DELTA-NEWSWATCH

Comrade Ebis Martha, Rights Activist with the Organization for Human and People’s Rights Protection and Humanitarian (OHPRPH), has questioned the Delta State Government’s three-day medical outreach in Odidi, stressing that medical treatment cannot replace environmental remediation. Section 20 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria directs the State to protect and improve the environment, while Article 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantees the right to a satisfactory environment favourable to development. The government must go beyond temporary medical relief by working with relevant federal agencies to ensure the spill is contained, affected waterways and farmlands are assessed, and the responsible company fulfils its obligations. What happens after the three-day outreach and the pollution remains? The people of Odidi deserve more than temporary relief. They deserve a clean environment, protected livelihoods and lasting solutions. Treat the people, ...

A Call for Justice, Humanitarian Relief and Protection of Livelihoods, t he demolition of Mami Market in Effurun Sapele Road Delta State, reportedly carried out without prior notice to affected occupants, has left numerous people homeless and traders without their means of livelihood. Comrade Ebis Martha, Rights Activist with the Organization for Human and People’s Rights Protection and Humanitarian (OHPRPH), calls on the Delta State Government and relevant authorities to urgently intervene and provide temporary shelter, alternative trading spaces and humanitarian assistance to those affected. Although the land is reportedly leasehold land, this does not automatically give any authority the right to evict occupants without complying with applicable laws, the terms of the lease and due process. Section 34(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) protects human dignity. Section 36(1) guarantees fair hearing in the determination of civil righ...

Comrade Ebis Martha, Rights Activist with the Organization for Human and People’s Rights Protection and Humanitarian (OHPRPH), has accused Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, operator of OML 30, of misleading the Delta State Government over the reported oil spill in Odidi. She questioned whether the proposed clamping measures would genuinely stop the pollution or merely buy the company more time while the environment, waterways and farmlands remain at risk. She called on the company to immediately contain the spill, take responsibility for the damage and provide clear assurances that further pollution will not occur.  Comrade Ebis Martha who is currently at Odidi Community has expressed her concerns over the response to the incident, stressing that government palliatives and medical interventions cannot replace immediate containment, environmental remediation and corporate accountability. “It is concerning that government hospitals already struggling with shor...

The Spokesperson of the Human and Peoples' Rights Advocate of the Niger Delta, Comrade Steven Luke, has issued a strong warning to the Isoko Development Union (IDU) Youth Wing, insisting that the impeached president, Comrade Joel Ifoghale Emeni, must tender an unreserved apology to the entire Isoko youth community and refrain from interfering in the activities of the youth wing. Comrade Steven Luke, who made this position known while interacting with some Isoko youths in Irri Town, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, maintained that the impeachment of Joel Emeni should serve as a clear reminder that leadership is a responsibility that demands accountability, discipline, transparency, and respect for the people. According to Comrade Steven Luke, Isoko youths deserve responsible leadership built on integrity and genuine commitment to the development of Isoko Nation, not endless controversy or attempts to regain relevance after losing the mandate ...

The Spokesperson of the Human and Peoples’ Rights Advocate of Niger Delta, Comrade Steven Luke, has strongly challenged Prof. Chris Akpotu, President-General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), to come forward and explain to the good people of Isoko Nation the funds allegedly received by him and his executive members from the impeached IDU Youth Wing President, Comrade Joel Ifoghale Emeni, who was removed from office a few weeks ago. Comrade Steven Luke, who was present in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area, to witness the inauguration of the new Isoko Development Union (IDU) Youth Wing President, Dr. Comrade Unuafe Sunday Edewor, stated that the IDU leadership must understand that the people of Isoko Nation are neither blind nor illiterate. He questioned the leadership of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), including its executives and Board of Trustees (BOT), over allegations concerning funds reportedly received from the impeached IDU Youth Wing Presiden...

ISOKO DEVELOPMENT UNION (IDU) - YOUTH WING WORLDWIDE:  IDU Secretariat, Oleh, Isoko South LGA, Delta State. This is to formally notify the general public, all security agencies, government and nongovernmental organizations, financial institutions, stakeholders and the good people of Isoko Nation and Nigeria that: 1). Comr. Joel Emeni has been IMPEACHED as President of the Isoko Development Union (IDU) Youth Wing Worldwide. His impeachment was carried out by the General Assembly at its meeting held in the IDU Secretariat, Oleh on Saturday, 10th October 2026, following the submission and consideration of the report of an Investigative Committee which found him culpable of allegations bordering on financial misappropriation, diversion of funds, embezzlement, assault and abuse of office. The motion for his impeachment was duly moved , seconded and adopted by the General Assembly in line with the provisions of the IDU Youth Wing Bye Law 2)...

Comrade Steven Luke, Convener of No Jobman for Governor 2023, has fired back at those attempting to defend Chief Kome Oghenekome Reginald Okpobor, insisting that no amount of political propaganda, name-calling, or grammatical gymnastics can silence legitimate questions about the welfare and development of the people of Iyede. It is laughable that someone would write such a lengthy response attacking Steven Luke while avoiding the fundamental questions raised about Chief Okpobor’s political appeal to the people of Iyede. Instead of addressing the issues, the writer has chosen to turn the matter into a personal battle against Steven Luke. That is not an answer; it is an attempt to distract the public from the real issues. Chief Okpobor is entitled to support the APC, but he must also be prepared to answer questions about his political choices and responsibilities. Holding a government position does not place anyone above public scrutiny, and no political appointme...

The Convener of No Jobman for Governor 2023, Comrade Steven Luke, has criticized the Executive Director of Finance of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Oghenekome Okpobor, over claims that he has won the hearts of members and supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State. Comrade Steven Luke alleged that the people featured in the photographs taken during Okpobor’s visit to Iyede community were his family members, relatives, friends, and other community members, rather than NDC members who had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking after travelling from Warri to Iyede community in Isoko North Local Government Area, Comrade Steven Luke maintained that the photographs should not be presented as evidence that NDC members had abandoned their party to support the APC. According to him, the people who welcomed Chief Okpobor were community members and relatives who came out ...

The Organization for Human & Peoples’ Rights Protection and Humanitarian has criticized the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Doubra Collins Okotete, for accompanying the Warri South West Local Government Chairman, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and other dignitaries on a visit to Odidi community, rather than taking more decisive action to demand a total shutdown of Heritage Oil Company’s operations until the oil pollution affecting the community is adequately addressed. The organization’s spokesperson, Comrade Steven Luke, who is still in Odidi community assessing the damage allegedly caused by Heritage Oil Company, expressed disappointment over what he described as the IYC president’s failure to take stronger action in defence of the affected people. Comrade Steven Luke questioned whether Doubra Collins Okotete was truly representing the interests of the people of Odidi and the wider Ijaw nation, or prioritizing pers...

The Spokesperson of the Human and Peoples’ Rights Advocate of the Niger Delta, Comrade Steven Luke, has called on the good people of Isokoland to reject the proposed military barracks that Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, reportedly intends to establish in Isoko South Local Government Area, Oleh. Comrade Steven Luke stated that what Isoko people need from the state government at this time is different from what is being proposed. According to him, the people of Isokoland do not need a military barracks as their immediate priority; rather, they need reliable electricity to improve their living conditions and stimulate economic development. Speaking during a visit to Oleh, the headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area, Comrade Steven Luke maintained that electricity is one of the most urgent needs of the people. He explained that a stable power supply would make Isokoland a better place to live, boost businesses, and create opportunities for local en...

The Organization for Human and Peoples’ Rights Protection and Humanitarian has criticized the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), led by its President, Doubra Collins Okotete, for accompanying Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to Odidi Community, where Heritage Oil Company has allegedly polluted the community’s waterways and acres of farmland, destroying crops worth millions of naira. In a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Steven Luke, who is still in Odidi Community, the organization expressed concern over the continued oil pollution allegedly caused by Heritage Oil Company and its devastating impact on the people, who depend on the rivers and farmlands as their primary sources of livelihood. Comrade Steven Luke alleged that Heritage Oil Company had continued to cause further oil pollution without adequate consideration for the welfare of the host community. He also criticized the IYC leadership, accusing the council of failing to take a sufficie...

The Convener of No Jobman for Governor 2023, Comrade Steven Luke, has criticised Chief Oghenekome Okpobor, Executive Director of Finance of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), over his call on the people of Iyede to sheathe their swords and support the All Progressives Congress (APC). Comrade Steven Luke described the appeal as unfair, arguing that the people of Iyede should not be expected to support a political party that, in his view, has plunged Nigerians into economic hardship simply because it has benefited Chief Okpobor personally. Speaking in Iyede, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Comrade Steven Luke alleged that Chief Okpobor had enjoyed the benefits of the system for almost four years without adequately considering the welfare of the people of Iyede, who, according to him, supported him before his appointment as Executive Director of Finance at DESOPADEC. He questioned why Chief Okpobor was now calling on the s...

Rights Activist with the Organization for Human and People’s Rights Protection and Humanitarian (OHPRPH), Comrade Ebis Martha, has called on the Governor of Delta state, RT. Hon. Sherriff Oborevwori to sack the Commissioner for Secondary Education Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu over the death of Mr. Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda Deputy Director in the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education. The Rights Activist Comrade Ebis made the call on Thursday in Asaba, Delta State. She said, “The arrest of the Commissioner Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu alongside other persons connected to the investigation into the death of Dr. Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, cannot be the end of the matter. “Where the actions of persons attached to that office have allegedly resulted in the death of a senior civil servant, the Governor cannot be expected to maintain the status quo and simply wait for public outrage to disappear.  The Commissioner should be withdrawn from the Ministry and removed from office. “This is n...

The Organization for Human & Peoples' Rights Protection and Humanitarian has called urged the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to sack the commissioner of Basic and Secondary school Education Hon Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu over the the death of the deputy director of the ministry of education Mr Unity Adeda in Asaba Delta State. In a statement signed by the spokes person of the group, Comrade Steven Luke in Asaba said,  "Sacking the commissioner of Basic and Secondary school Education will help the Delta State police command to pave way for them to investigate the whole issues that surround the death of the deputy director of the ministry of education Mr Unity Adeda and brought them to face the full wrath of the law. The statement said; "What Happened in the ministry of education secretarial in Delta State is against the law, no man have the right to take the life of another, according to the Nigeria constitution chapter 33 to 34 right to dig...

It was a biggest shame of the year, 2026 when Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the President of Ijaw Youth Council IYC only went to Odidi to take photographs make video paparazzi, ask questions got no answers or prefer solution to the deadly oil Spill that is almost ending the lives of Ijaw people from Odidi, Warri South West LGA, Burutu and the surrounding communities. The IYC turned itself to mere hustlers when after claimed to have shutdown oil companies due to the oil spill, yet the companies are still working. The main oil spillage came from Trans-Forcados Pipeline managed by Heritage Energy Operational Services limited yet Heritage is still pumping crude even in the presence of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the IYC president and his boys. But they photographs ask questions spoke of timeline and let, yet Heritage is still Poluting the environment. Governor Oborevwori instead of giving orders and see it carried out they were talking about giving the people rice, beans Gar...

The Convener of No Jobman for Governor 2023, Comrade Steven Luke, has criticized the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Arthur Akpowowo, for allegedly running to the Eku Traditional Council of Elders to appeal to them to prevail on the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Chief Hon. Aghwarianovwe Novwe Ikie, to allow him to return as Deputy Speaker of the House. Comrade Steven Luke, who was in Eku, said that if Chief Arthur Akpowowo had performed well as Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly during his first tenure, his achievements and impact would have spoken for him, rather than requiring him to campaign extensively for the support of the people. According to Comrade Steven Luke, the good people of Ethiope East are asking the Deputy Speaker to present his scorecard and tell them what he has achieved for the people of the constituency. He questioned how many sons and daughters of Ethiope East have benefited from employment ...

The Convener of No Jobman for Governor 2023, Comrade Steven Luke, has criticized the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Comrade Doubra Collins Okotete, over his involvement in the oil spill situation in Odidi Community, urging him to focus more attention on the environmental challenges affecting his own kingdom, Ogulagha. Comrade Steven Luke, who made the statement while speaking in Warri South West yesterday, questioned the decision of the IYC President to visit and speak on the oil spill in Odidi when, according to him, Ogulagha is also facing serious environmental challenges arising from oil exploration and spills. He said the IYC President should prioritize the concerns of his own people and work toward securing urgent attention, accountability, and concrete action to address the environmental impact of oil exploration in Ogulagha. Comrade Steven further criticized the IYC leadership, alleging that the organization has lost some of the influence a...

From: Comr. Eboh Joseph, Asst. Publicity Sec., Ward 9 NDC, Eku 6th October, 2026 Mr. Onoriode Umuwakpa, enough of the media hype. Every day you are on Facebook telling us how your principal Hon. Arthur Akpowowo has performed. You praise him as if Ethiope East has never had it so good. My simple question to you is this: *If he has truly worked as you claim, why not allow him to come to the field with his scorecard, instead of running around looking for cheap enforcement?* Hon. Arthur Akpowowo has been in the Delta State House of Assembly for *3 years now* as our representative for Ethiope East and as Deputy Speaker. Three years is enough to show capacity. So we ask: - What project can Ethiope East point to as his own? - Which of our schools in Eku, Kokori and Abraka did he renovate? - Which youth from Ethiope East did he empower with sustainable jobs? - What impact did his position as Deputy Speaker bring to our people? The people know the answer. Nothing to show. Now you pe...

The Convener of No Jobman for Governor 2023, Comrade Steven Luke, has criticized the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Chief Author Akpowowo, for allegedly dragging the Eku Traditional Council of Elders into his political affairs after four years in office without, according to him, delivering meaningful projects to the people of Ethiope East Constituency. Comrade Steven Luke, who was in Eku yesterday, said Hon. Chief Author Akpowowo should refrain from involving the Eku Traditional Council of Elders in political matters, particularly if he has failed to fulfill the promises he made to the people of Ethiope East during the 2023 election campaign. According to Comrade Steven, the people of Ethiope East Constituency deserve accountability, transparency, and tangible development. He maintained that rather than involving traditional institutions in political matters, the focus should be on presenting a clear account of achievements and explaining what ha...

Hon. Frank Akemu, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Uvwie House of Assembly in Delta State, warmly wishes the great and resilient people of Uvwie Local Government Area a Happy Independence Day as Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary. He prayed that good fortune, peace, happiness, and prosperity would locate and remain with every family across Uvwie on this special occasion. Speaking with newsmen, Hon. Frank Akemu said God has always been good to the people of Uvwie Local Government Area, noting that the land has continued to experience God’s blessings and favour. He described Uvwie as a place where development meets great minds and expressed hope for greater progress in the years ahead. Hon. Frank Akemu further prayed that the good Lord would continue to bring peace, unity, progress, and prosperity to every family across Uvwie Local Government Area. He also urged all Uvwie sons and daughters to remain law-abiding citizens an...