Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed optimism that they would welcome former Governor James Ibori to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Speaking during the vigil mass in honour of the former Deputy Governor of the state, Professor Amos Utuama, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South Local Government Area on Tuesday, Oborevwori stressed the need for unity of the Urhobo political class.

Paying glowing tribute to the late Prof. Amos Utuama, the Governor highlighted his selfless contributions, saying; “I am very happy to be here today, seeing this large gathering for one man. The preaching today is not about the dead, it is about the living.

“There are many things he did while he was alive. I will mention just a few key ones. The land allocated to him in Asaba while he was Deputy Governor, he donated it to the Catholic Church and also contributed to building the church. To me, that is a kingdom investment.”

Governor Oborevwori prayed that the passing of the late Prof. Utuama would bring peace and unity to Ughelli South and the entire Urhobo nation.

He extolled Utuama’s virtues, noting that he lived a purposeful life: “He lived well and died well.”

In his exhortation, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ewherido, affirmed that the late Prof. Amos Utuama lived an impactful life in both the Church and society.

Bishop Ewherido condoled with the family and urged them to uphold his legacy of godliness, humility, charity, and selflessness.

He described the death of a Christian as a transition to eternal glory and reminded all of the need to accept Christ while alive to enjoy eternity after physical death.

The Bishop called for continued unity among the political class for the peace and development of Delta State.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Ovie Utuama, a son of the deceased, thanked everyone for their support and requested prayers during this difficult period.

PRESS UNIT,
GOVT.HOUSE, ASABA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Monday, described the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire structure of Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC as a political tsunami of unimaginable proportions.

President Tinubu stated this while receiving Governor Oborevwori, immediate past Governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and the entire membership of the PDP to the APC at the Cenotaph, Asaba.

Represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, the President lauded Governor Oborevwori and Senator Okowa for the cordial relationship between them and for leading members of the PDP to the APC.

He said: “What can be greater than the promise of this day? This is a political tsunami of unimaginable proportion that has never happened in the history of the South-South region and barely in the history of this country.

“A political tsunami of this proportion has never happened where all the members of the upper chamber of the National Assembly are in the APC.

“The Speaker and all the members of the House of Assembly. So many members of the House of Representatives, the Governor and his entire cabinet and 500 councillors across the 25 local government areas of this great state. What testimony do you have greater than this?

“The true measure of a political party lies not merely in the industry, the very name of its members, but in the conviction. It is in fact among those who once stood across from them.

“This vindication is even more fundamental. When those who once saw us as outsiders and opponents, crossed the lines of difference to become part of the enduring family we have built.

“This historic day, therefore, is both a celebration of the enduring promise of the APC and a tribute to the vision, courage, and foresight of the great giants we have come to welcome into the hall of fame of our political party, along with their devoted followers who are joining us today.

“I want to pay special tribute to Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for the wonderful relationship that exists between him and his successor.

“Senator Okowa, you are indeed a great leader and Governor Oborevwori, for embracing him, for treating him with respect and decorum, you are even a greater leader.” he said.

“We are here with our unshaken belief in the power of collaboration, the understanding that we are stronger together than we can ever be, apart.

“What sets the APC apart is not an illusion of uniformity; it is our accepting that differences are inevitable and that greatness lies in managing them.

“Our tables have always been tables of dialogue, places where every member, no matter how big or small, is welcome to air their grievances.

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

“I bring them the warm assurance of His Excellency President Bola, Ahmed Tinubu, and all members of the APC.

“Now that you have come, we are all co-owners because, according to the constitution of the party, the Governor of the party is the leader of the party in the state, this is now as much as your party as it is ours.

“You have brought to us a wealth of experience, a breath of wisdom and a measure of strength for which we shall always remain grateful.

“This is a declaration that the strength of our great nation is alive, a spirit that brings your personal ambition, your party alliance and sees the larger set of history.

“Nigeria is greater than all of us and what we do here today is a step towards strengthening our promise. We welcome you, Your Excellency, not as defectors but as brothers and sisters who have found your rightful place amongst us.

“We welcome you not as guests but as family; we welcome you as fellow architects of a better Nigeria and may this day be remembered not just by what it signifies today but for the enduring fraternity and vision of source for tomorrow.”

Responding, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori described the defection as a historic movement in the best interest of the state.

He pledged to unify the party to ensure total victory for it in the coming elections.

Oborevwori said; “what you have seen here today is a movement: it’s not a defection; it’s a movement. We have done consultations with our National Assembly members, with leadership, with stakeholders at the state level, at the senatorial level, at the local government level, at the ward level and we all decided that we must all join.

“This is Delta State; we cannot carry last. When we stand for something, we remain committed to it; we have been in opposition for almost 10 years.

“Do we need that? Mr. President has supported us, he has shown us love. We cannot face him in 2027 to work against him. That love that he has shown to us in Delta State, we need to reciprocate it.

“We cannot do it in our own party. We have to be inside to do it, and to do it well”, saying; “when you consult widely you see everybody will come with you and you can see that the love is organic: you can see my relationship with governors; you see all the governors here.

“You see the large number of governors: yesterday 9 came and slept over. Today, see all of them here. I want to bless all of you; I want to thank all of you.

“This is a movement: this is not a defection; we have agreed we will move together and when we move together, what is at the national we will be able to grab it.

“Our members in the National Assembly they are the next; they have agreed they will all defect on the floor of the house, and we have justification to move.

“All of us want to be in the Renew Hope Agenda which is in line with my MORE Agenda. ”

He stressed, “For us in Delta State, it’s a statement and I believe other governors will join because it’s a movement and when you have a movement, you don’t fail.

“There are some things people say in newspapers, that there is confusion, there is a faction in Delta APC. As I have come, there will be no faction again. Let me tell you, the Governor takes charge, and we are taking charge.

“I don’t believe in any faction, whether Omo-Agege or Keyamo faction, everybody must queue and we will unite the party to move this state forward for the benefit of our people and to bring development, peace and unity to our state and Nigeria.”

National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, applauded the cordial relationship between the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

Ganduje said the National Working Committee, NWC of the party was highly impressed because of the cordial relationship existing between the predecessor and successor which, according to him, was very rare in the country.

“So, we have to thank Dr. Okowa for that good relationship. Ladies and gentlemen, my job is very important which is accepting, welcoming and also, embracing the Governor and the people of Delta State into our great party, the APC.

“Mr. Governor, what l would like to tell you while accepting you into our party, is that our core value in APC is progressive leadership and coincidently, from what we have seen on the ground in respect of your programmes and your projects, you are a progressive Governor.

“So, we are welcoming you for coming home. We believe in progressive ideas, we believe in proximity, interacting with different levels of our party; we believe in openness, we believe in internal democracy, we believe in self -accountability and we thank you for coming in,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma said the ceremony was quite historic and special in the life of the APC as a political party.

Senator Uzodinma, who disclosed that members of the APC were happy with the new political development in Delta State, said that the All Progressives Congress meant well for the country.

“We are here to identify with you. We, therefore, urge all Deltans to continue to support their Governor as he consolidates on the achievements his administration has recorded so far,” he added.

On his part, the immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa explained that the decision to change political direction was made for the common good and in the best interest of the state.

“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.

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.

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

The ceremony was attended by 16 Governors of the APC and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Benjamin Kalu, among others.

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), the apex socio-political youth body in the South East, has declared its full support for the re-election bid of Senator Ned Nwoko in the 2027 general elections, citing his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the creation of Anioma State.

In a press statement jointly signed by its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru, COSEYL praised Senator Nwoko for what it described as “visible and meaningful development” in Delta North over the past two years.

“Senator Nwoko has proven to be a true leader and servant of the people,” the statement read. “He has uplifted his constituency through infrastructure projects, educational programs, youth empowerment initiatives, and improved healthcare services.”

The group emphasized that Senator Nwoko’s legislative impact has gone beyond constituency development, lauding his vocal advocacy for the creation of Anioma State.

LCOSEYL noted that his re-election would “consolidate the gains already made and inject renewed energy into the Anioma cause.”

Describing the proposed Anioma State as a symbol of equity and self-determination for the Anioma people, COSEYL urged traditional rulers, political leaders, and all sons and daughters of Anioma to rally behind the senator’s second-term ambition.

“Senator Nwoko is not just speaking about change—he’s making it happen. His continued presence in the Senate is critical to actualizing the long-standing dream of Anioma State,” the statement added.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the coalition called on the electorate to “stand together behind a man whose vision aligns with the hopes of future generations,” asserting that his re-election would “guarantee continuity in impactful representation.”

Senator Nwoko, a first-time senator representing Delta North, has emerged as a central figure in the renewed push for Anioma State, gaining traction across political and community lines.

Asaba–

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta says it was a simple but deliberate approach by his administration to invest two billon naira on roads infrastructure in each of the 25 Local Government Areas of the state.

The governor disclosed this in his remarks at the ywar 2025 Edition of Maris Annual Public Service Lecture with the theme, “Local Governance and Sustainable Development” held on Wednesday in Asaba.

He said that as a state government, his M.O.R.E. Agenda has been anchored on a foundation of inclusiveness, fiscal responsibility and grassroots development, adding that sustainable development was not a slogan but must be felt in every ward, village and town across the state.

Represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Government House, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, the governor thanked the guest lecturer for delivering a well- researched lecture that had posed the puzzle for every government.

According to Oborevwori, “sustainable development demands that we meet the needs of today without compromising the future.

“The theme is apt, it speaks directly to the soul of our administration and our vision for Delta state. Local Government is the closest and most impactful to the people.

“When local government functions well, communities thrive, roads are maintained, schools function, healthcare becomes accessible and our youths find purpose.

“The local government must be empowered to drive inclusive growth.

“Since assumption of office, we have prioritised strengthening local government structure by ensuring transparency, accountability and community participation.

“We have invested over N2 billion each on roads project across all 25 LGAs of the state fostering connectivity and economic activity. Our approach is simple but deliberate.”

He noted that investing in infrastructure especially in the riverine communities helped connect people and opened up economic opportunities, promote human capital development through quality education and accessible healthcare.

He called for the strengthening of the local institution, adding that sustainable development would not be achieved by chance but by consistent people focused governance.

“It is our duty to ensure that as we pursue growth, we do not leave behind the vulnerable or destroy the environment that sustain us, however, sustainable development demands peace, unity and collaboration.

” I have consistently urged community leaders, president generals and traditional rulers to prioritise dialogue and mediation in resolving disputes.

“Peace is the foundation upon which development thrives. Let me remind us that no nation rise above the strength of its sub-national unit.

“The future of Nigeria depends not only on decisions made in Abuja but on what we all do in our wards, LGAs and states,’ he said.

Oborevwori, therefore, urged all to be dedicated to building a state and a country where the future generations could be proud of.

In his welcome address, the Chairman, Maris Trust Council, Sir Kenneth Olise, represented by Pharmacist Paul Enebeli, former President General, Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), thanked all who made it to the Sixth Edition in the series.

He said that the lecture series started in 2019 and was instituted in the memory of Stella-Maris’ Chukwufunimnenya Egugbo and he commended the Secretary of Maris Trust Council, Mr Fidelis Egugbo for working assiduously to sustain the annual lecture series.

Olise thanked the state government for supporting the lecture and for extending development to the community where Maris Schools was sited.

On his part, the Chairman of the Occasion, His Imperial Majesty, Obi Oputa III, lauded the guest lecturer for the impacting lecture and thanked the governor for the infrastructural development in the state.

The Guest Lecturer and Keynote Speaker, Sir Patrick Ejidoh, former Managing Director, Champions Breweries, called for collective action and a well defined framework and plan of action to achieve good governance and sustainable development at the local government councils.

He emphasised on the need for improved funding, capacity building and definitive roles for the local government councils, education partnership with communities, civil society organisation and the private sectors to promote good governance at the local institution.

He said that attaining the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) may not be realisable in 2030 due to lack of measurable indices (data) and clear road maps and lack of monitoring, adding that it required collective effort of all to achieve.

The discussants at the lecture which was moderated by Prof. Kemi Emina of Delta State University, Abraka, suggested that local government administration should focus on meeting the needs of people at the grassroots.

On his part, Mr Charles Aniagwu, Delta Commissioner for Works(Rural Roads) and Public Information, urged the council chairmen to prioritise and direct their limited funds to addressing the needs of the people at the grassroots.

“Construct earthen roads, renovate rural markets, undertake environmental sanitations and stay and consult with the people because the essence of governance is to reach out to majority of the people within the limited resources,” Aniagwu said.

Mr Vincent Oyibode, Chairman, Udu Local Government Council, Delta, said there had been competition among the LGAs in the state owing to improved funding and the monitoring since the current adminstration.

While an Entrepreneur and Estate Manager, Mabel Magbulu, urged the council to explore agriculture as an alterative for poverty reduction and jobs creation.

The Secretary Maris Trust Council, Fidelis Egugbo, thanked the governor and all stakeholders for supporting the lecture series and Maris Schools.

He pledged a more robust lecture come April 1, 2026, while urging more support for the Trust Council to create more opportunities for the less privileged in the community to acquire education at Maris Schools at an affordable rate.

In attendance are Rev. Fr. John Konyeke, Commissioners, local government chairmen, permanent secretaries, among others.

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has reiterated his commitment to inclusive and people-centered leadership during a high-level engagement with party leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots supporters in Kwale, the heart of the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency.

Describing the gathering as “productive and energizing,” Senator Nwoko emphasized that his leadership style goes beyond election season politics. “We’re ensuring that our people are carried along every step of the way,” he said.

The senator engaged with a wide range of voices — from political leaders and community elders to women, and youths— highlighting their enduring passion for progress and development.

“These are the people who gave me their mandate, and I do not take that trust for granted,” Nwoko stated, underlining the importance of listening and responding to the real concerns of constituents.

Senator Nwoko also expressed his broader vision for Delta North, calling the ongoing efforts “a movement rooted in responsibility, compassion, and clear results.”

Observers view the senator’s continued grassroots engagement as a sign of deepening ties with his constituents and a strategic step in strengthening his base

ahead of future legislative initiatives and development projects in the region.

Senator Nwoko’s visit to Kwale is part of a larger outreach tour aimed at reinforcing accountability, transparency, and responsive governance across the Delta North Senatorial District.

The country home of Senator Ned Munir Nwoko in Idumuje-Ugboko once again hosted a notable visit yesterday, as traditional rulers and leaders from the Igbanke community paid a solidarity call to the Senator. Led by Amb. Chief Jude Ogbekile and HRH Boba Igiebor, Obi of Idumuodin, the delegation came to reaffirm their unwavering support for the creation of Anioma State and to emphasize their deep desire for inclusion in the proposed state.

The visit is part of a growing movement for the creation of Anioma State, a cause championed by Senator Ned Nwoko in the upper chamber. Amb. Chief Jude Ogbekile, speaking on behalf of the Igbanke community, conveyed their continued support, emphasizing that the people of Igbanke are united in their belief that the creation of Anioma State will bring much-needed progress and empowerment to their people.

Ogbekile emphasized that the people of Igbanke though geographically situated in Edo State are culturally and ethnically part of the Anioma (Igbo) identity. “We are Igbo people in Edo State. Igbanke is not Bini. Our place is with Anioma, and we are here to restate our commitment to that reality,” he said.

HRH Boba Igiebor, Obi of Idumuodin, echoed similar sentiments, noting the shared resolve across the region for the state’s creation. “Our people know who they are. We know our roots. Anioma State will help restore that sense of belonging,” he said.

The delegation also presented an e-flyer bearing the inscription “IGBANKE IS NOT BINI — Igbankes Are Igbo Community in Edo State,” reinforcing their appeal for inclusion in the new state.

The visit follows a similar show of solidarity in November 2024, when monarchs from the Igbanke and Obazagbon communities also lent their support to the Anioma State movement. Both monarchs and community leaders have consistently stressed the importance of administrative autonomy for the Anioma people, believing it will lead to better representation and accelerated development.