on Politcal Update on NTA International, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, explained that the defection, though unprecedented, followed wide consultation and a collective decision among stakeholders across the state.

    “We have examined a whole lot of issues around the need for us to take the decision that we took and we are quite convinced that the decision is in the best interest of the development of our state.”

    He dismissed notions that the movement was borne out of weakness, saying the PDP was still strong in Delta when the decision to move was taken.

    However, he pointed to what he described as “intractable challenges” at the PDP national level as part of the motivation for the shift.

    “While the PDP gave us a platform for over 26 years to drive development, the inability of the party to reposition itself as a viable opposition capable of competing politically became worrying,” he said.

    Aniagwu likened the situation to a medical scenario where a blood transfusion is required to preserve life, emphasizing that while political identity had long been rooted in the PDP, the change was necessary to maintain governance vitality.

    Addressing criticism from some members of the APC over the influx of former PDP members, the Commissioner referenced the party’s 2014 merger history, calling for internal unity.

    “We are not here to take over the APC but to strengthen it. The party becomes stronger when new forces align with existing structures,” he said.

    “We acknowledge that some persons may feel displaced, but it is all part of the political evolution.”

    He further noted that many key stalwarts of the APC remain supportive of the governor’s decision and have thrown their weight behind the movement.

    Aniagwu assured Deltans that governance had not taken a backseat due to the political changes.

    He highlighted Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s recent inspection of projects across all senatorial districts as proof that development remains the administration’s priority.

    “In the end, politics is only a vehicle. What truly matters is what we do with power when we have it. And for us, it is about delivering infrastructure, empowering our people, and linking up with the federal government to attract greater benefits for our state.”

    On the perception that the leadership of the party is now tilted towards the new entrants, Aniagwu stressed inclusivity and reconciliation.

    “If you pour milk into a bowl of palp, you must stir to have the right mix, We are currently in the stirring phase. The milk has been poured into the cup, but it must be stirred so every part tastes right. That’s what we are doing achieving a smooth blend.”

    He concluded by reiterating that consultations were extensive before the move, and engagements with the grassroots and APC faithful are ongoing to ensure a seamless integration process.