TheNewsGuru

Tag: Delta State

  • Oborevwori mourns Gen. Paul Omu

    Oborevwori mourns Gen. Paul Omu

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of elder statesman and retired military officer, General Paul Ufuoma Omu, describing his death as a significant loss to both Delta State and the nation.

    In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, on Wednesday, Governor Oborevwori praised the late General Omu as a patriotic Nigerian, a distinguished military officer, and a respected community leader who served with honour and integrity.

    The Governor extended his heart- felt condolences to General Omu’s immediate family, the Igbide Kingdom, and the Isoko nation, noting that his contributions to national unity, particularly during his tenure as Military Governor of the defunct South-Eastern State and through various national assignments remained etched in Nigeria’s history.

    “General Paul Omu was a man of impeccable character, discipline, and wisdom. His leadership and mentorship positively impacted many lives within and beyond Delta State,” the Governor said.

    He added, “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with his beloved wife, Senator Stella Omu, the Omu family of Igbide Kingdom, and the Isoko nation.

    “While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life dedicated to the service of God, country, and humanity.”

    Governor Oborevwori urged the Omu family, the people of Igbide Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area, and all Deltans to find comfort in the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice left behind by the late General.

    He prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.

  • Warri wards delineation: Ijaw, Urhobo leaders call for thorough probe of arms smuggling involving ‘British Army Officer’, others

    Warri wards delineation: Ijaw, Urhobo leaders call for thorough probe of arms smuggling involving ‘British Army Officer’, others

    Leaders of Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri, Delta State , on Wednesday, jointly called on the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) as well as the office of the National Security Adviser, to ensure transparent investigation into the arrest of persons, including a serving British Army Officer for illegally bringing in arms to instigate unrest in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State.

    Addressing a joint press conference in Warri, the leaders alleged that the attempt to smuggle weapons was part of a plot to disrupt the Supreme Court-mandated process of redrawing electoral wards and polling units.

    The press statement, read by Olorogun Victor Okumagba and supported by Hon. Denbo-Denbofa Oweikpodor, was signed by prominent ethnic leaders, including Comrade Sheriff Mulade, Hon. (Chief) Arthur Akpodubakaye, Joel Bisina, Comrade Emmanuel Igetei (Urhobo), Chief John Eranvor, Hon. Mark Ikpuri, and Chief Westham Adehor.

    They pointed out that a traditional ruler from Warri Federal Constituency and his close aides are allegedly involved in this arms conspiracy, and that these individuals have yet to deny their involvement despite several days passing.

    The leaders maintained that the Ijaw and Urhobo communities in Warri are primary targets of those behind the arms stockpiling, which they view as an attempt to destabilize Warri.

    They claimed  that the plot to smuggle arms into Warri was a move to truncate the Supreme Court ordered fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units.

    “We therefore, commend the proactive efforts of the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) and sister security forces that carried out the covet operations leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.

    “The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri call for detailed investigation and prosecution of the those behind this act of terrorism, irrespective of the position and class of the persons involved. We demand that, under no circumstances should this matter be swept under the carpet considering its grave implications on regional and national security.

    “The office of the National Security Adviser is called upon to be transparent in the investigation and prosecution of the culprits. We demand that the Nigerian people, especially the people and residents of Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State deserve to have an official reaction from the government of Nigeria on the issue of illegal stockpiling of arms to instigate crisis in Warri.

    The leaders who were drawn from Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West Local Government Areas of the state, stated that the press conference was in reaction to the report of the fieldwork on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units as ordered by the Supreme Court and recent report of threat to peace and security arising from the fresh delineation.

    They commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the steps taken so far towards complying with the Supreme Court order on fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units.

    They frown at alleged attempts by Itsekiri ethnic nationality to frustrate the implementation of the Supreme Court order, maintaining that INEC has demonstrated its commitment and respect for the rule of law by taking necessary steps to comply with the Supreme Court order.

    “We further note that, the report of the fieldwork by INEC confirms the obvious fact on ground, which is that, the Ijaws constitute the majority population in Warri North and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, while the Urhobos constitute the majority population in Warri South Local Government Area. We commend INEC for standing by the truth and justice”.

    They called on INEC to complete the process of the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency and release its final decision without further delay.

    “It is the position of the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri that, there should not be any electoral activity including registration of voters in the Warri Federal Constituency without completion of the fresh delineation as ordered by the Supreme Court. Our position is predicated on the ground that, without completion of the fresh delineation exercise, there are no existing electoral wards and polling units upon which any electoral activity can be predicated upon, including registration of voters.

    On the call by Itsekiri for the use of voters register for the fresh delineation exercise, the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri noted that the register of voters which existed before the Supreme Court ordered fresh delineation ought to be used as a basis to carry out the fresh delineation.

    “We equivocally oppose the agitation for the use of non-existent register of voters as basis to carry out the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. The agitation is against the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Electoral Act, 2022, the INEC Guidelines dated the 21st day of March, 2024 and the essence of the fieldwork on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units.

    “The primary consideration for the delineation of electoral wards and polling units is the population quota/number of inhabitants and other physical consideration of the areas concerned.

    “Furthermore, it is our position that, based on the Supreme Court order on fresh delineation of wards and polling units, there is no longer any existing register of voters in the Warri Federal Constituency upon which any activity can be predicated upon.

    “We therefore urge INEC to stick to the law and its Guidelines and not to succumb to the Itsekiri blackmail and misleading agitations to rely on register of voters. The field work carried out by INEC and other existing public records clearly revealed the majority population status of the Ijaws and Urhobos in Warri North, Warri South West and Warri South LGAs respectively.

    “Furthermore, the register of voters was not one of the items considered during the field work on the fresh delineation. Also, the Itsekiris have not complained that any of their communities or settlements was omitted in the report of the fieldwork presented by INEC. It therefore means that, the Itsekiri voter register based agitation against the INEC field work report is baseless and lacks any legal foundation.

    They further alleged attempts by the Itsekiris to blackmail INEC to carry out the delineation on their terms and trying to instigate crisis in Warri, claiming that attempt to disrupt oil and gas operations in some parts of Delta State, persistent media attacks on INEC and instigating some Yoruba Groups to issue reckless press statements were moves to blackmail the electoral umpire.

    They urged the Federal Government to consider the attempt to disrupt oil and gas operations as a result of compliance with the order of the Supreme Court as an act of terrorism and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    “We state that, Nigeria is not a Banana Republic where the orders of the Supreme Court would be obeyed at the pleasure and on the conditions of an ethnic group. All persons and authorities including the Federal Government is bound by the orders of the Supreme Court on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units.

    “Therefore, any attempt to frustrate the implementation of the judgment by attempting to attack national assets should be regarded as a threat to national security and the perpetrators brought to justice.

    “We condemn the reckless statement issued by some purported Pan Yoruba Groups where they threatened the peace and security of the Niger Delta region as a result of the Supreme Court ordered delineation. We are aware that all these threats are the desperate actions of some Itsekiri leaders and should be ignored by the government.

    “We also call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu not to allow its office to be blackmailed by the Itsekiris in their desperate attempt to truncate the Supreme Court ordered delineation. Any attempt to frustrate the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on the fresh delineation is a direct invitation to anarchy by whoever that is involved. The Presidency must distant itself from any such act and allow INEC to carry out its functions in line with section 160 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as an independent agency of the federal government.

    “The Federal Government should be reminded that the relocation of the Headquarters of Warri South West Local Government Area from Ogbe-Ijoh to Ogidigben, which was instigated by the Itsekiris led to the fratricidal war in Warri from 1997 to 2003 which snowballed into the Niger Delta crisis. Therefore, we warn against any attempt to change the Ijaw and Urhobo majority status in Warri North, Warri South West and Warri South Local Government Areas, respectively as revealed by the INEC report of its field work on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units”, they warned.

  • Team Siakpere for Oborevwori celebrates move to APC

    Team Siakpere for Oborevwori celebrates move to APC

    In a major political realignment in Delta State, the influential support group Team Siakpere for Oborevwori, has officially announced its defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a desire to align with “progressive ideals” and contribute more robustly to the state’s future.

    Led by prominent lawyer, political strategist and international businessman, Barr. John Siakpere, the group was a key mobilization force for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori during his 2023 gubernatorial campaign under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    At a well-attended defection ceremony in Asaba, Siakpere who spoke through Dr Stephen Richards, Senior Special Assistant – Diaspora to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, said that the move to APC was driven by “a commitment to the larger interest of Deltans” and a belief that the ruling party at the federal level now represents the “best vehicle for development, stability, and prosperity” in the state.

    “We supported Oborevwori because we believed in his M.O.R.E agenda. However, political realities evolve, and so must we,” Siakpere said.

    “We can see what is happening right now and what is going on around. At the moment, what you can actually see in life that is constant, is change and when you refuse to change, change will eventually change you.

    “For the government, we can see what Governor Oborevwori is doing. He has been a seasoned politician and he has been on it for a very long time.

    “We saw what is going on right now and when you see what he is doing, he is practical, he is talking and doing whatever he says and everybody can testify to what he is doing.

    “So at this time, we are projecting into the future and see where we are going and the only way to take us to the destination is nothing but the switch which he has done and we are very happy about it.

    “We have now chosen to join hands with the APC to ensure that Delta State remains competitive and that our people enjoy the dividends of democracy.”

    Political analysts suggest that Team Siakpere’s move could shift local dynamics ahead of upcoming local government and state assembly elections, as the group commands significant grassroots support across several local governments, especially within Delta Central Senatorial District.

    As the 2027 election season begins to take shape, observers say that Team Siakpere’s realignment may be just the first of several high-profile moves that could reshape the political landscape of Delta State.

  • Ughelli/Udu Constituency Forum Backs Oborevwori’s Defection To APC

    Ughelli/Udu Constituency Forum Backs Oborevwori’s Defection To APC

    The Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency Forum has expressed strong support for the defection of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a bold and visionary step with great potential for the people of Delta State.

    Governor Oborevwori, along with the entire Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in Delta State, officially joined the APC on Monday, marking a new chapter in the state’s political landscape.

    Chairman of the Forum, Olorogun John Oguma, declared the Forum’s unwavering support for the governor’s political realignment, calling it a strategic move that promises increased developmental opportunities for Deltans.

    “This is a courageous and calculated decision by our Governor. It goes beyond party politics—it’s about delivering greater value and unlocking new possibilities for our people. We believe this defection will open more doors for federal support and foster better synergy in governance,” Oguma stated.

    He further assured that the Forum would continue to back the governor, expressing confidence in his ability to fulfill his promises under the new political platform.

    “Our Forum is fully committed to supporting him. We urge all sons and daughters of the constituency to remain united during this new phase of our political journey. Our shared goal remains the development, peace, and prosperity of all Deltans,” he added.

    Oguma also called on the people of Delta State to continue supporting the governor’s MORE agenda, emphasizing that it remains active and will only be enhanced under the new political alignment.

  • Bola Tinubu got the Nigerian state captured long before the Delta State tsunami – By Godwin Etakibuebu

    Bola Tinubu got the Nigerian state captured long before the Delta State tsunami – By Godwin Etakibuebu

    The political Tsunami really broke out in Delta State on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, when the Executive Governor of that Oil rich State, Sheriff Oborevwori, collapsed every structure of his Political Party – the People Democratic Party [PDP], in the State, and defected into the ruling All Progressive Congress [APC].

    This was just one of the gays of deflection of top members of other political parties in Nigeria into the APC, in recent times. Except that, and this is the cliché, the movement of a political party structure – totality of the whole structure, with all executives, all elected members, and every member of the Party, including the immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Arthor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was included in the movement, was first of its type in the annals of Nigeria’s history.

    It probably would have been the reason of such “total package” that the “crossing over” was likened to Tsunami. And Political Tsunami it was indeed. 

    And there is no way one can balance the equation of the calculation without paying tribute to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria  – Ahmed Bola Tinubu, a man who is technically vast, politically speaking, in the game of self-preservation and political manipulations. 

    Going through his political historical trajectory, with full concentration on his life voyage to the present time, one cannot but admire the man in his mastery of political shrewdness. The man prepared every bit of his life steps with enough technic for future coverage and escape. 

    The man [Bola Tinubu] knew that the future route for those anticipating greatness could be laid with thorns. Ipso facto, he started the creation of machinery that could deal effectively with thorns even before he started any of his life journey.

    Check the man’s journey records, through schools he claimed to have attended in Nigeria and abroad; cross over to checking all his school certifications, and even too little things about his life, you would be professionally comfortable to award him “an Order of Merit” in organisational efficiency,

    Before coming to the present, let us take a cursory look at the man’s times, starting from his contesting to becoming a Senator of the Federal Republic. It was not a free movement for him, as some top Lagos citizens laid barrage of complaints against him. Time shall not permit me to go into the details of those stumbling blocks, yet the man won. Suffice to say that he started the display of detailed ingenuity of pollical manoeuvring from that point.

    The tedious road, again laid with thorns, of severe and most damaging petitions, which he passed through to win Lagos State governorship seat, and governing for two tenures, in spite of the endangered opposition he got from Olusegun Obasanjo – then President of Nigeria, are historically documented for everyone to read.

    We equally saw his unique style that extends beyond just governing, but style that created the Rule of Occupying to Conquer. Or didn’t we all see that creation?

    Coming to the present. We saw how Bola Tinubu, at the beginning of his campaign as an Aspirant, dared all odds to overcome all the atrocious studs placed on his journey to his Political Party’ Presidential Primary. These odds included his total rejection by the then Nigerian President and leader of his Political Party [APC], Muhammadu Buhari, and as well as the introduction of that poetic theory of “Emi lo kan” meaning “it is my turn” in English language. 

    Having won his Political Party Presidential Primary Tinubu adopted different types of novelties throughout the campaign until he was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission at 2200 hours – considered to be night declaration. But what did that matter to the Jagaban of Borgu?

    Yes, we must admit that it was the votes from Rivers State that gave him the sail-through to the Presidential Villa. And let it be liberally accepted that the acrimony that rose between the Presidential candidate of the PDP – Atiku Abubakar, and  Governor Nyesom Wike, of Rivers State then, that caused the latter to work against the former, did not emanate from Bola Tinubu, but he [Bola Tinubu] was wise and shrewd enough to know how to bring Governor Wike to his side for a future bargain.

    And that was where the non-existence of PDP – as it so remains today, including a State’s total political structure comprehensively defecting into the APC, started from. Of course, President Bola Tinubu, in his perfected game of conquering, knew what it cost Nysom Wike to acquire the votes of Rivers people and their money to turn the tide of victory to his favour. He knew that it was time of paying whatever the cost of retaining Wike on his side until after the General Election of 2027 – God’s willing.

    And because the President is a great rewarder of those that come into fraternity with him, Wike has been accommodated fully – if not over accommodated, and fully paid for too. Please, understand that payment can be through cash or kind.

    We are still decoding how Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepared the ground for today’s Nigerian conquest long before Delta State’s Tsunami of defection to the All Progress Congress. We have been able to navigate the journey from the time of his Political Party Presidential Primary, unto the General Election he won.

    Then, let us look at few other things the man [Tinubu] was able to put in place before even being sworn-in, as President, on May 29, 2023. Pay deep attention to a few things l shall be pointing out here, for you to appreciate the in-depth preparation of our president.

    Take a memory lane journey back to Lagos State when Bola Tinubu was the Governor, you will be able to compute the fact – that is if you are an “initiated Nigerian”, the first thing Bola Tinubu did when he became governor of Lagos State was to offer the State Judiciary “a worm compromised synergy”.  

    And he quickly compromised the State’s Legislature – that Legislature could not come out of his pocket throughout the Eight-Year-Tenure the man spent in office, as Lagos State Governor. Even today, over 20 years after – with Speaker Mudashiru Obasa octopus’ authority in Lagos State, you can confirm whose power of influence Obasa is wielding. Bola Tinubu did not waste time in transferring this advantageous asset to Abuja, as President of Nigeria.

    How many Nigerians cared to look at the details in the formation of the Nigerian 10th National Assembly. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu singlehandedly picked every member of the National Assembly’s leadership – from the President of the Senate, who doubles as the President of the National Assembly to every other member of leadership.

    While picking them – the leadership, did President Tinubu go for the “holy ones”? Why should he? And why did he not look at credibility of accountability and transparency in those who chose to lead the National Assembly so that we can have a credible and transparent National Assembly? 

    Are you still waiting for The Guru to provide answers to the above questions? Don’t try please, because that would be a futile wait in perpetuity.

    Another thing, maybe the last l should be posting in this exercise, is that President Bola Tinubu had no tolerance for his Deputy [Governor] when he was governor of Lagos State. Suffice to warn therefore that it shall be in vain to expect him to have dignity and honour for his Vice-President for now, as a President. It is not just in his character.

    Permit me to bring this Ship, returning from a very serious voyage of discovery to anchorage. 

    The Guru expects some accolade for the Sea Captain of this mighty Double Hull Oceangoing Vessel, for bringing us the fact that Bola Tinubu foundation of capturing Nigeria was long laid before Delta State entire political structure sailed form PDP harbour to the Port of APC.

  • Senator Ewherido: The man who saw tomorrow

    Senator Ewherido: The man who saw tomorrow

    The late Senator Akpor Pius Ewherido, you recall, was the only Democratic People’s Party (DPP) Senator in the Senate from 2011 until June 30, 2013, when he died.

    He had left the People’s Democratic Party for DPP due to political differences. He was grateful to the DPP that gave him the platform to go to the senate, but he was restless. The DPP was only strong in Delta State.

    He had two dreams which he shared with me. One, he said the DPP, as it were, could not make Delta State a strong force in national affairs. He said that a bigger platform was needed to achieve that. He was misconstrued, but he was not deterred. He was a man of vision and fundamental conviction who pursued whatever he believed in with utmost vigour.  Two, he wanted APC to produce the governor of Delta State

    Meanwhile, a lot was happening in DPP. It culminated in a national convention in Abuja. The main issue was the way forward for the party. The leaders of DPP could not come to a consensus on the way forward. Politics is a game of interests. They agreed to pursue their various interests. Sen. Ewherido, Chief Olisaemeka Akamukali, who was the National Vice Chairman, Dr. Iyke Odikpo, Chief Adelabu Bodjor, Chief Achibuogu and some other leaders and members of DPP joined the coalition from where APC emerged.

    The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria People’s Party(ANPP) and the nPDP, a faction of PDP, were apparently the bigger partners, but there was a faction of APGA led by Chief Rochas Okorocha and a faction of DPP, led by Sen. Akpor Pius Ewherido, which came together to form the APC on February 6, 2013.

    Before APC was formed as a party in February 2013, many meetings took place in Abuja among leaders of the various parties. Ewherido and Akamukali were mainly in Abuja representing the DPP faction, while other leaders were also working in Delta State since all politics is local.

    I remember my brother coming home every weekend from Abuja for consultations and meetings with leaders and followers of the group. He also held meetings/consultations with members of the other political parties in the emerging APC. I remember vividly the meeting he had with the late Chief Adolor Okotie-Eboh, at Ewhu, our hometown in Delta State. He also met in London with Hon. Temi Harriman who incidentally was in London.

    Everything was going on smoothly until June 30, 2013, when tragedy struck. My brother died. A month after he died, APC received approval from the Independent National Electoral Commission on 31th July 2013 to become a political party.

    My brother was buried on July 19, 2013. Shortly after my brother’s burial, Chief Adelabu Bodjor led a three-man team that included Hon. Edewor Omonemu, a former commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Delta State, and the late, Chief Henry Olori on a condolence visit/consultative meeting with the Sen. Ewherido’s siblings in our home town, Ewhu.

    After another round of expression of condolences over his death, the delegation reminded us that our late brother had put in so much efforts and resources into the efforts to form APC and it should not be allowed to go to waste.

    He was the leader of the DPP faction and DPP was the dominant party in the new APC in Delta State. Then the delegation asked the critical question, the main reason for the visit. They wanted to know if any of us (siblings) was willing to take over the leadership of the group.

    The response was a unanimous “NO.” “We just want to be left alone to mourn our brother,” we responded. Then they asked if they had the permission of the family to look for someone to take over the leadership of the group. We freely gave them the go ahead. Let me just add that the issue with the group was not really about leadership because they had people with the leadership capacity to lead the group.

    Funding the group at that time was capital-intensive and needed a new financier, someone with a deep pocket. They left after our meeting. A few days later, Hon. Omonemu briefed us that he was sent to Lagos by Chief Bodjor and others to invite Olorogun Otega Emerhor to lead the faction DPP in the APC.

    Please note that Olorogun Emerhor was one of the financiers and a leader of DPP prior to the Abuja meeting where it was agreed that everybody should pursue their different political interests, but he did not follow the DPP faction into the coalition that gave birth to APC. When Omonemu came back from Lagos, he briefed us (my siblings and I) of the result of his meeting with Olorogun

    Emerhor. It was positive. Emerhor took over the leadership of the group and funded it. Subsequently, it was easy for him to become the APC leader in Delta State because the DPP faction was the dominant group. There were initial squabbles and opposition from the other parties, but he triumphed.

    Emerhor was the governorship candidate of the APC in the 2015 election, but lost to the PDP governorship candidate. But the APC won the presidential election. In Buhari’s eight years as president, the Delta State APC had Olorogun Festus Keyamo as a minister and other members of APC held various positions at the federal level. When HE Ovie Omo-Agege moved from the Labour Party to the APC, he became an APC senator.

    The icing on the cake was when he emerged the Deputy President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2019, which was possible because he was now in a big party, the APC. His position put Delta State further in the national scheme of things. Currently, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, occupies an omnibus and critical Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

    This is in addition to other vital positions occupied by APC members at the federal level. All the three Delta State senators are APC. Consequently, I say boldly that part of my brother’s dream to make Delta State APC to be at the centre of scheme of affairs in Nigeria has been achieved.

    His second wish was for APC to govern Delta State. He was confident it could be achieved in 2015. But he could not oversee that because he died in 2013. Sometimes when people die, their dreams also die with them or they are delayed.

    Last week, the governor of Delta State, his executive, the legislators, local government chairmen, etc., resigned from PDP. They officially moved to APC on Monday, April 28, 2025. Ten years after Sen Ewherido anticipated Delta State would become an APC state and almost 12 years after he died, he dreams have been realized.

    “The war was won without firing a bullet,” figuratively speaking (there was no election). When you start a cup final, you hope to win within the regulation time. But sometimes African Nations Cup (1992 and 2015) and World Cups (1990, 2006, 2014 and 2018) are won via penalties. Even normal matches can be won via penalties. What history records in brief is which country won the world cup and Nations Cup.

    HE Sheriff Obrorevwori, congratulations on becoming the first APC governor of Delta State. Your friend, Pius Ewherido, would be very happy where he is. Your friendship dated back to the early 90s when you were “happening young men” in the Effurun-Warri axis. You went your separate ways politically at some point when he moved to DPP.

    But today you are the leader of a party where he was a national founding father and the arrowhead in Delta State. My message to you is that he wanted Delta State to be great. That was why he joined the coalition that metamorphosed into APC. I was in Delta State earlier in the year. I went around to assess your performance. I was happy with what I saw, but there is still a lot to be done. As I once told you privately when I had the opportunity, “serve our people (Deltans) well.” I am saying it publicly, Your Excellency, serve our people well o! Welcome to APC.

     

    Francis Ewherido is a brother to the late Sen. Akpor Pius Ewherido, one of the national founding fathers of APC

  • Oborevwori, Delta PDP’s move to APC, a political tsunami – Tinubu

    Oborevwori, Delta PDP’s move to APC, a political tsunami – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu has described the mass movement of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori and the entire Delta chapter of the People Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a political tsunami.

    The president made the observation in Asaba, Delta capital at a formal ceremony organised to receive Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori and other PDP stalwarts to the APC on Monday.

    Represented by Vice President, Kassim Shettima, the president said that no testimony could be greater than such a political movement from one political party to another in the history of Nigeria than what happened today.

    According to Tinubu, today’s movement is a political tsunami of unimaginable proportion that has ever happened in the south south subregion and in the history of Nigeria.

    “A tsunami of this proportion has never happened before , for all the members of the National Assembly, the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly, the governor, his cabinet, 25 Local Government Council Chairmen, 500 councillors are now members of the APC,” he said.

    He said that there was no other testimony that what had happened today which has vindicated the APC from those armchair critics of the party.

    Tinubu said that today was a historic day to  celebrate the enduring promises of the APC and a tribute to the courage and the foresight of those that have taken a stand with the APC to build a better country for all.

    He paid a special tribute to the immediate past Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for the relationship that existed between him and  Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori, while describing Okwa as a great leader.

    According to him, the party accepts that differences are inevitable and that greatness lies in managing their differences.

    “Our  tables have always been tables of dialogue this is why every member no matter how great or small is welcome to air their grievances.

    ”Your Excellencies, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori and former Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa and other great men and women, we welcome you to the APC today.

    “You are not just in this house, you are now co-owners, according to the APC constitution, the governor of the state is the leader of the party.

    ”The APC is not only stronger today, it is better because you have come with new ways of thinking, new mirror though which we can reflect on our journey.

    “We welcome you not as defectors, but as brothers and sisters who have their right path. We welcome you as a family and fellow architect of a better Nigeria,” Tinubu said.

    On his part, APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, lauded Gov. Oborevwori and others for their decision to defect to the ruling party.

    He described the occasion as historic and thanked President Tinubu for providing a good leadership in the country that had aided other parties to join the APC.

    While handing over the APC flag to Gov. Oborevwori, Ganduje assured him of all support by the presidency, all the progressive governors and the party.

    Earlier, Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, said that with the movement of Delta PDP to the APC, the governor and the people of Delta have made the right decision to deepen development in the state by aligning with the government at the centre.

    He acknowledged that Oborevwori has worked to build infrastructure in the state because he has a progressive mind like the APC governors.

    According to Uzodimma, Oborevwori now the 22 APC governor will always get the support of the other 21 governors of the APC in the country.

    Speaking, the immediate past Gov. Okowa, said that the decision to move to the APC was collective and the right thing to do.

    According to Okowa, the state has outlived its stay in the PDP and it is time to move forward to a better platform which is the APC to benefit from the gains from the government at the centre rather than remain as opposition.

    In his acceptance speech, Oborevwori said what happened was not a defection but a movement from the PDP to the APC.

    He noted that remaining in opposition has never benefited the state ever since, adding that the movement was a collective decision of all from the national assembly, down to the LGAs and ward levels.

    According to Oborevwori, the president has been magnanimous to the state and the only way to reciprocate is to become a family rather than opposition.

    The governor pledged to galvanise the party in the state as a leader and to work with all and sundry to success, adding that today’s movement was a statement that other opposition states would emulate.

    The carnival like ceremony, had the  following dignitaries in attendance; APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and National Leaders of the party,  16 APC governors.

    Also, Delta Deputy Gov. Monday Onyeme, State APC Chairman, Mr Omeni Sobotie, former Senate Deputy President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agenge, Sen. Ned Nwoko, Elder Godsday Orubebe, Chief Great Ogboru, Mr Victor Ochie, former Delta Speaker.

    Other are former Reps, Ndudi Elumelu, Sen. Uche Ekuwniefe, DG South East Forum, Sir Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation, among other dignitaries graced the event.

  • What you’ve seen today is movement not defection – Oborevwori declares as he formally joins APC

    What you’ve seen today is movement not defection – Oborevwori declares as he formally joins APC

    … it is a testament of Oborevwori’s ideals – VP Shettima

    In a massive movement ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    At a ceremony attended by a mammoth crowd at the Cenotaph in Asaba on Monday, the Delta capital, Oborevwori, Okowa, and others in the oil-rich state were received into the APC, days after they announced their decision to leave the PDP.

    The defectors were officially received into the party by chieftains of the ruling APC, including Vice President Kashim Shettima; the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is the chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, among other political bigwigs.

    At the event, the Delta governor described the decision as historic. Oborevwori said the move to the APC was borne out of the desire to get the best for the South-South state.

    What you have seen here today is a movement, not a defection. We have consulted stakeholders at all levels. Mr President has shown us love, “Oborevwori, who was a former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, said during the ceremony on Monday.

    The governor said the decision to join the APC was made after consultations with stakeholders in the oil-rich state and based on President Bola Tinubu’s love for Delta.

    “We cannot face him in 2027 to work against him. When you consult widely, you can see that the love is organic,” the governor argued.

    “All our members in the Delta State House of Assembly have agreed to defect. The state exco, council chairmen, counselors, LG chairmen, and others are all moving to the APC,” Oborevwori noted.

    The collapse of the PDP structure in Delta came as a rude shock to millions of Nigerians. That move ended the main opposition party’s 26-year hold on the state, adding a fresh layer of intrigue ahead of the next election. Okowa was the PDP vice presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.

    That defection from one of the traditional strongholds of the PDP has continued to stir debates among Nigerians and analysts alike.

    The PDP said it was shocked by the defection but was not worried about the impact of the political move.

    During the official reception of the defectors, Okowa re-echoed Oborevwori’s reason for the collapse of the PDP structure. The former lawmaker said the “bold” decision was in the “best interest of our people”.

    “Today is a great day for us in Delta State. We defected in the best interest of our people,” Okowa, who is also a former commissioner, told the crowd of supporters and other political topshots.

    “It was not about me or the governor, but the fact that there is a need for us to connect to Abuja. This is a bold, patriotic, and well-intentioned move.

    Shettima, who was leading the APC delegation at the ceremony, welcomed the new members into the party.

    He said the defection is a testament to the progressive ideals of the Governor Oberevwori and his team in Delta State.

    Vice President Shettima described the decamping as a tsunami and an unimaginable feat.

    “This is a political tsunami of unimaginable proportions that has never happened in the history of the South-South sub-region and the history of Nigeria,” he said.

  • Real reason I left PDP to APC – Okowa

    Real reason I left PDP to APC – Okowa

    Former Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has finally opened up on why he left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Okowa was the Vice Presidential candidate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election under the umbrella of the PDP.

    Speaking in Asaba on Monday when he officially joined the APC along with Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and other leaders of the PDP in Delta, Okowa Said: “Today is a great day for us in Delta State.

    “When the news broke out on Wednesday the 23rd of April, 2025 that we have decided to change our path, people wondered why.

    “But one thing is very important. In the history of a people, there is always a time to change for the common good of a people.

    “Whatever decision that we took was based on that common good and the need to change our path for the common good of our State”.

    Reflecting on his experience as a former governor in opposition, Okowa emphasized that while Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was performing well, aligning with Abuja would strengthen his efforts.

    “It was not about personal ambitions but the need to connect to Abuja, where significant goodwill and resources exist, especially since the State is a major contributor,” Okowa said.

    He called for strong support for both President Bola Tinubu and the Governor, believing that the unity would allow them to dominate the political landscape of Delta State.

    The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, 16 Governors of the APC led by Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Benjamin Kalu, among others.

  • It would have been difficult for APC to defeat Oborevwori in 2027 – Keyamo

    It would have been difficult for APC to defeat Oborevwori in 2027 – Keyamo

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has said it would have been difficult for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to defeat Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori in the 2027 elections.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Keyamo said this when he welcomed Governor Oborevwori into APC on Sunday night, as the party leaders in Delta hailed his defection as a unifying force and a significant step toward long-term political stability in the State.

    Leading the high-powered delegation to Government House, Asaba, Keyamo said: “We are here today as one unit — the gatekeepers of the party in Delta State. Outside of this group, there is no APC in Delta”.

    He emphasized that any narrative suggesting otherwise should not be taken seriously, adding, “If anybody tells you otherwise, the person must be a comedian”.

    Keyamo, alongside three senators, the state’s sole APC House of Representatives member, and other senior figures, declared an unconditional and wholehearted welcome for Oborevwori, describing his defection as a “blessing to the party, the state, Mr. President, and the good people of Delta State.”

    According to the Minister, with Oborevwori’s entry into the APC, the party in Delta had achieved full consolidation.

    “There is no division after today. The APC is now blended as one in Delta State. We have wholeheartedly adopted your MORE Agenda, which aligns seamlessly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

    Keyamo also praised Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructural achievements, particularly the construction of world-class flyovers in Warri and Effurun being handled by construction giant,Julius Berger.

    Sharing a personal observation, he recounted, “I touched my brother from the airport when I saw the flyovers, and I told him it would have been difficult to defeat Sheriff in 2027. Those are the kind of bridges you see in America, and they are now in Uvwie, courtesy of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.”

    He noted that the governor’s achievements would have made electoral defeat virtually impossible in 2027. “But now,” he added triumphantly, “the mission that was impossible is now within the APC, without the need for an electoral battle.”

    Looking ahead, Keyamo confidently predicted a smooth political future for the party in the state. “We are looking at 2031,” he said to cheers from party leaders.

    The event marked a significant turning point in Delta politics, as the APC, now reinforced by Oborevwori’s leadership and influence, positions itself strongly ahead of future elections in the state.