A Summons at Dusk ON the evening of 16 January 1966, as Muslims across Nigeria prepared to break their Ramadan fast, an urgent message summoned federal ministers to the Cabinet Office in Lagos. Among those present was future president Shehu Shagari, then a senior member of Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s government. The country was […]
By ENUBUZOR CHUKWUDI Claims, Counterclaims and the Politics of Accountability FRESH allegations circulating in political circles have reignited debate over fiscal management and accountability in Delta State, with former and current governors coming under renewed scrutiny. The claims compare budget sizes and infrastructure delivery under former governor James Ibori, his successor Ifeanyi Okowa, and incumbent governor […]
The Stakes in Nigeria’s Capital AS residents of the Federal Capital Territory prepare for the 21 February Area Council elections, attention is turning to the candidates vying to govern the six councils that make up the territory — Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. Unlike Nigeria’s 36 states, the FCT […]
By IKHIDE R IKHELOA Resurfacing Comparisons Between Military and Civilian Rule A fresh wave of public commentary comparing Nigeria’s military era with its current democratic experience has reignited debate about governance, corruption and accountability. Recent opinion pieces circulating online have drawn parallels between the late Sani Abacha, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most controversial […]
By AGHOGHO ABRAHAM OROTOMAH Consensus Model Under Scrutiny THE adoption of consensus candidates ahead of local government congresses has sparked debate within Delta State’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with Ughelli North Local Government Area at the centre of the conversation. Party insiders describe the situation in Ughelli North as a potential template for […]
By SEN RICH KAY Early Ripples Ahead of 2027 POLITICAL discussions in Delta State have intensified following reports that former governor Ifeanyi Okowa may be exploring a return to the National Assembly in 2027. According to multiple local sources, a recent meeting in Owa Alero Ward, Ika North East Local Government Area, reportedly revealed internal divisions […]
By ZIK GBEMRE A Legacy Under Debate FEW political figures in Delta State evoke as much debate as former governor James Ibori. More than a decade after leaving office, arguments persist about whether his administration strengthened or destabilised Warri’s economic foundations. Critics trace today’s fragile local economy — characterised by informal transport services, small-scale trading, cybercrime […]
Tinubu Signs Amendment, Questions Tech Capacity PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law, maintaining that credible elections depend more on effective management than on real-time electronic transmission of results. Speaking at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu said elections are ultimately determined by designated electoral officials, not computers. While acknowledging debates […]
Executive Order Targets Revenue Leakages PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has signed an Executive Order mandating the direct remittance of oil and gas revenues into the Federation Account, in a sweeping move to plug leakages and strengthen public finances. The directive, announced in Abuja through a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, is anchored on Section 5 […]
Legislative Push for Sector Reform THE Delta State House of Assembly has announced a public hearing on a bill proposing the creation of a Delta State Gaming Board, signalling an effort to restructure and modernise the regulation of betting, lottery and gaming operations across the state. Scheduled for 24 February 2026, at the Assembly Complex […]