THE GOVERNOR JAILED FOR BORROWING ₦50,000: THE TRAGEDY OF APER AKU  Imagine building an empire, only to be locked up for a fraction of what you created.  This is the heartbreaking story of Aper Aku, the man who transformed Benue State, only to be broken by a military tribunal. In the early 1980s, if you talked about "development" in Nigeria, you were talking about Aper Aku.  He wasn't just a politician; he was a visionary. From the Benue Brewery to Ikpayongo Market, and the iconic Aper Aku Stadium, he was building a modern state from scratch.  The people loved him because they could see their tax money working in real-time. Everything changed on New Year’s Eve, 1983. Major General Muhammadu Buhari’s military coup swept through Nigeria’s statehouses.  The "fragile democracy" crumbled, and civilian governors were rounded up like common criminals.  In Makurdi, the soldiers came for the bald-headed, plain-speaking man who had given Benue its pride. ...

Oborevwori Congratulates Ohworode Of Olomu On Emergence As Chairman Body Of Benchers By EgbemaVoice Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, His Majesty Albert Akpomudje, SAN, FCIArb, Eyavwie-Alaka I, on his emergence as the 54th Chairman of the Nigerian Body of Benchers. Oborevwori in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, expressed pride over the monarch’s elevation, describing it as a moment of honour for Delta State and its people.  He noted that Deltans are delighted by the recognition accorded the revered traditional ruler and legal luminary, and wished him a successful and impactful tenure. Governor Oborevwori, said: "On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Delta State, I heartily congratulate the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, His Majesty Albert Akpomudje, SAN, FCIArb, Eyavwie-Alaka I, on his emergence as the 54th Chairman of the Nigerian Body of Benchers...

The "Palace Coup" of 1993 and the Broken Promise On November 17, 1993, Nigeria’s political landscape changed forever.  This wasn't a coup of flying bullets and midnight sirens, but a quiet, high-stakes "Palace Coup" that took place within the walls of Aso Rock. Following the chaos of the June 12 annulment, the Interim National Government (ING) led by Chief Ernest Shonekan was struggling for breath.  On that Wednesday evening, General Sani Abacha, accompanied by Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya and Maj. Gen. Aliyu Gusau, paid Shonekan a visit.  By the time the meeting ended, Shonekan had "resigned," and the military was back in full control. This 1994 Newswatch cover featuring David Mark blew the lid off what happened behind the scenes.  According to Mark, the coup was initially presented to many officers as a short-term "rescue mission." The "Original Plan," he claimed, was for the military to stay for only 6 to 12 months, fix the ...

Mulade Storms Portugal For Soccer Investment. By EgbemaVoice, Foremost Niger Delta philanthropist and Chairman of the Delta state mini football association, Dr. Mulade Sheriff, and the President of the Mini Football Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Datti Umar Yusuf have stormed Portugal to witness the biggest grassroots football tournament in the world. Ambassador Mulade, who double as Vice President, Nigeria Mini Football Association said it is paramount to explore this trip to gain more knowledge to help launch and enhance his Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy.  He said he is impressed with the ongoing IBERCUP, 2026. Which is being attended by over 400 football teams from more than 30 countries in the world, for under 10-18 years old. "It's beautiful and amazing to see kids between the ages of 10-18 from different parts of the world displaying their soccer skills in a very good atmosphere where they can easily be picked by scouts," he said....

PUBLIC ANALYST YEIGAGHA BACKS IPF: "EX-AGITATORS MUST THINK BEYOND SURVEILLANCE CONTRACTS, STRATEGIZE FOR OIL BLOCK ACQUISITION, OTHERS"  "From Pipeline Protection to Petroleum Ownership: Redefining the Niger Delta Agenda" By Engr. Yeigagha Henry, JP The conversation in the Niger Delta has, once again, circled around a familiar axis: pipeline surveillance contracts, who controls them, and who feels excluded. But beneath the noise lies a more fundamental question that demands urgent attention: is the region prepared to move from the margins of the oil economy to its commanding heights? It is in this context that Yeigagha’s support for the IPF’s position becomes not just relevant, but necessary. The call on ex-agitators to shift focus from surveillance contracts to the acquisition of oil blocks, and to desist from targeting individuals such as Government Ekpemupolo, Mathew Tonlagha, and Dennis Otuaro, is a bold appeal for strategic thinking over emotiona...

Let's fight for oil blocs, relocation of IOCs headquarters to Niger Delta, not pipeline contracts -IPF By EgbemaVoice, The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) has expressed concern over disagreements among ex-agitators and stakeholders over pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta region. In a press conference held on April 2, 2026, the group urged leaders to focus on pressing issues affecting the region, rather than squabbling over contracts. IPF President Comrade Ozobo Austin stated that the focus on Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited contract is a distraction from core demands like environmental justice, resource control, and self-determination. He noted that pipeline surveillance is not exclusive to Tantita, and other firms are engaged in the process as well. The group emphasised that Tompolo is not the problem, and the gains from Tantita's participation in pipeline surveillance are visible, including job creation and improved security. They appeal...

By EgbemaVoice, The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce with the ongoing development of the College of Health Technology, Ovrode, in Isoko North Local Government Area. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, made this known during an inspection of ongoing works at the new institution.  He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu; the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon; the Chief Job Creation Officer, Mr Ifeanyi Egwunyenga; and the Project Manager, Dr Ngozi Orofuke. Speaking during the inspection, Onojaeme emphasized the urgent need to train both medical and non-medical personnel to address critical manpower shortages in the state’s health sector.  According to him, the college would play a vital role in producing middle-level healthcare professionals required to manage emerging and existing medical facilities ac...

By EgbemaVoice, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended warm felicitations to the Olu of Warri Kingdom, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, on the occasion of his 42nd birth anniversary on April 2, 2026. The governor commended the revered monarch for his unwavering commitment to promoting harmony and stimulating economic growth in the kingdom since his ascension to the throne. In a statement issued in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori noted that the reign of the Olu of Warri has brought remarkable transformation to the Kingdom. He described the monarch’s conduct as admirable, emphasizing that his sense of dignity and dedication to duty has continued to elevate the status of the traditional institution. Governor Oborevwori, said: “On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Delta State, I heartily celebrate Your Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, as you mark your 42nd birth a...

*OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, BAYELSA STATE.* Visitation Panel Proposes Higher Education Ministry In Bayelsa, The Visitation Panel for Bayelsa State Tertiary Institutions set up by Governor Douye Diri in May last year has submitted its reports with a proposal for creation of a Ministry of Higher Education in the state. Chairman of the panel, Dr. Oyovwin Osusu, made the proposal on Wednesday in Government House, Yenagoa, when the panel presented its findings and recommendations to Governor Douye Diri. Dr. Osusu noted that with increase in the number of tertiary institutions, it had become necessary for the state government to separate the supervision of higher institutions from the present Ministry of Education. Osusu, who also chaired the visitation panel to the University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT), averred that if considered, the ministry would streamline the operational policies and structural administration of the state’s tertiary institutions. He said: “I chaired the panel to the U...

By EgbemaVoice, The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has called for calm and unity among Ijaw ex-agitators and key stakeholders following rising disagreements over pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta. In a press conference held on April 2, 2026, the Forum expressed concern over what it described as growing distractions and internal conflicts, warning that such divisions threaten the collective struggle for justice, resource control, and development in the region. IPF emphasized that the controversy surrounding pipeline surveillance contracts, particularly involving Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, is misplaced and should not overshadow critical issues affecting the Niger Delta. The Forum noted that Tantita’s involvement has yielded positive results, including improved security, increased oil production, and job creation. The group further stressed that pipeline surveillance is not exclusive to any single company, as other firms are also enga...

By EgbemaVoice Edegbene Federated Community has raised a strong alarm over alleged attempts by the Seimbiri Traditional Council of Chiefs to undermine the existing gazette and impose candidates outside the recognized ruling structure. The community has called for urgent intervention from Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, insisting that due process must be upheld to prevent a breakdown of peace. According to the community, it has duly nominated its legitimate son, ASP Eric Wariburua, as the king-designate in strict compliance with established customs and legal provisions guiding succession. Tension is steadily escalating in Seimbiri Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, as controversy deepens over the succession to the revered stool of Ebenanaowei (Pere), with strong resistance emerging from stakeholders in Edegbene community. A prominent opinion leader, General Okunduopagha James, popularly known as Don Banky, firml...

PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1 APRIL 2026 ADC DEMANDS CLARITY FROM INEC ON PURPORTED VOTER REVALIDATION PLAN  -CALLS PLAN 10 MONTHS BEFORE ELECTIONS ‘A RECIPE FOR CHAOS’ AND VOTER DISENFRANCHISEMENT  The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently confirm the authenticity of a leaked memo suggesting plans for a nationwide voter revalidation exercise, warning that if true, the move would be a “recipe for chaos” capable of disenfranchising millions of Nigerians ahead of the elections.  In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party argued that requiring already registered voters to revalidate their details less than ten months to the polls would suppress turnout, deepen voter apathy, and unfairly exclude those unable to travel, adding that the only likely beneficiary of such confusion is the ruling party. The ADC also questioned why such a major exerc...

By Ndu Samuel  Itsekiri coordinators of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited have thrown their weight behind the renewal of the firm’s pipeline surveillance contract, strongly condemning calls by some individuals seeking its revocation. In a press briefing issued on March 31, the coordinators described those agitating against the contract as “self-serving actors” who do not represent the interests of the Niger Delta people, alleging that their actions are aimed at destabilizing the relative peace and security currently enjoyed in the region. The statement, addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for extending the contract, noting that the decision reflects confidence in Tantita’s performance and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure. The coordinators reaffirmed their support for High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, describing him as a capable and reliable ...

By EgbemaVoice, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended warm felicitations to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, on the occasion of his 47th birth anniversary on April 1. In a goodwill message conveyed through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor joined family, lawmakers, constituents from Warri South-West, as well as friends and associates in celebrating the Speaker, whom he described as a leader with a strong sense of purpose. Governor Oborevwori commended Guwor who is Chairman of Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria for his significant contributions to legislative excellence and his role in advancing policies that support the overall development of Delta State.  He noted that the Speaker’s leadership has sustained stability in the House of Assembly, fostering cooperation and mutual respect among the arms of government. He further applauded the legislature un...

As PDP Crisis Escalate, Governor Bala Weighs Strategic Shift to ADC By EgbemaVoice Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has hinted at a potential political realignment, signaling readiness to consider the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid the protracted crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This followed a closed-door meeting held at the Presidential Lodge, Bauchi, with a high-powered ADC delegation led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. Babachir David Lawal. Speaking, Governor Mohammed disclosed that all reconciliation efforts within the PDP at the national and has so far failed to yield tangible results, prompting fresh considerations about the future political direction of his camp. He further revealed that strategic committees have been constituted in Abuja and Bauchi to thoroughly assess available political options, including possible alignment with alternative platforms. According to him, remaining in a political s...

PRESS STATEMENT  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 31 MARCH 2026 Aftermath of Kwankwaso Defection: Pressure Mounts on INEC to Destabilise ADC The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the APC-led Federal Government of attempting to destabilise the party following Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s defection, alleging pressure on INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), to interfere in its leadership. In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said a March 28 letter by some Senior Advocates, purportedly representing an expelled member of the party, is being used to push INEC to invalidate party actions and alter its structure before the court rules. The ADC alleges that this is part of a grand plan to destabilise the only viable opposition party left in the country and promises to resist it using all constitutional means. The full statement reads: The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has observed a coordinated attempt to pressure the Chairman of the Independent Natio...

HARDSHIP: Nigerians Are Dying Of Hunger —Mulade Tells Tinubu By EgbemaVoice Niger Delta born renowned human and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to adopt bold and pragmatic steps to stop Nigerians from dying silently and publicly as a result of hunger, hardship, and insecurity challenges in the country. Mulade made the call in a statement he released to news men on Tuesday, wherein he expressed his displeasure over political office holders' bid to seeking election while less attention to the level of hunger and poverty felt across the nation. "We must rise above the challenges and stop the avoidable deaths of Nigerians on daily basis because of leadership failure towards citizens welfare and protection," Mulade charged. The United Nations peace ambassador, said the Niger Delta region is a bit calm because of the massive engagements of the youths by pipeline surveillance contractors. He said, ...

Danger Looms Over Seimbiri Kingship In Delta As Edegbene Allegedly Rejects Boson By Ndu Samuel  Tension is gradually building in Seimbiri Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, following rising controversies surrounding the succession process to the revered stool of Ebenanaowei (Pere), with strong warnings now emanating from stakeholders in Edegbene community. An opinion leader in Edegbene, General Okunduopagha James, popularly known as Don Banky, has declared unequivocally that Mr. Joseph Edesemi Boson is not from Edegbene community, stressing that he lacks both ancestral and customary legitimacy to contest for the stool under Edegbene. Speaking on behalf of concerned sons and daughters of the community, Don Banky warned that allowing non-indigenes to infiltrate the process could destabilise the long-standing peace and traditional order within Seimbiri Kingdom. “It is on record that Joseph Edesemi Boson previously contested a kingship stool in Tuomo (TT)...

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDEMNS KILLINGS IN PLATEAU AND KADUNA, ASSURES SECURITY AGENCIES WILL BRING PERPETRATORS TO JUSTICE President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the barbaric and cowardly attacks by gunmen in Angwan Rukuba district, Jos, Plateau State. He equally condemned the attacks in Kahir village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Describing the attack on the community in Jos and the killing and abduction of wedding guests in Kaduna as an affront to all that Nigeria stands for, President Tinubu assured Nigerians that the barbaric acts will not go unpunished. "Anyone who will sneak under the cover of the night and kill defenceless citizens as done in Jos and Kahir village, is a heartless coward. By attacking soft targets in Jos, their objective is not only to cause harm but also trigger a spiral of reprisal attacks and further bloodletting," he said. He has directed security agencies to intensify all efforts to pursue the perpetra...

By EgbemaVoice Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court Abuja, has restrained the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) from gaining access into the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja. Justice Abdulmalik made the order while delivering judgment in a suit instituted by a group of the party loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Justice Abdulmalik also ordered security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), among others, to give adequate protection to the PDP led by Abdulrahman Mohammed while accessing the secretariat. The judge held that the purported national convention held by the Turaki-led group on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan and the election of the party’s officials, against the valid court orders, was a nullity. She said the convention violated Section 287(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended), as well as the PDP’s constitutio...

PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ADC WELCOMES KWANKWASO ‘THE GAME CHANGER’ TO THE PARTY - Former Kano Governor Urges all followers to join party - Party online database experiences surge in last 24 hours The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed the defection of former Kano State Governor and NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing him as a “game-changer” whose move signals a growing coalition for change ahead of future elections. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said Kwankwaso has directed his supporters nationwide to join the ADC, a development already reflected in a surge of registrations on the party’s online platform within 24 hours.  The full statement read: The African Democratic Congress (ADC) warmly welcomes the decision of former Governor of Kano State and Presidential Candidate of the NNPP in the 2023 General Election, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to join our party ...

PRESS STATEMENT PDP LEADERSHIP TUSSLE: THE SUPREME COURT WILL HAVE THE LAST SAY With the series of disturbing activities occurring in succession within the last 48 hours, genuine members of the Peoples Democratic Party across the country have expressed their concerns and are asking what the future holds for the party and our country’s democracy, by extension. To them, and other fair-minded, democracy-loving Nigerians, we reassure that we have taken this battle to the Supreme Court for the determination of all the issues relating to the leadership of our party, particularly as it relates to what constitutes an internal affair. With this appeal and the relevant concomitant applications filed and served on all the parties involved, we are hopeful that sooner, rather than later, the apex court will, in the interest of democracy, expeditiously hear and adjudicate on this matter. For the avoidance of doubt, we state that the pre-Easter jamboree of APC sympathisers and members of “Wike’s Auto...

PRESSPOL OSOGBO Police Public Relations Office Osun State Police Command State Headquarters, Osogbo Tel: 09060052947 E-mail: osunstatepoliceng@gmail.com Our Ref: AZ: 5650/OSS/PPRD/VOL.11/177 Date: 29th March, 2026 PRESS RELEASE UPDATE ON THE ATTACK ON POLICEMEN IN ERIN-OSUN AND ILOBU COMMUNITIES AS POLICE COMMAND ARRESTS ADDITIONAL FOURTEEN (14) SUSPECTS AND RECOVERS GUN AND OTHER WEAPONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ATTACK The Osun State Police Command wishes to update the general public on the ongoing investigation into the recent attack on police officers in Erin-Osun and Ilobu communities. Following a sustained and intelligence-driven operation coordinated by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, mnips, the Command has successfully arrested an additional fourteen (14) suspects, bringing the total number of suspects arrested in connection with the incident to eighteen (18). The suspects, who went into hiding after perpetrating the criminal act, were apprehended through intelligenc...