In what appeared to be a stimulated political reunion for Delta State, particularly the Ughelli South axis, the Udu-Ughelli Federal Constituency Steering Committee, under the leadership of Olorogun John Oguma, played host to top-ranking Urhobo representatives in the National Assembly on Saturday, May 23, 2025. The high-profile parley, held at Ovwor-Olomu, Ughelli South, featured Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central in the Red Chamber, and Hon. Francis Waive, representing the Udu-Ughelli Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber, Abuja. This gathering marked the first formal political convergence following the strategic realignment that saw the defection of the 24-year-old PDP into the ruling APC, orchestrated by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in April 2025. The mass exodus has since reshaped the political landscape of Delta State, culminating in what many describe as a torrential political fusion. In his address, Olorogun John Oguma—a revered political heavyweight—welcomed the lawmakers and party faithful, describing the fusion as the best political calculation by Governor Oborevwori. He boldly declared that those who refuse to align with the governor’s vision are the true enemies of Delta State’s progress. Oguma also introduced the audience to the political pressure group—a body recently birthed within the PDP ranks before the merger—emphasizing its commitment to galvanizing voter support for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and all APC candidates in the 2027 elections. He unequivocally pronounced that the PDP is dead in Delta State, urging followers not to be deceived by any lingering illusions of its relevance. According to him, the once-dominant party is now a mere political carcass. Oguma commended Governor Oborevwori’s foresight and charged the lawmakers to foster deep-rooted harmony within the party, ensuring the dividends of democracy trickle down to the grassroots. In response, Senator Ede Dafinone highlighted the strategic advantages of the political realignment, stressing that the newfound unity within the APC would enable the Delta State Government to pursue socio-economic development without hindrance. He further reaffirmed that the governor remains the rallying point for the party in Delta State, reinforcing his position as the unifying force in the state’s evolving political landscape. For his part, Hon. Francis Waive expressed deep satisfaction and fulfillment with Governor Oborevwori’s decision to lead the political fusion, noting that the governor had not disappointed him. It is noteworthy that Hon. Waive was the first prominent APC figure in Delta State to publicly advocate for Governor Oborevwori’s cross-party movement and sole candidacy, a bold stance that initially attracted widespread criticism but ultimately gained acceptance as the governor embraced the proposal. The Ovwor-Olomu parley has further cemented the new political order in Delta State, signaling a united front as the APC marches towards 2027.

By Olorogon Prof. Dr. Mrs. Rukevwe Akpedeye-UgwumbaFormer Special Adviser to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Health EXCO, Former Aspirant for Federal House of Representatives, Chieftain of the APC, and Professor of Family Medicine, Canada. The recent purported endorsement of incumbent Senator Ede Dafinone and Rev. Francis Waive by the so-called U3 Forum—an erstwhile PDP pressure group—as the sole APC candidates for Senate and House of Representatives in 2027 is a blatant affront to the APC’s constitutional provisions, principles of fairness, and the very essence of equitable representation. It is a desperate, self-serving attempt to cling to power, regardless of the cost to Delta Central’s delicate political balance. Even more astonishing is that both Dafinone and Waive actively solicited and embraced such endorsements from new APC members—individuals who recently crossed over from the PDP—while betraying the trust of core APC loyalists who labored tirelessly for their victories in 2023. Waive’s public endorsement and Dafinone’s clandestine support for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori—then a PDP candidate—during the 2023 elections were acts of sheer political treachery that must not, and will not, go unpunished. Their political reckoning is inevitable: they will be primaried and defeated. Let us be clear: If Waive and Dafinone believe they can return to the National Assembly under any platform, least of all the APC, they are gravely mistaken. They have lost touch with the realities of Delta Central, Delta State, and Nigerian politics. The Ugly Imbalance in Delta Central Representation A closer look at the representation history in the Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency exposes a glaring, unsustainable imbalance. By 2027: Waive’s audacious bid for re-election in 2027 would further entrench this lopsidedness, denying Udu and Ughelli North their rightful turn in line with the principles of fairness, federal character, and equity enshrined in Article 20(vi) of the APC Constitution. Similarly, Delta Central’s senatorial representation must reflect rotational balance across the three federal constituencies: Ethiope, Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie, and Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu. Fielding both Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ede Dafinone—both from Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie—would be a strategic blunder for the APC. It would further alienate the rest of Delta Central and undermine the political equilibrium that has sustained the district. In 2023, Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor graciously stepped down to allow Dafinone’s emergence. Dafinone should now emulate that selfless example, for the sake of fairness and unity. It is unconscionable—and indeed ungodly—for the Okpe Kingdom, one out of 27 Urhobo kingdoms, to monopolize both the governorship and senatorial seat. Are the rest of us slaves? The Way Forward: True Representation, Not Power Grab Dafinone and Waive’s reckless endorsement charade, sought from new APC members while disregarding the party’s core loyalists and constitutional values, speaks volumes about their desperation and lack of integrity. Such disregard for party rules, Urhobo customs, and the principles of justice raises serious concerns about their commitment to fairness and the welfare of the people they claim to represent. It is time for aspirants from Udu and Ughelli North, as well as Ethiope and Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituencies, to step up. The APC must prioritize equity, fairness, and justice over selfish ambition. Only by doing so can we break the cycle of entrenched power and promote true, inclusive representation in Delta Central. We are not slaves. We refuse to accept perpetual marginalization. The time for equity and fairness is now.

Chief Sunny Onuesoke, Chairman/CEO of DAS Energy Services Limited, has commended PresidentBola Ahmed Tinubu for the federal government’s recent commitment to reviving the moribund Premium Steel and Mines Limited (formerly Delta Steel Company, DSC), located in Ovwian-Aladja, Delta State. Onuesoke, a former PDP gubernatorial aspirant and vocal advocate for the revival of the steel company, lauded the federal government’s intervention during the recent inspection visit by the Minister of Steel Development, Abubakar Audu. The Minister had assured stakeholders that the Tinubu administration is determined to facilitate the full-scale revival of the plant, with projections of 5,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs, aimed at boosting Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic diversification. Speaking on the sidelines of the ministerial inspection, Onuesoke praised the move as a major step towards transforming Delta State and Nigeria’s industrial landscape. “Steel is the bedrock of any development in the world. It is used for vehicles, spacecraft manufacturing, heavy machinery, and even the chips in computers. No country can grow without a robust steel sector. This is a strategic asset, and its revival will serve as a catalyst for allied industries, significantly reduce unemployment, and stimulate broad-based economic growth,” he said. Onuesoke stressed that the revival of the steel company has the potential to create over 21,000 jobs, factoring in multiplier effects across related industries. He added that the project would elevate Warri as a regional economic hub, attracting ancillary industries such as scrap dealers, mechanics, and logistics firms. “The railway that’s already in place will also support the steel plant’s operations, making the area even more viable for industrialization,” he noted. Onuesoke further commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his commitment to infrastructural development in the state. He urged the governor to intensify efforts and continue pressuring the federal government to fast-track the resuscitation of the steel plant. “Governor Oborevwori has done well in infrastructure, but I appeal to him to prioritize this cause. The revival of Premium Steel will not only benefit Delta but the entire nation,” Onuesoke concluded. This renewed focus on steel development is seen as a critical component of the federal government’s drive to boost local manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and reposition Nigeria as a hub for industrial growth in Africa.

(URHOBOTODAY) – Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has reaffirmed its dedication to peacebuilding and development in the Niger Delta, pledging sustained collaboration with stakeholders and continued investment in youth empowerment. The company’s Managing Director, High Chief Keston Pondi, made this commitment on Saturday, May 31, 2025, during the official commissioning of the Isoko Youth House (Fred Obe Secretariat) in Ozoro, Delta State. Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Pondi emphasized that while Tantita’s core mandate from the federal government is to protect critical oil infrastructure, its mission extends beyond pipeline surveillance. He stressed the company’s focus on fostering long-term peace, unity, and socio-economic progress by empowering local youths and supporting community initiatives. The Isoko Youth House, strategically located along the Ozoro/Kwale Road opposite the Southern Delta University Gate, stands as a testament to this vision. Commissioned on behalf of Tantita’s Chairman, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo), the facility is described as a fulfilled promise to empower, organize, and amplify the voices of Isoko youths. Delta State Commissioner for Youths, Hon. ThankGod Harry Frakriowei, who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, hailed the youth house as a “symbol of hope, opportunity, and progress.” He noted that the facility, fully equipped with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools, will serve as a training centre to build skills and foster innovation. He added that the initiative aligns with the state government’s MORE Agenda on youth empowerment and development. President of the Isoko National Youth Assembly Worldwide, Comrade Eniwake Orogun, described the Isoko Youth House as a “lasting symbol of collective struggle.” He explained that the decision to name the facility after Chief Fred Obe was in recognition of his pioneering leadership and critical role in the Niger Delta struggle for self-determination and equitable oil revenue distribution. In his remarks, Chief Fred Obe expressed deep appreciation for the honour, reflecting on the history of the Isoko Youth House dating back to 1997/1998. He recounted the solidarity among leaders like Tompolo, Asari Dokubo, and others in advocating for justice for oil-producing communities — efforts that eventually gained national attention during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. Obe thanked Chief Pondi for his “elephant-size” support in actualizing the project, while reaffirming the enduring ties between the Isoko and Ijaw nations. He also acknowledged the contributions of other stakeholders, including Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko. The fully equipped youth house, completed at a cost exceeding N200 million, is expected to serve as a hub for youth development and capacity building. Attendees were urged to ensure the facility’s sustainability through proper maintenance and responsible use. This milestone reflects Tantita Security’s broader commitment to addressing the root causes of conflict and underdevelopment in the Niger Delta, empowering communities for a more secure and prosperous future.