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Legal Fireworks Break Out In Ukwuani LGA Council. Read The Bone Of Contention.

 

The High Court of Delta State sitting in Obiaruku has granted leave to a councillor of Ukwuani Local Government Area to commence mandamus proceedings against the Chairman and Treasurer of the Council over alleged failure to disclose the council’s financial records, as required by law.

The order was made on January 19, 2026, by Justice S. L. Okeleke, following an ex parte application filed by Evans Ufeli, the lead counsel at The Chambers of Evans Ufeli on behalf of Hon. Chukwuemeke Victor, Councillor representing Ward 19, Ezhionum Kingdom, Ukwuani LGA.

In granting the application, the court held that the applicant had established sufficient interest to approach the court, being a serving councillor of the local government, and consequently ordered that the application be granted as prayed.

With the leave secured, the councillor has now filed a Motion on Notice, seeking substantive reliefs against Barrister Chiamaka Solomon Possible Ajede, Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Council; Solomon Johnson Udih, Treasurer of the Council; and the Ukwuani Local Government Legislative House.

In the motion, brought pursuant to Order 44 Rules 1–3 of the Delta State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2018, and provisions of the Delta State Local Government Establishment Law, 2017, the applicant alleges persistent refusal by the council’s executive to publish and declare the council’s monthly revenue, income and expenditure from July 2024 to date.

The councillor is asking the court to declare that the failure of the Treasurer to publish the council’s financial records amounts to a breach of statutory duty. He is also seeking an order of mandamus compelling the council chairman to direct the treasurer to immediately publish the said financial records in compliance with the law.

In addition, the applicant is praying the court to compel the chairman to furnish the legislative arm with the council’s monthly wage bill and performance index for the 2025 budget, with copies served on each councillor.

The suit also challenges the budgetary process of the council, alleging that the 2025 draft budget was hurriedly passed within two days without proper legislative scrutiny or debate. According to the applicant, the budget allegedly combined expenditure items belonging to Ukwuani and Ika North East Local Government Areas, a development he described as illegal and opaque.

Consequently, the councillor is seeking injunctive reliefs restraining the chairman from presenting the 2026 draft budget to the legislative arm pending full compliance with statutory financial disclosure obligations. He is also asking the court to restrain the legislative house from receiving or approving the 2026 budget until the alleged breaches are remedied.

In a statement in support of the application, the councillor maintained that all internal mechanisms to compel compliance had failed, insisting that judicial intervention had become necessary in the interest of transparency, accountability and good governance at the grassroots.

Verification Committee Releases List of Delta State Political Appointees for Screening

Delta State

By Oghenero Orovwuje

Following an earlier announcement by the Secretary to the State Government on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Verification Committee approved by Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, has released the list of political appointees scheduled for screening.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Committee, Mr. Felix Irevwi, the appointees to be screened in the first phase include:

Executive Assistants (EAs)
Senior Special Assistants (SSAs)
Special Assistants (SAs), including aides to Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers, Chairmen and Members of Commissions, Boards, Parastatals and Agencies, as well as aides to other senior political appointees

Political appointees in the Delta State House of Assembly (excluding domestic staff)

The Committee stated that the screening timetable earlier announced by the Secretary to the State Government remains unchanged.

Affected appointees are to appear for screening at the Press Centre (behind the Chapel), New Government House, Asaba, between 11:00am and 3:00pm on their scheduled dates, with the following documents:
Original letter of appointment
Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC)
Valid Delta State Government (DTSG) identity card

The statement further noted that appointees of the Delta State House of Assembly will be screened on dates to be communicated to them through the Clerk of the House. Appointees on Diaspora Matters/Affairs are exempted from the exercise.

For enquiries, the following phone numbers may be contacted: 09037437233 and 08037785862.

Light At Last In Ghana Quarters As Ajede Donates Transformer

The Landlords Association of Upper Ghana Quarters in Obiaruku paid a courtesy visit on the Executive Chairman of Ukwuani, Hon. Barr. Ajede Possible, to sincerely thank him for his timely response in addressing their request for a 500KVA transformer to light up the area, which had long been shrouded in darkness.

The group revealed that their original appeal was merely for the repair of the faulty 300KVA transformer, but to their pleasant surprise, he provided a brand-new 500KVA transformer. They left the meeting filled with deep appreciation for the Executive Chairman’s thoughtfulness.

The group prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the Council Chairman and pledged unwavering support for his administration as well as that of His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State.

In his response, Ajede thanked the Upper Ghana Quarters Landlords Association for their gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing development initiatives that will place Ukwuani in the spotlight.

He also assured the community that his administration plans to focus on human capital development in 2026 to honor the exemplary leadership of His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

National Grid Collapse For The First Time In 2026

The national electricity grid, a critical infrastructure supporting millions of households and businesses, suffered a total collapse, plunging the nation into darkness, being the first of its kind in 2026,

The collapse occurred around 1 pm In the early hours of January 23 2026 , when power generation dropped to zero megawatts, leaving all 11 electricity distribution companies without power to supply to their customers.

This sudden blackout was not just a technical failure but a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the country’s energy infrastructure. Prior to the collapse, the grid had been generating over 4,500 megawatts, but within minutes, this plummeted to a mere 24 megawatts.

The impact was immediate and somewhat ubiquitous, leaving cities across Nigeria enveloped in darkness, disrupting daily life and business operations. The collapse affected all 23 power plants connected to the grid, which lost output simultaneously.

This event underscored the ongoing operational challenges within Nigeria’s electricity sector, which has been plagued by repeated grid failures due to technical faults, inadequate maintenance, and fluctuations in generation capacity.

For many Nigerians, the blackout was a harsh reminder of the country’s energy insecurity. Despite being rich in natural resources, the nation has struggled to provide consistent and reliable electricity to its citizens. The collapse also came barely weeks after a similar failure on December 29, 2025, indicating a pattern of systemic issues that needed urgent attention.

In the aftermath, the government and energy stakeholders faced mounting pressure to address these challenges. There were calls for increased investment in infrastructure, better maintenance practices, and the adoption of more sustainable energy solutions to prevent future occurrences. The incident also sparked discussions on the need for a more resilient and diversified energy mix to reduce reliance on the national grid.

As Nigeria navigates the complexities of its energy landscape, the first grid collapse of 2026 serves as a critical lesson in the importance of robust infrastructure and proactive management. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards a more stable and sustainable energy future for the nation.

BREAKING: Ajede Enrolls 900 Pupils In Public Schools For Common Entrance Exam In Ukwuani

In a heartwarming display of community support and commitment to education, the Executive Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Area, Barr. C.S. Possible Ajede, has taken a significant step to ease the financial burden on families by paying the registration fees for the common entrance examination of 900 pupils in public schools in Ukwuani .

This initiative underscores Ajede’s dedication to harnessing education tendencies amongst children and encouraging school retention and continuity in education.

The “Do-More” Council Chairman’s decision to cover the enrollment fees for public primary school pupils is part of a broader strategy to enhance educational access and equity within Ukwuani. By removing financial barriers, Ajede aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to pursue their academic goals without the hindrance of economic constraints. This move is expected to encourage higher enrollment rates, stimulate retention and motivate academic performance .

The gesture has been met with widespread appreciation from parents, educators, and community leaders. Many see it as a testament to Barr. Ajede’s understanding of the critical role education plays in community development and individual empowerment. By investing in the education of young people, he is not only supporting their personal growth but also contributing to the long-term socio-economic development of Ukwuani.

This initiative aligns with Barr. Ajede’s broader educational and developmental goals for the region. He has been actively involved in various projects aimed at improving infrastructure and resources in Ukwuani, including the inauguration of strategic councils and committees focused on resource management and land recovery. His administration has also been recognized for listening to community needs and addressing them effectively.

The now two-time Council Chairman of Ukwuani has demonstrated  a visionary approach to leadership, where the focus is on sustainable development and community welfare, earning him the accolade “Mr. Do-More”, “Mr. Fix It”.

By prioritizing education, Ajede has laid the groundwork for a more educated and empowered future generation, thereby inspiring other leaders and stakeholders to contribute to educational causes, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout the council area.

Barr. Ajede’s enrollment of pupils for common is profound; it is more than just a financial contribution; but a powerful statement of his commitment to the youth and the future of Ukwuani. His leadership continues to set a benchmark for community-focused governance, emphasizing the importance of education as a cornerstone for development.

Oborevwori Flags off Uromi Junction Flyover, Accelerates The MORE Agenda

Delta State witnessed a significant event as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori officially flagged off the construction of the Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area – an ambitious project, valued at N59.7 billion, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s ongoing infrastructure renewal efforts aimed at modernizing transportation networks and enhancing road safety.

The Uromi Junction Flyover is part of a broader strategy by the Oborevwori administration to address traffic congestion and improve commuter safety across Delta State.

The event which took place on 19th January 2026 was quite significant and a compelling evidence to the Governor’s insistence and commitment to infrastructural development of Delta State, following closely the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the Otovwodo Junction flyover project in Ughelli.

The flyover project encompasses a 1.3-kilometer bridge along the Uromi–Agbor Highway. It features dual carriageways with two lanes in each direction, ramps, roundabouts, concrete drainage systems, kerbs, and solar-powered streetlights. These elements are designed not only to enhance safety but also to ensure sustainability and efficiency in road transport.

Governor Oborevwori emphasized the strategic importance of the flyover, describing it as a critical intervention to improve road safety, preserve lives, and boost economic activities in the region. The project is expected to alleviate traffic pressure points, thereby facilitating smoother and safer travel for commuters.

On its impact to Deltans, the Uromi Junction Flyover is one of five flyover projects currently being executed by the Oborevwori administration, integral to the state’s infrastructure renewal agenda, which aims to stimulate economic growth by improving transportation infrastructure. By reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety, the flyovers are set to transform Delta State into a more accessible and economically vibrant region.

The flag-off ceremony was not just a celebration of infrastructure development but also a testament to the administration’s dedication to modernizing critical transport nodes. The project is expected to have a lasting impact on the local economy, providing jobs during construction and improving logistics for businesses once completed.

The Uromi Junction Flyover represents a significant step forward in Delta State’s infrastructure development. As the state continues to invest in modernizing its transportation networks, projects like this flyover are crucial for fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for its residents. Governor Oborevwori’s leadership in this area highlights the importance of strategic planning and investment in infrastructure as a means to driving the MORE Agenda of Delta State in particular and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Nigeria in general.

AFCON 2025: Senegalese Head Coach Receives Knocks For Instructing Stadium Walk-Off, Apologizes

 

The Senegalese Head Coach in the just concluded 2025 AFCON in Morocco, Pape Thiaw, has been widely criticized to have instructed  his players to leave the stadium during such a crucial final – a decision described as impulsive, irrational, unprofessional, unfair and damaging to the image of AFCON.

It is in the records that AFCON remains one of the best football competitions among the top tournaments in the world. Unfortunately, what happened in the final showed a lack of proper management and professionalism, which brought the competition to disrepute.

Thiaw instructed a walk-off of his players after a perceived wrong call for penalty against Senegal by the centre referee after VAR check. Brahim Diaz of Morroco stepped forward for the penalty after normalcy, but missed it.

Thiaw admitted he made a mistake during the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final in Rabat, when he asked his players to leave the pitch after Morocco were awarded a late VAR-verified penalty.

The incident caused a long delay and overshadowed what became Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time win.

Speaking at the press conference after the match, Thiaw began by praising his squad: “We must congratulate the players, because winning the title was the goal we wanted to reach, especially this year.”  Thiaw admitted.

He pointed out the preparation and resilience that carried Senegal through the tournament: “We prepared well to chase this trophy. We faced difficult matches, especially the final. We really suffered but showed our character.”

Reflecting on the chaotic moment, Thiaw admitted regret: “After thinking it over, I apologize for asking the players to leave the pitch.”

He explained that emotions ran high after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty for a foul on Brahim Diaz, who later missed the chance. “Sometimes you can react too strongly. We questioned whether the penalty was really correct, and before that we had scored a goal that was not counted.” The coach added that he still disagreed with the call, “But now we accept the referee’s mistakes.”

Thiaw closed his remarks with a broader apology: “We should not have done that (threatening to withdraw), but we now apologize to football.”

The disquiet added to the tension of a final already marked by drama and controversy After a 10-minute delay due to the Senegalese team’s chaotic scenes, the game continued. Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal went on to secure the title with Pape Gueye’s extra-time strike.

AFCON 2025: Senegal Wins Host Morocco In A Contentious, Dramatic Final

The African Cup of Nations 2025 came to a rather dramatic end as the Terenga Lions of Senegal won the Atlas Lion of Morroco in extra time to win the AFCON 2025 final today, January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The match which started at about 20:00hrs Nigerian time was tensely comtedted and filled with drama, contention, particularly in the final moments of the regulation time.
The game remained a 0-0 draw at the end of regulation time after a controversial period of stoppage time when the Senegalese players attempted a walk-out borne out of perceived wrong call for a penalty by the centre referee via a review of the Video Assistant Referee VAR.
Thereafter Brahim Díaz stepped forward to take the penalty which he missed with what seem to be an attempted ‘panenka’ chip, which was saved by Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. There were speculations too that the missed penalty was a deliberate but costly fair play by the Moroccan national team after the controversy.
At extra time, Pape Gueye scored the only goal of the match four minutes into extra time with a powerful strike into the top left corner of the goal post. Senegal managed to hold onto the lead through the rest of extra time despite pressure from Morocco.
The game ended with Senegal securing their second Africa Cup of Nations title. Goal keeper Bono and striker Brahim Diaz of Morocco won the golden glove and golden boot respectively while Sadio Mane of Senegal was tipped for the best player of the tournament award.

Forgery: Ozekhome Mentioned In Criminal Scandal As FG Files 3-Count Charge

The federal government has filed a three-count criminal charge against Mike Ozekhome, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), over alleged forgery and use of false documents in a disputed property case in the United Kingdom.

The three-count charge marked FCT/HC/CR/010/2026 was filed before a federal high court in Abuja on Friday 16th January 2026 by Osuobeni Akponimisingha, Head of High Profile Prosecution Department at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and Ngozi Onwuka, Assistant Chief Legal Officer, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Ozekhome is accused of knowingly presenting forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, to support his claim of ownership of a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, during proceedings before the London First-Tier Tribunal.

The date of mention of the case before the court is yet to be disclosed.

Infrastructure: Agbor Flyover Valued At N59.7billion, Penned To Be Flagged Off Tomorrow 19th January 2026

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