Opinion

OPINION: Echoes of Empire: The Politics of Perpetual Power in Delta North

Published

6 months ago

April 14, 2026

In political history, the archetype of the power-entrenched leader one who refuses to relinquish influence even after leaving office has often drawn comparisons to imperial figures who governed with a sense of entitlement rather than service. This character, driven by an insatiable desire to remain relevant, frequently prioritizes personal legacy over democratic ideals. It is within this context that the recent political maneuvers of Ifeanyi Okowa must be critically examined.

Since exiting office as Governor of Delta State, Dr. Okowa’s post-administration trajectory appears to reflect a calculated effort to consolidate political control. His orchestration of his daughter’s emergence into the Delta State House of Assembly reportedly at the expense of a more experienced and vibrant legislator from Ika North East has raised fundamental concerns about fairness, meritocracy, and the health of democratic processes. Her subsequent appointment to chair the influential House Committee on Finance and Appropriation has only intensified perceptions of a carefully constructed political dynasty.

This pattern is not isolated. Observers recall similar political maneuvering that allegedly edged out other contenders, including the daughter of a former governor, from legislative opportunities. Such actions contribute to a growing narrative of exclusion and monopolization of political space and approach inconsistent with the principles of inclusivity and equal opportunity that democracy demands.

Compounding these concerns is the lingering shadow of the reported ₦1.3 trillion anti-graft investigation involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). For many, this unresolved matter underscores the need for introspection and accountability, rather than a renewed quest for political dominance. The expectation, particularly for someone of Dr. Okowa’s stature, is to exemplify statesmanship by focusing on legacy-building initiatives that strengthen institutions, not personal power structures.

More troubling, however, is the recent wave of endorsements attributed to a group of self-styled “stakeholders” advocating for his return to the Senate.
This development raises pertinent questions: Who are these stakeholders? Whose interests do they truly represent? And to what extent do their voices reflect the collective will of the Delta North electorate? In a pluralistic society, legitimacy must derive from broad-based consensus not selective endorsements that may lack transparency or inclusivity.

Contrary to these orchestrated narratives, there is mounting evidence of dissent within Dr. Okowa’s own political base. Notably, voices from Ika North have reportedly distanced themselves from this agenda, signaling a shift in grassroots sentiment. Under the aegis of progressive stakeholders, comprising youths, women, professionals, and party loyalists there is a growing call for credible alternatives rooted in competence and widespread acceptability.

Among the names gaining traction is Victor Ochei, a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. His proponents argue that his legislative experience, administrative acumen, and cross-cutting appeal across the nine local government areas position him as a unifying figure capable of delivering effective representation at the Red Chamber.

Ultimately, the unfolding political narrative in Delta North is a test of democratic resilience. It is a contest between entrenched influence and the people’s right to choose freely. The attempt to impose a singular political will through coercion, manipulation, or orchestrated endorsements risks undermining the very foundations of representative governance.

As 2027 approaches, the people of Delta North must assert their collective voice. The future of the senatorial district should not be shaped by the ambitions of one individual, but by a transparent, participatory process that reflects the aspirations of the many.

The call is clear: a new political direction anchored on equity, renewal, and genuine democratic choice.

Austin Edemodu, PhD is an Abuja based Journalist and Public Affairs Commentator

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Opinion

RE: BLAIR “HAS QUESTIONS TO ANSWER” OVER SUPPORT FOR BRITAIN WHILE ADVISING NIGERIA

Published

2 days ago

October 20, 2026

The Gleamer

(A rejoinder to Gordon Rayner’s article of October 18,2026 in the Telegraph, UK
By Kehinde Bamigbetan
After reading this article, particularly the denials from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and the Federal Government of Nigeria, one is bound to question the editorial judgment that gives this piece any value.

In short, what did Gordon Rainer set out to do with this publication? Put a shine on Jupiter’s false and thoroughly empty narrative? Set up a former Prime Minister for blackmail and opprobrium? Or revive a dead case before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes?

Whichever, Rainer presents propositions which swallow their answers. His first argument that Blair might have undermined British national security interests is contradicted by the disclosure that the TBI has no contract to advise the Federal Government of Nigeria.

His second argument, that Jupiter was denied the execution of its licence, is contradicted by the fact that the company is unknown under Nigerian law. Rainer then admits knowing this fact and introduces the company as Jupiter’s partners.

For clarity and the benefit of his readers, these companies—Basin Mining Limited and Range Mining Limited—lost their licences for failing to pay annual service fees. Basin, for instance, owes N1,223,750,000, about £691,368.

The licences were revoked after the companies ignored several notices to fulfil their contractual obligations to the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office. Penalties for non-payment are increasing daily, and the legal process to recover the funds is underway.

Rather than rescue its partners by paying their fees and penalties or allow the international settlement court to determine its case, Jupiter has mounted an international self-help campaign of calumny and economic sabotage against the government and people of Nigeria, using methods that threaten Nigeria’s security and diplomatic interests.

We believe Rainer is its latest innocent recruit, hoodwinked into propagating a false narrative by appealing to British national security interests when, in fact, Jupiter’s partners are, under Nigerian law, economic and security risks whose continued defiance of Nigeria’s laws endangers centuries of Britain-Nigeria relations.

The question Rainer should ask: if, indeed, Jupiter has a cast-iron case, why is it shedding crocodile tears and shopping for sympathy with false pretences and narratives?

Let’s give the clue: Jupiter’s promoter, Steve Davis, has leeched on Nigeria’s presidents since 1999 by pretending to be an international mining expert, and he has acquired an ego and assets far out of proportion to his financial and technical status.
He is so comfortable living above the law in Nigeria that compliance with regulatory provisions is a taboo, an affront to his bloated ego as a self-deluded “founder of Nigeria’s modern mining sector.”

Davis had a good time living his ego until Dele Alake became Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development in August 2023 and immediately launched a clean-up of the sector focused on zero-tolerance for non-compliance with the provisions of the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Law 2007, a law that Davis boasts he contributed to making and should set an example by encouraging compliance.

The Minister was shocked that the Nigerian Mining Cadastre had a huge amount of unpaid statutory fees despite the government’s investment in the Electronic Mining Cadastre Plus (EMC+) automation, which digitised the licensing process and upgraded services to the mining sector.

In line with the law, the minister ensured debtors were duly notified, and defaulters duly gazetted before revoking their licences for flouting the regulation on the payment of annual service fees.

In November 2023, the minister revoked at least 1,663 licences, a decision that showed it was no longer business as usual under the new sheriff in town.

To show the government has a human face, it opened a three-month restitution window to address complaints and feedback indicating cases of extenuating circumstances.

But still basking in the euphoria of an ego that has outlived its era, Davis discouraged his partners from taking advantage of these opportunities for remorse. Instead, he threatened to exploit his global networks to frustrate the Federal Government of Nigeria.

He wasn’t joking. He launched a global disinformation campaign from his native Australia to Canada, from the United States to Europe. However, his lies evaporated as soon as the facts were laid bare.

Davis pulled his most ambitious stunt so far during Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to the United Kingdom in March this year, when he polluted the air with narratives designed to set Nigeria against the West by spreading blatant falsehoods and playing the victim.

But, as he found out to his misery, the whole public relations game was dead on arrival. A comprehensive statement clarifying the issues to the highly intelligent British media sent him into the cold.

All we ask is that journalists refer to the eternal maxim of the journalism profession whenever Davis knocks on their door: if in doubt, leave it out.

When a story like this betrays so many contradictions, the rule is not to encourage its spread. Every responsible journalist has the moral duty to kill it.

Kehinde Bamigbetan is a Journalist and Special Adviser to Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Federal Republic of Nigeria

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