Opinion

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

Published

1 month 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

Homeland Security or Homeland Patronage?

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

The Gleamer

…Nigeria Cannot Keep Inventing Offices to Avoid Real Reform

By Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi

Nigeria awoke recently to the announcement of a new political creation: the Special Adviser on Homeland Security. Predictably, the cheerleaders of the administration—the “City Boys”, the “Renewed Hope” chorus, and the usual orbit of political loyalists—erupted in celebration. To hear them tell it, this single appointment is the longawaited masterstroke that will end kidnapping, banditry, insurgency, and terrorism.

If only governance were that easy.
Nigeria’s insecurity crisis is not a problem of insufficient titles. It is a problem of insufficient political will. And no number of new offices, however grandly named, can substitute for leadership that is ready to confront the roots of our national decay.

The Real Question: What Is Wrong With What We Already Have?

Before we applaud another bureaucratic invention, we must ask:
Why are the existing security structures failing? Is it a lack of capacity? A lack of coordination? Or a lack of sincerity at the highest levels?

Creating a new “Homeland Security” office without fixing the rot in the current system is like building a new roof on a house with collapsing foundations. It may look impressive, but it solves nothing.

Nigeria’s Endless Cycle of Cosmetic Reforms

We have seen this pattern before. From the era of military rule to the present civilian administrations, Nigerians have been told that privatization, concessioning, and PPPs were the magic keys to prosperity. Instead, national assets were sold to political insiders at giveaway prices, often financed with public funds. The result?

*Electricity worse than it was in the 1970s

*Roads that endanger rather than connect

*Schools and hospitals in states of abandonment

More recently, fuel subsidy removal, naira depreciation, aggressive borrowing, and new tax regimes have produced predictable outcomes: rising poverty, millions of outofschool children, and a healthcare system out of reach for ordinary citizens.

These are not reforms. They are rituals—performed for applause, not for impact.

Copying Foreign Models Without Local Understanding

Some argue that the United States and United Kingdom have Departments of Homeland Security, so Nigeria must follow suit. But this comparison is shallow. Nigeria already has a functional equivalent: the Ministry of Interior.
What we lack is not structure.
What we lack is competence, independence, and accountability.

Recruiting the right people—and allowing them to work without political interference—would do far more for national security than multiplying offices to reward political allies.

When Governance Becomes Patronage

A nation begins to fail when public institutions forget their purpose. Today, many Ministries, Departments, and Agencies have been reduced to distribution centres for rice, wrappers, and handouts. When institutions become charity kiosks, the system collapses—and no new adviser or special assistant can rescue it.

Nigeria Deserves More Than Symbolism

Nigeria cannot continue inflating the cost of governance while deflating the dignity of governance. We cannot keep inventing new offices to mask old failures. What the country needs is not another adviser. It needs courage. It needs sincerity. It needs leadership that values results over rituals.

Until then, every new appointment—no matter how elegantly packaged—will remain what it truly is: Another food for the boys.

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