By Comrade Kelly Efemena Umukoro Akima

In a dramatic twist, the Delta State Government has obtained a reproduction warrant from Magistrate Court 3, Asaba, to arraign activist journalist Fejiro Oliver on fresh, yet-to-be-disclosed charges, in what rights groups have described as a calculated ploy to intimidate civil servants and gag a relentless government critic.

The move follows a setback at the Federal High Court, where the state government failed to secure its preferred bail conditions. In a strategic shift, it has now turned to the Magistrate Court, where it plans to impose bail terms requiring state workers to stand surety, a condition observers say is deliberately designed to instill fear among civil servants who risk victimisation or dismissal if they come forward.

The fresh charge, titled State (Gov. Sheriff) vs. Fejiro Oliver, was filed on 17th October 2025, mandating Oliver to appear before Her Worship Edith Nkechi Anumadu (Mrs) on Monday, 20th October 2025, for arraignment.

Human rights advocates including Comrade Kelly Efemena Umukoro Akima have condemned the move as an attempt to weaponise the judiciary against dissent.

“This is clearly aimed at suppressing the voice of the people,” said a rights activist in Asaba. “Using legal instruments to target dissenting voices undermines democracy and erodes trust in the justice system.”

Fejiro Oliver, popularly known as the “Five Star General Prisoner of Conscience” and “Voice of the Masses”, has long been a thorn in the side of those in power. His fearless commentaries and exposures of alleged government corruption have made him both a public hero and a target of political backlash.

Supporters have called on judicial officers to uphold fairness, independence, and justice, warning against political interference that threatens the sanctity of the courts.

“Power is transient, but truth and justice endure forever,” Oliver’s supporters declared.

The upcoming arraignment has attracted widespread attention, with civil society groups, activists, and members of the public watching closely to see whether the judiciary will stand firm or bend under political pressure.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, on Wednesday held a brief but colourful ceremony to officially commission the signboard of the Federal Information Chapel at the Federal Secretariat Complex, Okpanam Road, Asaba. The event underscored the Chapel’s renewed commitment to visibility, purpose, and professionalism in journalism.

The commissioning, attended by journalists, union leaders, and heads of federal establishments, was led by the Chairman of NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, who described the initiative as symbolic of identity, responsibility, and presence.

“This event is a privilege for me because this signboard goes beyond suggesting location. It represents identity, purpose, and presence. We are not just gathered to celebrate a structure; we are celebrating symbolism,” Oyowe said.
“This signboard should remind us of our responsibility to inform, educate, and remain professional in our calling as journalists. No matter how long it takes to do something, it is better done than never,” he added.

Comrade Oyowe commended the leadership and members of the Federal Information Chapel for taking the bold step to give the Chapel a visible face, and charged journalists to continually extend their impact beyond their immediate environment.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Federal Information Chapel, Enitan Abel Johngold, MNIPR, described the commissioning as “a modest step with monumental symbolism,” noting that the signboard signifies the Chapel’s active presence within the NUJ family.

“The erection of this signboard goes beyond just mounting a structure by the fence. It represents identity, visibility, and institutional presence. It is a bold statement that the Federal Information Chapel is alive, organized, and fully integrated into the activities of the larger NUJ family in Delta State,” Johngold stated.
“When we came on board, one of our modest goals was to give the Chapel a face. This signboard is a physical manifestation of that vision, a signpost of unity and professionalism,” he added.

He expressed deep appreciation to the Delta State Council led by Comrade Oyowe for its unwavering support and to members of the Chapel for their collective efforts in realizing the project. He reaffirmed the Chapel’s commitment to disseminating credible information from federal institutions to the public, while upholding journalistic ethics and standards.

The highlight of the event was the formal unveiling and commissioning of the signboard by Comrade Oyowe, marking a new chapter of visibility and institutional identity for the Federal Information Chapel within the Federal Secretariat.

By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr 

Nigeria’s diplomatic and academic communities are in mourning following the death of Prof. Joy Uche Angela Ogwu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and one of the country’s most accomplished international diplomats.

Prof. Ogwu reportedly passed away in the early hours of Monday at a hospital in New York, United States, at the age of 79. Family sources confirmed that she died overseas where she had been receiving medical care.

A Life of Firsts and Diplomatic Distinction

Born on August 22, 1946, in Delta State, Prof. Ogwu broke multiple barriers during her lifetime. She was the first Nigerian woman to serve as Permanent Representative to the United Nations, a position she held from 2008 to 2017, and Minister of Foreign Affairs between August 2006 and May 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Her distinguished career began in academia. She earned her BA and MA in Political Science from Rutgers University, USA, before bagging a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Lagos in 1977. She rose to become Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), cementing her reputation as a brilliant scholar and policy thinker.

Global Impact: Presiding at the UN Security Council

During her tenure as Nigeria’s envoy to the UN, Prof. Ogwu twice presided over the United Nations Security Council, in July 2010 and October 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping global security discussions.

She also served as President of the Executive Board of UN Women, chaired the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), and championed causes ranging from disarmament to gender equity and South–South cooperation.

Scholar, Diplomat, Reformer

Beyond diplomacy, Prof. Ogwu was a prolific author and thinker. Her book “Nigerian Foreign Policy: Alternative Futures” (1986) remains a reference point in foreign policy studies. Her voice carried weight in both classrooms and international conference halls, inspiring generations of diplomats and scholars.

Colleagues recall her as a calm but firm negotiator, a trailblazer for women in diplomacy, and a patriot who carried Nigeria’s voice with dignity and intellectual force.

Reactions and Legacy

Tributes have begun pouring in from across the world. Senior diplomats, academics, and political leaders have described her passing as “a monumental loss to Nigeria and the global diplomatic community.”

“Prof. Joy Ogwu was a bridge between Nigeria and the international community — her loss is not only a loss to Delta State or Nigeria, but to every forum where justice, diplomacy, and equity are debated. We have lost a voice we sorely needed.” – Comrade Nwaidei Chukwuma Michael, Delta North Chapter’s Pyrates Capn

“Her academic brilliance and deep commitment to Nigeria’s foreign policy made her a giant among diplomats. Prof. Ogwu didn’t just represent our country and family abroad — she shaped how the world sees us.”
— Patrick Maduemezia, cousin

“As a woman, she shattered ceilings. As a scholar, she trained cohorts of young diplomats. As a stateswoman, she carried Nigeria’s dignity on the global stage. We will miss her guidance.” — Comrade Abel Johngold, Chairman, Federal Information Chapel of NUJ Delta State

“Professor Ogwu was one of those rare figures whose integrity matched her intellect. In all our interactions, she was principled, humane, and deeply patriotic. Her death leaves a gap that must be honoured by emulating her service.”
— Mrs. Patricia Nkiruka Umunna, Deputy Director Human Resources, NOA Delta State

She is survived by her children and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.

An Enduring National Figure

Prof. Joy Ogwu’s passing marks the end of a golden era in Nigerian diplomacy. From lecture halls to the corridors of the United Nations, she blazed a trail that few have matched. Her name will remain etched in Nigeria’s diplomatic history as a symbol of excellence, courage, and vision.

By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr

In a landmark event that signaled a new dawn of unity and reconciliation, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge (SAN, OON), and the Akor of Oko Kingdom, HRM Engr. Eze Osita Onwuka, on Friday formally reconciled after almost a decade of legal battles and strained relations between the two royal stools.

The reconciliation ceremony, held at the Oshimili South Local Government Council Secretariat in Asaba, was presided over by the Executive Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Hon. (High Chief) Ezenyili Kelvin Obi (Ph.D.), who described the moment as “an epoch-making turning point” in the history of the two ancient communities.

In his address, Hon. Ezenyili expressed joy at witnessing the end of the protracted dispute, which dates back to 2016 and had spanned multiple court cases, judgments, appeals, and cross appeals for nearly ten years.

“Without an iota of doubt, I believe I am the happiest person amongst us all,” he declared, noting that the reconciliation was the product of years of deliberate mediation efforts initiated during his first tenure in 2021.

He commended the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for granting him approval to embark on a second round of peace talks, which ultimately led to the historic accord. He also applauded the spirit of reciprocity displayed by both royal majesties and their palace chiefs during the negotiations.

The chairman further demonstrated transparency by publicly reading the financial statement of the special account created to preserve monthly stipends for both traditional institutions throughout the dispute period. He revealed that the Council had preserved a cumulative total of ₦522,797,882.57 as at September 2025, which would now be handed over to the two kingdoms.

“Above all, I wish to appreciate the Almighty God for using me as a viable tool in brokering peace in Oshimili South,” he added.

In his remarks, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Azinge, lauded the Chairman for his diligence and integrity throughout the mediation process, describing the peace accord as the culmination of a “very uncharted process of engagement” that required open minds and genuine commitment from both parties.

“It got to the point where both parties truly came to the ‘yes’ — meaning that voluntarily, they decided to agree. It wasn’t an easy process, but the desire to reach yes made it possible,” the revered monarch said.

He emphasized that the misunderstanding had never been a dispute between the peoples of Asaba and Oko, but rather a matter of principles surrounding stool-related issues.

“We remain brothers and sisters, inextricably intertwined as part and parcel of Oshimili South. We will always continue to work together in peace and harmony to reposition our environment and prioritize the welfare of our people,” the Asagba declared.

The monarch also publicly acknowledged the Akor of Oko for attending his first coronation anniversary, calling it a gesture of goodwill that underscored the fraternal bond between the two kingdoms.

Also speaking, the Akor of Oko Kingdom, HRM Engr. Eze Osita Onwuka, expressed gratitude to the Chairman for facilitating the reconciliation process. He fully endorsed the peace accord, urging both communities to put the past behind them and work towards stronger ties.

“Whatever happened in the past should remain in the past. We are ready to collaborate with the Asagba of Asaba in building a stronger relationship for the benefit of both kingdoms,” the Akor pledged.

Friday’s event brought together palace chiefs, community representatives, government officials, and members of the press, all of whom witnessed the signing of what many described as a historic peace pact.

The reconciliation is expected to pave the way for renewed cooperation, socio-economic growth, and cultural harmony between the two neighboring communities, which share deep historical and familial ties.

A respected All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, Apostle Kukuru Benjamin, popularly known as Ebis, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his exceptional leadership and the remarkable developmental strides recorded at the grassroots level since the beginning of his administration.

In a statement made available to newsmen, Apostle Benjamin, a renowned hotelier and influential business tycoon, noted that Warri North has witnessed unprecedented progress under Governor Oborevwori’s watch.

“Warri North has never had it this good until God blessed the State with Sheriff Oborevwori as Governor,” he declared.

He highlighted several of the Governor’s achievements in the area, including infrastructural improvements, enhanced security presence, and empowerment programmes targeted at youths and women. According to him, these initiatives have significantly improved the living standards of residents and strengthened community development.

Apostle Benjamin further praised Governor Oborevwori for running an inclusive government that transcends party lines, stressing that development should not be viewed through a political lens.

“Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated that he is a leader for all Deltans, irrespective of political affiliation. What matters most is the welfare of the people, and he has shown genuine commitment to this,” he added.

He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and residents of Warri North to continue supporting the Governor’s vision for a more prosperous and united Delta State.

“With unity and collective effort, we can sustain this momentum and make Warri North a model of development in the state,” Apostle Benjamin concluded.

Signed:
Media Office of Apostle Kukuru Benjamin (Ebis)
Warri North, Delta State.