DESOPADEC Commissioner Under Fire for Listing Classroom Desks as Key Achievement Amidst N12 Billion Budget

News

June 30, 2025

DELTA DECIDES

Delta State Oil Producing Areas and Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Commissioner, Hon. Cordelia Onyia, is facing scrutiny after reportedly citing the provision of classroom desks in two schools and solar power lights as her achievements over a two-year period.

This comes despite DESOPADEC operating with a substantial N12 billion annual budget, totaling N24 billion over the period in question.

Our investigation reveals that the limited scope of these stated achievements, specifically, classroom desks for two schools in Abavo raises serious questions about the utilization of such a significant budget.

It’s worth noting that Hon. Cordelia Onyia, who represents the Ika Federal Constituency on the commission, hails from Abavo, and has been in the public space as appointee for decades

While she reportedly presented these actions as her commitment to the welfare of the Ika Federal Constituency, the disparity between the allocated funds and the reported outcomes has drawn considerable criticism.

Insecurity: Civil Rights Council Partners with Anti-Cult Unit to Combat Crime in Delta State

News

Delta Decides

June 27, 2025

Agboje Chuks

Asaba, Delta State – In a determined effort to curb the rising tide of criminal activities, the Civil Rights Council of Nigeria, Asaba Unit, has announced a crucial partnership with the state’s anti-cult unit.

This strategic collaboration, unveiled yesterday, June 26, 2025, in Asaba, aims to significantly reduce crime rates across Delta State.

Comrade Joy Edigbine, popularly known as “Small Pepper” who is the Asaba Unit Coordinator, spoke with newsmen in Asaba, emphasizing the necessity of teaming up with relevant bodies to effectively decimate crime in the state.

She highlighted that the collaboration stemmed from a recent courtesy visit to the anti-cult body, led by Commander CSP Rex Enweluku stressing that the partnership was a matter of critical concern

“It’s a matter of critical concern that our unit collaborates with the Command to bring help to Delta State.”

Comrade Edigbine further explained that the increasing rate of crime was not just a matter of people’s mindset but significantly driven by drug consumption and other social vices.

“That’s why on the drug day, we decided to pay the anti-cult command a courtesy visit to seek collaboration in the fight against not just cultism but crimes as a whole,” she explained.

She also underscored the urgent need for “mental refurbishment” among Deltans and highlighted how insecurity deters foreign investors.

Speaking also, comrade Joy Edigbine maintained that to attract international investment, the state must build trust and ensure that the state security apparatus was equipped with wide collaboration like Civil Rights Council

She identified illegal drug use, cultism, and “inscrutable causes” as key “crime drivers” that must be combated.

“The economic driver of any state is predicated on its security status,” she asserted, emphasizing that addressing insecurity was a critical factor for development.

Comrade Edigbine extended her appreciation to Commander Rex Enweluku and the entire anti-cult corps, along with other well-meaning Deltans who have dedicated their time to fighting what she termed the “enemy of Delta State, Nigeria.”

“We are thanking those who have been in the trenches of the fight against crime in our state,” she said. “We are happy with you and will continue to support you in all ramifications.”

She also linked the rising cost of food items to shortages caused by increasing crimes like kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state, further underscoring the broad impact of insecurity.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Granted N50 Million Bail in FCT High Court

News

Delta Decides

June 19, 2025

Agboje Chuks

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama has granted bail to the suspended Senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the sum of N50 million. This decision comes as Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan faces a three-count charge from the Federal Government.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Chizoba Orji, the court rejected the Federal Government’s application to remand the defendant in prison custody pending the determination of the case. Justice Orji stated there was no reason to deny bail, citing sufficient evidence that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is willing to face her trial.

Beyond the N50 million bail bond, the court stipulated that the Senator must produce one surety of integrity who owns a landed property in Abuja. The court’s decision was anchored on Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Sections 163 and 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Meanwhile, the court adjourned the case to September 23 for trial.
The Allegations Against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Federal Government is prosecuting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly making a false claim that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello were behind a plot to assassinate her.

The charge, marked CR/297/25, alleges that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made these false and defamatory remarks during a live television appearance. Specifically, she is accused of making “imputation, knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person.

” The charge states that by making such false imputation that tarnished the image of others, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan committed an offense under Section 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990, an offense punishable under Section 392 of the same law.
According to count one of the charge, the alleged crime was committed on April 3, during a live broadcast on Channels Television’s “Politics Today.”

Key Witnesses and Related Legal Battles
Among those listed as witnesses in the matter are Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who are cited as nominal complainants. Other witnesses expected to testify include police officers Maya Iliya and Abdulhafiz Garba, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Sandra Duru.

This charge, dated May 16, follows a letter Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, in which she accused the police of bias in investigating her petitions against the Senate President.

Separately, the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled June 27 to determine the legality of the six-month suspension slammed on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate. She approached the court after being summoned by the disciplinary committee following a confrontation with the Senate President during plenary on February 20.

This incident occurred when she repeatedly raised a point of order to speak despite being overruled by the Senate President while protesting an alleged arbitrary change of her seating position.

In a television interview on February 28, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her troubles in the Senate began after she rejected “unwanted advances” from Senate President Akpabio. Through an ex-parte application, she has sought a court order to declare any action taken by the Senate Committee during the pendency of her suit, including her suspension, as “null, void, and of no effect.”

Delta Decides Extends Birthday Wishes to Governor Oborevwori at 62

News

Delta Decides

June 19, 2025

Agboje Chuks

DELTA DECIDES, a prominent media organization in Delta State, Nigeria, has extended its congratulations to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on the occasion of his 62nd birthday.

In a statement released to journalists, Mr. Egbonimali Shadrack, Chairman of DELTA DECIDES, commended Governor Oborevwori, highlighting his integrity and leadership qualities.

He emphasized that the Governor’s strong character was evident in his ongoing legacy projects, urging both Deltans and other Nigerians to support his administration.

“I am delighted with the legacy projects of Delta Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. He has demonstrated that he is a man of strong character,” Shadrack said.

Mr. Egbonimali Shadrack noted that the Governor’s birthday celebration was an excellent opportunity to leverage on his goodwill and wish him a happy birthday

Echoing the sentiments, Comrade Darlington Okonma, Coordinator of Delta Decides, stated that the Governor’s birthday offers a chance to acknowledge his positive impact and wish him well.

He praised the Governor’s proactive approach, which he believed was accelerating the state’s development just as he offered prayers for continued wisdom and blessings in his new year.

“I wish him a happy birthday as he continues his journey of bringing development to the good people of Delta State, Nigeria,” Okonma added.

Civil Rights Council Urges Nigerian Youths To Drive National Change

News

Delta Decides

June 18, 2025

Agboje Chuks

Asaba, Delta State – The Asaba Unit of the Civil Rights Council of Nigeria has issued a powerful call to action for Nigerian youths, urging them to actively embrace their role in shaping the nation’s future.

The council emphasized that young people are crucial in demanding accountability, driving change, and building a more prosperous Nigeria.

Comrade Joy Edigbine, the Asaba Unit Coordinator, made this appeal during the recent June 12 Democracy Day celebrations.

She highlighted the immense capacity of youths to challenge stereotypes, foster national unity, and advocate for positive change.

Comrade Edigbine aka Small pepper underscored that young people were key drivers of economic development, social progress, and political reform, especially when they embrace values of unity, promote peaceful coexistence, and challenge outdated social norms.

While making emphasis on the strength of the Youths, the Urhobo born activists acknowledged a significant hurdle impeding youth participation, citing them as lack of access to essential resources, stressing that this has limited their ability to make meaningful headway in changing national narratives.

She also charged the federal government to address the numerous challenges facing the nation, particularly the increasing rates of kidnapping, which she disclosed was a critical concern affecting everyone.

Comrade Edigbine commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms but asserted that their effectiveness hinges on the speed of implementation. “We are urging the federal government to expedite actions and enforcement of their prospect-yielding policies,” she insisted.

Recognizing while these reforms were in Nigeria’s best interest, youths often encountered barriers to participation, including insufficient awareness of their rights and responsibilities.

Despite these challenges, Edigbine expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, voicing a strong belief that coming years may bring significant achievements and unparalleled synergy toward unity with sound democratic values that will ultimately foster the development of Nigerian youths.

She also expressed deep worry over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for a complete overhaul of the nation’s security architecture to combat insecurity effectively.

“The federal government should brace up in the security architecture of the country and build confidence in Nigerians and the international community,” she added.

Delta North APC Chairman Dissolves Factional Forum, Reaffirms Support for Senator Ned Nwoko

News

Delta Decides

June 18, 2025

Agboje ChuksT

he Delta North Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Ogbueishi Adizue Eluaka, has taken decisive action to quash dissent within the party, formally dissolving a controversial group that had claimed to withdraw endorsement for Senator Ned Nwoko’s second tenure.

In a statement made available to our platform, the Delta North APC clarified that earlier reports suggesting a lack of endorsement for Senator Nwoko by the “Forum of Delta North APC LGA Chairmen” were unfounded. Eluaka reaffirmed the party’s unwavering support for the Senator.

“The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North Senatorial District, Ogbueishi Adizue Eluaka (JP), has formally dissolved the controversial ‘Forum of Delta North APC LGA Chairmen,’ distancing the party from their recent publication which claimed to disown the endorsement of Senator Ned Munir Nwoko for a second term,” the statement read.

In a strong-worded address released on Monday, Eluaka branded the forum an “unauthorized and unconstitutional body,” emphasizing that its actions do not represent the collective will of the party structure in Delta North.

This development follows a well-attended APC stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday, June 14, 2025, hosted by Senator Nwoko at his country home in Idumuje-Ugboko.

Recall that during the Delta North APC Stakeholders meeting held at Senator Nwoko’s House, party leaders and members unanimously passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Nwoko.

He Reacted to claims by some LGA chairmen that the endorsement lacked legitimacy.

“We will not sit to watch a few disgruntled, sponsored individuals under the guise of a forum that is unknown to our constitution, cause disunity and disaffection in our party. The APC is a window of opportunity for growth, and these actions are clearly self-serving.”

To restore order and reinforce discipline within party ranks, Eluaka announced the immediate dissolution of both the Forum of Delta North APC LGA Chairmen and the Forum of APC Ward Chairmen in the senatorial district.

He further declared that all party dealings going forward would be conducted on an individual basis with LGA and ward chairmen, with no recognition of collective bodies not sanctioned by the party’s constitution.

“Any meeting convened by these dissolved bodies, or by any group unknown to the party structure, will be deemed illegal and appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken,” he warned.

Prove Allegations Against Akpabio Or Face Consequences – NEYGA tells Natasha

News

Delta Decides

June 18, 2025

The suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has been informed that she must face the consequences of lying as a lawmaker.

This was as she was challenged to prove her allegations of defamation in open court or be prepared to face the consequences.

The spokesman of the Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA), Ibrahim Dan-Musa, disclosed this in a statement he issued.

Dan-Musa stressed that Natasha Akpoti’s action undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s political system.

He also tackled former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, for defending Natasha Akpoti.

Stressing that nobody is above the law, Dan-Musa said Ezekwesili’s defence of the suspended lawmaker was hypocritical.
He said: “A senator who peddles lies must face the consequences.

“She cannot wake up one day, point fingers at high-ranking officials, and expect to walk away unscathed when challenged to prove her claims.”

Dan-Musa also disclosed that the world is watching the court proceedings.
“From the United Nations to Fox News, the international community is observing whether Nigeria will tolerate unsubstantiated defamation or uphold the rule of law,” he added.

Drama started between Natasha Akpoti and Akpabio when the former accused the Senate President of making sexual advances at her.

She claimed that Akpabio denied her some privileges for turning down his sexual advances.

Natasha was subsequently suspended for six months due to her inability to substantiate her allegations.

Akpabio is currently in court to challenge the defamatory claims the suspended lawmaker made against him

Anioma State Creation: Influential 200-Member Committee Inaugurated

News

Delta Decides

June 17, 2025

Agboje Chuks

The drive for the creation of Anioma State has taken a major step forward with the formal inauguration of a high-powered 200-member technical committee charged with steering the process to fruition.

The diverse and highly influential committee, inaugurated on Sunday evening in Asaba, brings together a broad coalition of traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, youth representatives, and professionals drawn from across the Anioma region.

The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Barr. Azuka Paul Maduemezie, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Asaba Branch, who administered the oath of office to the newly appointed members.

The committee is jointly chaired by two esteemed traditional monarchs — the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge (SAN), and the Dein of Agbor, HRM Dr. Benjamin Keagborekuzi I. Supporting them as Vice Chairman is HRM Obuenwe Johnson Ekpechi, the Ezemu of Emu Kingdom.

Membership of the committee is intentionally inclusive and regionally representative, featuring:

All traditional rulers and local government chairmen within the Anioma region

Key political figures including Hon. Ngozi Okolie (Member representing Oshimili Federal Constituency), former Deputy Governor Chief Benjamin Elue, and Chief Alanza Uche Ugboma

Influential community leaders such as Chief Emmanuel Ejiofor, the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku, and Obi Ada Biosah, the Omu of Asaba

Representatives from youth organizations, legal and media professionals, socio-cultural groups, and the Igbanke people, further broadening the committee’s reach and impact

Delivering a keynote address titled “The Road to Anioma State: Prospects and Challenges”, Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, declared the creation of Anioma State a “done deal.”

He expressed firm confidence in the movement’s success, stressing that Anioma State would not only foster greater political inclusion but also ignite socio-economic transformation across the region, affirming that top national leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio have shown clear support for the initiative.

“The creation of Anioma State is not merely a political objective, it is a generational mission,” Senator Nwoko declared. “Every Anioma son and daughter must rise above political or ethnic divisions and embrace this shared cause.”

In his remarks, Professor Azinge (SAN) reinforced the call for unity and unwavering commitment among committee members and the wider Anioma populace, urging them to work in harmony towards realizing this long-standing dream.

Also speaking, Ambassador Ushi Israel, youth representative on the steering committee, praised Senator Nwoko’s tireless efforts and described him as a visionary leader whose influence and advocacy have inspired hope well beyond Delta North.

He noted that with the inauguration of this strategic committee, the quest for Anioma State has entered a decisive phase, disclosing that the move is driven by collective will, regional solidarity, and a renewed determination to shape the region’s political destiny.

2027: Old Delta PDP Defectors, Old APC, In Fresh Crisis

News

Delta Decides

June 17, 2025

Agboje Chuks

The recent stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Delta North Senatorial District has laid bare simmering internal conflicts within the party, particularly between long-standing APC members and recent defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The conspicuous absence of prominent figures, including immediate past Delta State Governor Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, members of the House of Assembly, and several serving Commissioners and Council Chairmen from the nine Anioma Local Government Areas, ignited fresh concerns about party unity.

The meeting, hosted by Senator Ned Nwoko in Idumuje Ugboko, underscored the existing chasm. Rt Hon Victor Ochei, a former Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly and ex-chieftain of NIMASA, openly acknowledged the divisions, lamenting the persistent “parochial grievances” preventing harmonious coexistence between old APC members and PDP defectors in Delta North.

“There is no shying away from the truth. There is a part of the party that is not here. It is our responsibility to bring all of us together,” Ochei stated.

Despite the notable absences, the gathering, attended by state chairman Elder Omeni, Delta North Senatorial chairman Ogbuefi Adizue Eluaka, Hon Ngozi Okolie (representing Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency), and Dr. Chamberlain Dukwu (Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives), declared unwavering support for the re-election bids of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, and Senator Nwoko.

However, this show of solidarity did little to mask the underlying tensions, revealing that the widely touted “total collapse of PDP structure into the ruling party” might have been a superficial declaration.

While the reasons for the boycott remained adduced, it was evident that securing the APC’s return ticket for the trio had been met with internal grievances.

The meeting praised the President and Governor Oborevwori for providing responsible leadership within their two years in office, and lauded Senator Nwoko for his effective representation, oversight functions, and contributions to law-making.

Attendees expressed confidence that with the perceived integration of the PDP structure, the 2027 elections would be “very easy to conduct and win.”

A motion for the adoption of President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, and Senator Nwoko was moved by former House of Representatives member Hon Ossai N. Ossai and seconded by Hon Felix Ndokwe.

The resolution emphasized the need for stronger party unity, particularly with the PDP defectors, in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. The meeting also passed a vote of confidence in Governor Oborevwori, citing infrastructure development like the dualized Ughelli-Asaba road, and in Senator Nwoko.

Furthermore, the gathering reaffirmed the pursuit of Anioma State creation, claiming support from 75 Senators. A party chieftain, Chief Emma Ejiofor, urged stakeholders’ support for this ambition, issuing a stern warning: “Any member of the Delta State House of Assembly from the Senatorial District that refuses to support the creation of Anioma State, will be recalled by the electorate in their constituencies.”

Delta Commissioner Injured During Kwale Youth Protest

News

Delta Decides

June 16, 2025

Kwale, Delta State – The Delta State Commissioner for Youth, Barrister ThankGod Harry Trakiriowei, was reportedly attacked by youth protesters in Kwale yesterday, June 16, 2025.

Sources indicate that the Commissioner had gone to engage with the demonstrators, aiming to address their concerns and assure them of the government’s commitment to resolving their grievances.

It was gathered that the protest, initiated by local youths, was a public display of frustration over perceived government neglect.l within the past years.

They voiced profound dissatisfaction, alleging that they have been “totally abandoned” and have suffered from a lack of electricity and inadequate security for years.

Though information relating to whether the protest was linked to the issue of the abandoned Oppai Independent Power Project (IPP) recently highlighted by Senator Ned Nwoko was quite scanty as at the time of writing this report

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