Politics
2023: How Delta PDP, Urhobos will decide who becomes next Governor
By Ogheneakpobo I. E.
The Urhobo Nation has a population of about five million persons, thereby making it the fifth largest ethnic group in Nigeria. They are also the most populated and largest in Delta State.
Reputed for their unity and common sense of purpose, the tribe is highly respected and feared by their ethnic neighbours. The Urhobos occupy eight local government areas in Delta state, with a few of them mixed up with other ethnic groups in Warri south, Patani, Burutu, Bomadi and Sagbama local government in Bayelsa State.
History has it that during the colonial era, the Urhobos driven by unity of purpose, spoke with one voice and recorded victory against territorial expansionary wars. Unity is typical of the tribe and for a long time was used it to win elections that involved Urhobo indigenes against those of other tribes.
The level of enlightment and quest for a united front among the Urhobos paved way for the early settlers to form a body known as Urhobo Peoples Society led by Chief John Okpodu, from Ovu in Agbon clan in 1931, which was later changed to Urhobo Progress Union.
The organization is binded by the customs and traditional laws of the people as well as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The body became formidable and recognized as the first and largest ethnic union that existed in Africa.
The Urhobo kingdom is traditionally governed by Kings in each of the twenty three clans, excluding the ones outside the eight local government areas in Delta state. The traditional administration that is headed by the King exist side-by-side with the Urhobo Progress Union led by an elected President General and other Executives, thereby having two arms of government that act as check and balance in each of the clans. They never at any time engaged in conflict or showed disrespect in discharging specified roles of leadership.
The roles and functions of the union cut across the Urhobos that are at home and in diaspora. The leaders are expected to be non-partisan. But, can come into political matters that solely involve the Urhobos in order to avoid a loss or break down of age long unity among its people.
The then leadership of Urbobo Progress Union were upright and chosen without bias. Their choice of candidates at that time was focused on ability to discipline oneself, demonstrate efficiency, and provide visionary and purposeful leadership. At the end of each election, no one expressed dissent, neither does it matter to anyone where the elected leader hailed from, provided the person is an Urhobo indigene.
Chief Mukoro Mowoe, an Urhobo Son from Evwreni in Ughelli North Local Government area became the first President General of the body now known as the Urhobo Progress Union. His reign remains unrivaled to this day. Others such as Chief T.E Salubi, Dr. Esiri and Benjamin Okumagba who ruled subsequently also perfomed excellently, as their reign had zero tolerance for corruption and oppression.
The Urhobo Progress Union headed by Chief Moses Taiga is therefore advised to borrow a leaf from these distinguished Urhobo personalities who were detribalized and always fought the course of the Urhobo nation.
The trend in modern society in which self aggrandizement and corruption are on the increase may have paved way for the failure to maintain the dignity, love and co-operation within the Urhobos and the neighbouring ethnic groups. Nevertheless, it is wrong to discriminate, use hate speech or adopt a culture that fosters selfish interests.
Presently, Delta state is comprised of several ethnic groups that are found in the three Senatorial districts, namely Delta Central, South and North. This accordingly was done during the creation of the state to ensure there wasn’t the domineering influence of a major tribe.
Consequently, the structure necessitated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to adopt a zoning formula in which the governorship position was rotated among the three Senatorial Zones. This was accepted and made to work perfectly without opposition, conflict or challenges of any kind.
The zoning strategy paved way for unity and peace which the earlier settlers of Urhobo nation were know for. It is sad that many Urhobo political leaders refuse to be their brothers keeper. Rather, they have become dogmatic and fail to listen or understand the place of the Urhobo nation in winning elections when it comes to the governorship position.
Some of them who refuse to agree that the baton of leadership should be rotational, have found their way to other political parties with the false hope that the Urhobos will win and continue to control the leadership of government in Delta state.
The Urhobo nation, therefore, must be cautious of the choice of candidate they put forward as power is returned back to Delta Central Senatorial District in 2023.
It will matter greatly to close ranks and mend fences by putting behind all acrimonies to enable the people, PDP caucus leaders, and the leadership of Urhobo Progress Union make a choice that will be massively accepted.
It will be painful and unforgivable if the masses are lured to support a candidate who will not be able to identify with the plight of the masses.
By experience, PDP caucus leaders have 50 percent input in making of choices, 30 percent from the masses and 20 percent from the leadership of Urhobo Progress Union.
The task before the Urhobo Progress Union to settle for a candidate to contest in the 2023 general election is made easier particularly given that the People’s Democratic Party has zoned the Governorship position to Delta Central Senatorial district where the Urhobo dominates. It, therefore, behoves on every son and daughter of Urhobo nation to respect and obey the verdict of the union.
In making an informed choice of a candidate to contest the Governorship election in 2023, the Urhobo nation must begin to consider and settle for a person who duly meets the following:
A. A business mogul and a successful industrialist who is well experienced in promoting economic growth and reducing unemployment.
B. A business man who has acquired wealth and will not focus on diverting government monies for his own enrichment.
C. One who has a track record of assisting the people in his community by helping them to raise funds or pay debts.
D. A person who provided palliatives with personal funds to people across the state during the lockdown.
E. Candidate must have viable business establishments in the state where people work to earn and whose source of wealth is beyond politics.
F. Candidate must have good manifesto that will make life better for the masses, and at a time must have contributed immensely by influencing infrastructural development to the community or state.
G. A person who will not discriminate between the rich and the poor in attending to issues that concern the masses; and should be a listening leader with the pedigree to win the governorship election.
The Delta State leadership caucus of the PDP on it’s part should consider the following in making an informed choice of who should succeed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa from Delta Central Senatorial District:
A. The candidate must be loyal to the party and also respect party hierarchy.
B. Must be one who has been a foundation member of the party and always contributed immensely to its growth and development.
C. Candidate should be a person who at no time defected to other parties to contest for any position against the PDP.
D. Must be a person with requisite qualification to meet the Party’s and INEC guidelines
E. Candidate should be financially ready to match the opposition so as to keep the support base of the PDP in the state.
F. Must be the one whose aspirations spread across the state, as reputed to be disciplined and submissive to constituted authority.
With all due considerations taken, the above requirements can only be narrowed down to the callibre of party men like Kenneth Gbagi, whose wealth cannot be traced to politics. By implication, having him as Governor would guarantee the right application of resources budgeted yearly for the state.
Besides, he is one person who understands the plight faced by the masses, and has ready solutions to address them. It is a fact that Gbagi remains the only individual among all the candidates who have shown interest to contest the governorship seat, with viable business establishments in Urhobo land where the people work to earn a living.
Gbagi has undertaken numerous philanthropic gestures that provided free medical and surgical services to Delta state indigenes, to mention but a few.
It, therefore, behoves the Urhobos to produce another successful Governor after the likes of Felix Ibru and James Ibori, with the choice of Kenneth Gbagi, as soon as politicking begins ahead of the 2023 governorship election.
Acting to the contrary would be interpreted to mean that the PDP caucus and the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union have a hidden agenda not known to the masses, an impression that by all means should be avoided by making the right call in the interest of the state. In other words, PDP must avoid playing into the hands of the opposition if it intends to hold on to the reigns of power beyond 2023.
Ogheneakpobo I.E. is a Political Analyst and PDP stalwart based in Delta State
Politics
Pro-Tinubu Group Demands Sack of Badaru, Other Ministers Who Lost Polling Units in Bye-Elections
Pro-Tinubu Group Demands Sack of Badaru, Other Ministers Who Lost Polling Units in Bye-Elections
The Asiwaju Network has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately disengage underperforming ministers who failed to deliver their polling units and wards during the just-concluded bye-elections.
The group also urged a cabinet reshuffle to inject fresh energy and ensure that only those who can add political and governance value remain in the Federal Executive Council.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja and signed by its president, Alhaji Musa Ibrahim Dandoka, the Asiwaju Network said the results of the elections were a litmus test that exposed the political weaknesses of some ministers entrusted with strategic national assignments.
At Babura Kofar Arewa Primary School in Jigawa State, where the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, cast his vote, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 308 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC), which managed only 112.
Badaru, a former governor of Jigawa and APC chieftain, left the venue without addressing journalists after casting his vote amid heavy security presence.
Dandoka said it was troubling that, despite his high office, the Defence Minister could not secure victory in his polling unit.
He argued that such political setbacks undermine the strength of the APC and the credibility of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope government.
“This defeat is both embarrassing and unacceptable. A minister who cannot win his polling unit cannot claim to possess the political capital required to defend the APC or promote the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. President Tinubu must act quickly to weed out weak links in his cabinet and replace them with men and women who have proven grassroots capacity,” Dandoka stated.
The group noted that Badaru was not alone in this failure, stressing that another minister from Jigawa and one from Enugu State also lost their wards and polling units.
According to the group, these developments point to a worrying trend of disconnect between certain ministers and their political bases.
“Ministers are not merely technocrats. They are political leaders of the party in their states and zones. If they cannot hold their homes together, then they do not deserve to hold on to strategic national offices. The bye-elections have sent a clear message, and it is that some ministers have lost relevance and electoral value,” the statement reads.
The Asiwaju Network maintained that the APC’s strength lies in grassroots mobilisation, and any minister unable to inspire loyalty within his immediate constituency is a liability.
Dandoka emphasised that President Tinubu’s success in governance must be matched with political consolidation, which requires capable and electorally grounded cabinet members.
“President Tinubu has been bold with tough decisions on subsidy reforms, the economy, and security. Nigerians are beginning to see the fruits of those reforms. But he must also be bold enough to reshuffle his cabinet. A government of results cannot afford ministers who are passengers. The President needs proven drivers of the Renewed Hope vision,” Dandoka said.
The group also commended loyal APC members and supporters who defied intimidation and attempts at rigging in Jigawa and Enugu, saying their resilience was the true strength of the ruling party.
“These members stood firm when those at the top failed to inspire confidence. They turned out in their numbers to defend the APC’s relevance even when some of their supposed leaders abandoned them. These grassroots soldiers of democracy must never be taken for granted,” Dandoka added.
The Asiwaju Network further urged President Tinubu to take the bye-election results as a warning, cautioning that retaining non-performing ministers would embolden the opposition and demoralise party loyalists.
“The message from Jigawa and Enugu is clear: the APC cannot continue to reward failure. A minister who cannot secure a few streets in his ward has no business in the Federal Executive Council. Mr President must urgently rejig his cabinet or risk carrying dead weight into future electoral contests,” the coalition warned.
Reaffirming the group’s loyalty to Tinubu’s leadership, Dandoka said Nigerians expect a government that rewards competence and accountability, not excuses and political failures.
“President Tinubu has the people’s mandate. He must not allow weak ministers to drag down his vision. A decisive cabinet reshuffle now will send a strong signal that the Renewed Hope government is serious about performance, delivery, and results,” he declared.
Customs at the Crossroads: When Lawmakers Look Away and the Executive Looks Aside
By Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi
In a democracy, legislative oversight is the scalpel that cuts through deceit, inefficiency, and corruption in public institutions. It is the people’s last institutional shield against abuse of power. But what happens when that shield becomes a shelter for the very rot it is meant to expose? And what happens when the Executive arm, whose duty is to supervise its agencies, pretends not to see?
The unfolding drama between the National Assembly and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reveals more than a policy dispute. It exposes a dangerous triangle of confusion, complicity, and economic sabotage. At stake is not only the rule of law but the survival of an economy already gasping under inflation, a weak naira, and suffocating costs of living.
The House Talks Tough
In June 2025, Nigerians saw a glimpse of legislative courage when the House of Representatives Committee thundered at Customs:
> “Nigerian Customs Service, by June 30, must not collect CISS again. You are to collect only your 4% FOB assigned by the President. Even the 7% cost of collection you currently take is illegal—it was an executive fiat of the military, not democratic law. Any attempt to continue these illegal collections will be challenged in court. The ‘I’s have it.”
The voice was firm, the ruling decisive. Nigerians expected a turning point.
But the righteous thunder of the House was quickly muffled by the Senate’s softer tone, which suggested not the enforcement of the law but a readiness to bend it.
Senate: Oversight or Escape Route?
At a Senate Customs Committee session, Senator Ade Fadahunsi admitted openly that Customs has been operating illegally since June 2023. Yet rather than demand an end to illegality, he extended a lifeline to Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi:
> “If we come back to the same source… the two houses will sit together and see to your amendment so you will not be walking on a tight rope.”
But should Adeniyi be handed a loose rope while Nigeria’s economy hangs by a thread?
Instead of accountability, the Senate Customs Committee floated adjustments that would make life easier for Customs. The nation was given hints about fraudulent insurance and freight data, but instead of sanctions, what we saw was a search for escape routes. This is not oversight—it is overlook.
Smuggling and Excuses
The Senate Committee also lamented cross-border smuggling—Nigerian goods like cement flooding Cotonou, Togo, and Ghana at cheaper prices than in Nigeria. Senator Fadahunsi blamed the Central Bank’s 2% value deposit for encouraging the practice.
But where are the Senate’s enforcement actions—compliance checks, stiffer sanctions, cross-border coordination? None. The result is predictable: smugglers prosper, reserves bleed, and ordinary Nigerians pay more for less.
A Bloated Customs Budget
The Service’s 2024 capital allocation ballooned to ₦1.1 trillion from ₦706 billion. Instead of channeling these resources into modern trade systems, Customs is expanding empires of frivolity—such as proposing a new university despite already having training facilities in Gwagwalada and Ikeja that could easily be upgraded.
Oversight is not an afterthought; it is the legislature’s constitutional duty. To see waste and illegality and yet propose amendments that would legalise them is to turn oversight into overlook.
Customs has about 16,000 staff, yet many remain poorly trained. Rather than prioritise capacity building, the Service is busy building staff estates in odd locations. How does Modakeke—an inland town with no border post—end up with massive Customs housing projects, while strategic border towns like Badagry, Idiroko, and Saki remain neglected? Is Bashir Adeniyi Comptroller-General of Customs—or Minister of Housing?
The 4% FOB Levy: A Policy Blunder
The central controversy is the Federal Government’s plan to replace existing port charges with a new 4% Free-On-Board (FOB) levy on imports.
Nigeria is an import-dependent nation. This levy will instantly hike the costs of cars, spare parts, machinery, and raw materials—crippling industries and punishing consumers.
Already, the consequences are biting:
A 2006 Toyota Corolla now costs between ₦6–9 million.
Clearing agents who once paid ₦215,000 for license renewal must now cough out ₦4 million.
New freight forwarder licenses have jumped from ₦600,000 to ₦10 million.
Customs claims the revenue is needed for its modernisation programme, anchored on a software platform called B’Odogwu. But stakeholders describe this so-called “Odogwu” as epileptic—if not comatose. Why commit trillions to a ghost programme that will be obsolete by January 2026, when the Nigerian Revenue Service is set to take over Customs collections?
Industry Raises the Alarm
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has warned that the levy will worsen inflation, disrupt supply chains, and hurt productivity.
Lucky Amiwero, President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, calls the levy “economically dangerous.” His reasoning is straightforward:
The 4% FOB levy is much higher than the 1% CISS it replaces.
Peer countries like Ghana maintain just 1%.
The new levy will fuel inflation, raise the landed costs of goods, and destabilise the naira.
He also revealed that the Customs Modernisation Act, which introduced the levy, was passed without Senate scrutiny or meaningful stakeholder consultation. He estimates that the levy could add ₦3–4 trillion annually to freight costs—burdens that will be transferred directly to consumers.
Who Is Behind the “Odogwu” Masquerade?
The haste to enforce this levy, despite its looming redundancy, raises disturbing questions. Who benefits from the “Odogwu” project draining trillions? Why the rush, when NRS will take over collections in a few months?
This masquerade must be unmasked.
The Price Nigerians Pay
For ordinary Nigerians, this policy translates into one thing: higher prices. Cars, manufactured goods, and spare parts are spiraling beyond reach. A nation struggling with inflation, unemployment, and a weak currency cannot afford such reckless experiments.
So, while the Senate looks away, the Executive cannot look aside.
The Executive Cannot Escape Blame.
It is easy to focus on the failings of the legislature. But we must not forget: the Customs Service is an agency of the Federal Ministry of Finance, under the direct supervision of the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun.
If Customs is breaking the law, wasting resources, or implementing anti-people policies, the buck stops at the Executive’s table. The Minister of Finance is Chairman of the Customs Board. To fold his hands while the Service operates in illegality is to abdicate responsibility.
History gives us a model. In 1999, the Minister of State for Finance, Nenadi Usman, was specifically assigned to supervise Customs and report directly to the President. Meanwhile, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala focused on broader fiscal and economic policies. That division of responsibility improved accountability. Today, the absence of such an arrangement is feeding impunity.
President Tinubu and his Finance Minister must act decisively. Oversight without executive will is a dead letter.
A Call to Accountability
The truth is stark:
Customs has been operating illegally since June 2023 to the Senate’s own confession.
The 4% FOB levy will deepen inflation and worsen economic hardship.
The Ministry of Finance bears ultimate responsibility for Customs’ conduct.
Until importing and consuming, Nigerians demand accountability—of the Comptroller-General, the Senate, and above all, the Finance Ministry—this bleeding will continue.
Nigerians deserve better. They deserve a Customs Service that serves the nation, not a privileged few. They deserve a House that enforces its resolutions, not one that grandstands. They deserve a Senate that upholds the law, not one that bends it. And above all, they deserve an Executive that does not look aside while illegality thrives under its ministry.
Only public pressure can end this indulgence. If Nigerians keep silent, we will keep paying the price—in higher costs, weaker currency, and a sabotaged economy.
Citizens’ Charge: Silence is Not an Option
Fellow Nigerians, the Customs crisis is not a drama for the pages of newspapers—it is a burden on our pockets, our businesses, and our children’s future. Every illegal levy is a tax on the poor. Every abandoned oversight is an open invitation to corruption. Every silence from the Executive is an approval of impunity.
We cannot afford to fold our arms. Democracy gives us the power of voice, the duty of vigilance, and the right to demand accountability. Let us demand that:
The Senate and House of Representatives stop playing good cop, bad cop, and enforce the law without compromise.
The Ministry of Finance takes full responsibility for the Customs Service, supervising it in the interest of Nigerians, not vested interests.
The President intervenes now, before the Service crosses the dangerous line of turning illegality into policy.
History will not forgive a people who suffered in silence when their economy was bled by recklessness. Silence is complicity. The time to speak, to write, to petition, to protest, and to demand is now.
Customs must serve Nigeria—not sabotage it.
Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi is an Apostle and Nation Builder. He’s also the President of Voice of His Word Ministries and Convener Apostolic Round Table. BoT Chairman, Project Victory Call Initiative, AKA PVC Naija. He is a strategic Communicator and the CEO, Masterbuilder Communications.
Email:[email protected]
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Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
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