The Delta State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Peter Adogbejiri Mrakpor, on Thursday alleged that there were attempts to forge and backdate resignation letters of some members who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress in the state.
Mrakpor, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,(SAN) described the alleged development as fraudulent and a violation of due process, warning that such actions would not stand.
He stated that none of the defectors submitted any form of resignation letter to their respective wards before leaving the party, insisting that due procedures were not followed.
“The attempt to forge and backdate resignation letters is not only illegal but a desperate move that will fail. None of those who defected submitted resignation letters to their wards before the mass defection,” he said.
The PDP chairman added that the party was prepared to take appropriate legal action against anyone found culpable in the alleged scheme.
He, however, maintained that the PDP in Delta State remained united and strong despite recent defections, expressing confidence that the party’s structure across the state remained intact.
The Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Council, Chief Dr. Lucky Avweromre, has inspected over 35 ongoing projects and commissioned three brand new 300KVA transformers at the Council Secretariat, Otu-Jeremi, and Ekakpamre communities in the area.
The commissioning and handover ceremony took place during the chairman’s monthly monitoring and inspection of ongoing projects across the council area on Tuesday 21st April, 2026.
The inspection tour was attended by the Delta State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Matters, Prince Kelly Kalanama Penawou, alongside other government officials.
During the inspection, the delegation also visited several ongoing projects, including two- and three-bedroom housing units as well as agricultural farm initiatives aimed at boosting local food production and improving livelihoods within the communities.
The visit took a festive turn as community members gathered in large numbers with musical bands, canopies, and well-arranged seating to warmly receive and entertain the council chairman and his entourage.
In his address during the event, the Chairman stated that since they were sworn in by the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Dr. Sheriff Oborevwori, his led-administration formulated a Four-Point Agenda of Peace & Security; Unity & Inclusiveness; Innovation & Partnership; and Infrastructural Development to align with the Governor’s M.O.R.E. Agenda.
According to him, “We have pursued these agendas with strong determination. We have prioritized peace-building and inclusive governance, strategized infrastructure, improved the Primary Health Care delivery system, and enhanced Primary Education.
“When this administration came into office twenty-one (21) months ago, we were confronted with two major challenges. First, our brothers and sisters in Okuama Community had just been dislodged and were living in an Internally Displaced Persons Camp (IDP Camp) and urgently needed rehabilitation.
“To the glory of God, the Okuama Resettlement Centre, which we constructed, has been completed and commissioned, and our people are now resettled with dignity.
“The second challenge was the dilapidated structures across the Council that required urgent rehabilitation.
“Today, the comprehensive re-roofing and reconstruction of our Administrative Buildings, the Legislative Arm, the Unity Hall, the Council Pavilion, the Chairman’s Quarters, the Vice Chairman’s Quarters, the Leader of the House’s Quarters, and the fencing of the Local Government Secretariat all stand as discernible testaments to this administration’s unflinching commitment to improving infrastructure and making the workplace decent, functional, and conducive for service delivery.
“In our bid to promote agricultural services and ensure food sufficiency, we embarked on the construction of two (2) Green House Projects and the cultivation of four (4) hectares of cassava and maize farms.
“We also addressed other critical gaps in our communities as follows: Purchase of official vehicles for some Principal Officers (Chairman, Vice Chairman, Head of Works Department); Construction of a Community Resettlement Center, including a Solar-Powered Borehole, Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Toilets in Okuama;
“Renovation and furnishing of the Ughelli South Legislative Complex and Car Park; Purchase of a Toyota Hiace vehicle for the Ughelli South Legislative Arm; Purchase of a Toyota Sienna vehicle for the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ughelli South Local Government Chapter; Renovation of the Primary Health Care Center in Okwagbe;
“Installation of 24-hour Solar Power Energy at the Primary Health Care Center, Okwagbe; Construction of a Security Gate House at the Primary Health Care Center, Okwagbe; Purchase of seven (7) units of Cassava Grinding Machines for Ewu-Otor, Okparabe, and Arhavwarien Communities and construction of an Open Shade Mill;
“Grading and sand-filling of Ewu-Oviri-Olomu Road (3 Kilometers); Construction of a 50-meter Wooden Bridge at Omosuomo Waterside and reactivation of a collapsed Wooden Bridge at Omosuomo Inland; Renovation of the New Administrative Building (Modern Secretariat) at the Secretariat Complex;
“Renovation of the Old Administrative Building (Old Secretariat) at the Secretariat Complex; Renovation of the Chairman’s Residential Quarters in Jeremi; Furnishing of the Chairman’s Residential Quarters in Jeremi;
“Construction of Three (3) Bedsitters at the Chairman’s Residential Quarters in Jeremi; Construction of a Storey Building Security Gate House at the Chairman’s Residential Quarters in Jeremi; Laying of Interlocking Stones in the Premises of the Chairman’s Residential Quarters in Jeremi;
“Fencing of the Chairman’s Residential Quarters in Jeremi; Installation of a Solar-Powered Water System at Baba-Ido Primary School, Okwagbe; Sand-filling of the access road to Baba-Ido Primary School, Okwagbe; Completion of the Primary Health Care Center in Okpe-Olomu Community;
“Renovation of Gbaregolor Primary School, Gbaregolor; Sand-filling of the walkway of Gbaregolor Primary School, Gbaregolor; Clearing of road shoulders from the Council Secretariat to Okpare-Olomu Bridge to ECN Junction and from Jeremi to Oginibo; Clearing of the creek waterways (5 Miles) from Omosuomo Waterside to Omosuomo Inland;
“Construction of Drainage and Waste Management and Disposal at Otokutu Market; Purchase of Tables and Chairs for the Pupils and Teachers of Orhowhe Primary School, Edjophe; Purchase of Tables and Chairs for the Pupils and Teachers of Ughevwien Model Primary School, Otu-Jeremi; Award of Scholarships to 21 Students of Delta State School of Marine Technology, Gbaregolor Campus;
“Rehabilitation of the failed portions at Oguname-Ovwor Road and Iwhrekan-ECN Road; Renovation of the NULGE Building at the Secretariat Premises; Construction of Two (2) Green House Projects at the Secretariat Premises; Cultivation of Four (4) Hectares of Cassava and Maize Farms; Fencing and Construction of a Gate House at Otarobo Primary School, Otegbo/Okwemor;
“Renovation of the Vice Chairman’s Residential Quarters; Renovation of the Leader of the House’s Residential Quarters; Construction and Reinforcement of the Existing Secretariat Fence (ongoing); Renovation of the Council Unity Hall (ongoing); Reconstruction of the Council’s Pavilion (ongoing); Supply of Chairs and Benches to Primary Schools in Okparabe and Ewu-Urhobo Communities;
“Furnishing of selected Offices in the Local Government Secretariat; Construction of a Primary Health Care Center in Obi-Ayagha (ongoing); Renovation and furnishing of the Divisional Police Officer’s Residential Apartments; Procurement and Installation of a Transformer and reactivation of Power Supply to the Staff Quarters in the Secretariat Premises;
“Procurement and Installation of a Transformer in Otu-Jeremi Community; Procurement and Installation of a Transformer in Ekakpamre Community. We also embarked upon the execution of various constituency projects across the twenty (20) State Electoral Wards in the Local Government Area.
“Besides, it is pertinent to acquaint you with the fact that we assumed office during the challenging moments of the Okuama/Okoloba Communities’ crisis. In pursuit of our peace-building agenda, we were able to bring the two communities together and equally made them sign a peace accord. Today, there is relative peace between the two communities.
“Furthermore, Ughelli South Local Government is largely an agrarian local government, whose mainstay is farming and fishing. Our targets for speedy grassroots development are being constrained by the challenge of resources.
“Although the resources of Ughelli South Local Government have improved, the greatest percentage of the resources are utilized for the payment of salaries and emoluments of teaching and non-teaching staff of the primary schools, hence constraining the Local Government from fulfilling its critical obligations in terms of projects and programmes. Suffice it to add that Ughelli South Local Government has sixty (60) primary schools with about one thousand two hundred (1,200) teaching and non-teaching staff.
“Moreover, we are confronted with a litany of litigations arising from indebtedness and contractual obligations from previous administrations. To reduce distractions from this sector, we involved the contractors in dialogues and eventually resolved to make monthly installment payments. We have continued to be committed to the monthly payment of these debts arising from the execution of projects awarded by previous administrations.
“Other challenges included various protracted boundary disputes such as the boundary dispute between Ophorigbala Community in Ughelli South Local Government and Gbekebor Community in Burutu Local Government.
“Disputes between Olodiama Community in Ughelli South Local Government and Kpakiama Community in Bomadi Local Government; disputes between Oviri-Olomu Community in Ughelli South Local Government and Egodor Community in Burutu Local Government; disputes between Egbo Ideh Community in Ughelli South Local Government and Ayakoromo Community in Burutu Local Government.
“Disputes between Alagbabri Community in Ughelli South Local Government and Bomadi Town in Bomadi Local Government; disputes between Ewu-Otor Community in Ughelli South Local Government and Edjekota Community in Ughelli North Local Government; and disputes between Imode Community in Ughelli South Local Government and Oghior Community in Udu Local Government.
“In tandem with our peace-building agenda, we have been able to bring some of these disputing communities to sign peace agreements, but our desire is to entrench enduring peace between the communities.
“There are also the challenges of environmental factors, which include a marshy environment that makes embarking on projects very expensive; environmental degradation and pollution arising from oil exploration and exploitation; as well as flooding that is fast becoming an annual occurrence.”
He expressed appreciation to the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Dr. Sheriff O. Oborevwori, whom he said gave them a firm foundation and continued to encourage them to remain committed to grassroots development.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Matters, Prince Kelly Kalanama Penawou, in a chat with newsmen after the commissioning of the transformers and inspection, commended the Council chairman for his drive for the infrastructural development of the Council area in line with the state Government’s M.O.R.E. Agenda.
He advised members of the benefiting communities to make use of the transformers and guard them against vandals.
Mr. Jacob Abitor, President General of Ekakpamre Community, who responded on behalf of the communities, thanked the Council Chairman for the donation of the transformers to boost electricity in the area.
He promised on behalf of others to guard and maintain the transformers against vandals for maximum utilization.
ABUJA – The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved April 20 to May 29 as the official window for the conduct of its primary elections ahead of forthcoming polls.
The decision was reached during the party’s NEC meeting held on Tuesday, where members also approved the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms for aspirants seeking elective offices on the party’s platform.
According to the approved schedule, aspirants for various positions are required to purchase both Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, with prices varying across offices.
For State House of Assembly aspirants, the Expression of Interest Form was fixed at ₦1 million, while the Nomination Form costs ₦2 million, bringing the total to ₦3 million.
House of Representatives aspirants are to pay ₦1 million for Expression of Interest and ₦3 million for Nomination Form, totaling ₦4 million.
For Senate aspirants, the Expression of Interest Form remains ₦1 million, while the Nomination Form was pegged at ₦5 million, amounting to ₦6 million. Governorship aspirants will pay ₦1 million for Expression of Interest and ₦20 million for Nomination Form, bringing the total cost to ₦21 million.
Presidential aspirants are to pay ₦1 million for Expression of Interest and ₦50 million for the Nomination Form, totaling ₦51 million.
Party sources disclosed that the approved timetable and fees are part of preparations to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible primary election process across the country.
The NEC further reiterated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and urged aspirants to adhere strictly to the approved timetable and guidelines.
The PDP is expected to release detailed guidelines and modalities for the conduct of the primaries in the coming days.
UGHELLI – The foremost Ughelli North Constituency II Delta State House of Assembly (DSHA) aspirant and President General (PG) of the Ughelli Descendants Union (UDU), Chief Samuel Akpimegi, JP, has paid glowing royal tribute to the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oharisi III, on the occasion of his birthday anniversary, extolling the monarch as a beacon of peace, unity and progressive leadership.
In a dignified congratulatory message made available to journalists, Chief Akpimegi praised the revered royal father for his remarkable and impactful reign, noting that the monarch’s stewardship has continued to attract development, foster stability, and strengthen the socio-cultural fabric of Ughelli Kingdom and its surrounding communities.
Chief Akpimegi described His Royal Majesty as a monarch of rare wisdom and humility whose unwavering commitment to the welfare and advancement of his people has earned him widespread admiration and respect, not only within Delta State but across Nigeria.
He further observed that the reign of Oharisi III has ushered in a renaissance of cultural values, strengthened unity among sons and daughters of Ughelli Kingdom, and reinforced peaceful coexistence among the diverse communities under the royal stool. According to the UDU President General, the monarch’s delicate balance of preserving cherished traditions while embracing modern development has positioned Ughelli Kingdom on a path of sustained growth, harmony and prosperity.
Chief Akpimegi also offered prayers for continued divine wisdom, long life, and good health for the royal father, emphasizing that the monarch’s leadership remains invaluable to the continued progress and stability of the kingdom.
“On behalf of my family and the entire Ughelli Descendants Union, I extend my warmest felicitations to our most revered Royal Father, His Royal Majesty, Oharisi III, on this auspicious birthday anniversary,” Chief Akpimegi stated. “May Almighty God grant Your Majesty greater wisdom, strength, and many more years of peaceful and impactful reign upon the throne of your forefathers, as you continue to guide Ughelli Kingdom toward greater unity, development and prosperity.”
Chief Akpimegi further urged sons and daughters of Ughelli Kingdom, both at home and in the diaspora, to continue offering their unwavering support and prayers for the monarch as he steers the kingdom to even greater heights of peace, unity, and socio-economic advancement.
UGHELLI – A leading aspirant for Ughelli North Constituency II seat in the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Samuel Akpimegi, JP, has felicitated with fmr. Executive Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Hon. Stella Okotete, as she clocks 42, describing her as a formidable force in the political landscape of the Niger Delta.
In a statement, Akpimegi said Okotete has carved a niche for herself as a fearless advocate for women and youths, noting that her leadership style and grassroots appeal continue to inspire a new generation of political actors.
He described her as the “lioness of the Niger Delta,” whose courage, resilience and passion for service have set her apart, adding that her influence cuts across political, social and economic spheres.
“Hon. Stella Okotete is a symbol of strength and purposeful leadership. She has remained the voice of women and youths across board, driven by uncommon enthusiasm and commitment to development.
Her political strength is bold, dynamic and comparable to the very best,” he said.
Akpimegi further commended her contributions to national growth, particularly in advancing economic empowerment and creating opportunities for young people during her time in public office.
He prayed for continued grace, wisdom and greater accomplishments in her service to humanity as she celebrates the milestone.
Ughelli – Topmost Delta Central Senatorial APC Aspirant , Chief Barr. Fred Majemite, has extended warm birthday felicitations to Hon. Stella Okotete, describing her as an inspiring young politician whose impact continues to resonate across Delta State and beyond.
In his birthday message, Majemite praised Okotete for her dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the growth and empowerment of the Urhobo people, particularly women and youths.
He noted that Okotete has consistently demonstrated leadership qualities marked by courage, vision, and passion for service, adding that her political journey remains a source of inspiration to many aspiring leaders within and outside the Urhobo nation.
According to Majemite, Okotete’s contributions to political development, youth empowerment, and inclusive leadership have earned her respect and admiration across various political divides.
“On this special occasion of your birthday anniversary, I celebrate a woman of strength, vision, and determination. Your commitment to uplifting others and promoting unity within the Urhobo nation continues to inspire many,” Majemite stated.
He further described her as a trailblazer whose achievements have paved the way for greater female participation in politics, noting that her influence continues to grow in both state and national political spaces.
Majemite prayed for continued wisdom, good health, and greater accomplishments for Okotete, expressing confidence that her future contributions would further advance the development of Urhobo land and Delta State at large.
“May this new age bring you more strength, greater opportunities, and continued success in your service to humanity and our people,” he added.
He concluded by wishing her a joyful birthday celebration and many more years of impactful leadership.
Ughelli – The Urhobo Editors and Publishers Alliance (UEPA) has felicitated with Hon.Stella Okotete on the occasion of her birthday anniversary, describing her as a fearless leader filled with resilience, courage, and passion for youth development and societal progress.
In a goodwill message jointly signed by the Chairman, Comr. Frederick Umueruere, and Secretary, Akpovoke Otiti, UEPA noted that Hon. Okotete has continued to inspire many young people through her dedication, leadership qualities, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The group stated that her impactful contributions and strong personality have paved the way for greater possibilities, especially among women and youths striving for leadership and meaningful engagement in society.
“May this new chapter of your life bring you even more success, wisdom, and fulfillment. Keep roaring, keep leading, and keep shining as the true Lioness that you are,” the statement read.
UEPA further prayed for long life, good health, and many more years of greatness for the celebrant, while wishing her continued success in all her future endeavors.
“On behalf of the Urhobo Editors and Publishers Alliance, we wish you a happy birthday and many more prosperous years ahead. Cheers to you!” Ma’am.
……… Describes Her as a Woman of Strength, Courage, and Undeniable Impact
Ughelli -The Urhobo Editors and Publishers Alliance (UEPA) has felicitated with Stella Okotete on the occasion of her birthday anniversary, describing her as a fearless leader filled with resilience, courage, and passion for youth development and societal progress.
In a goodwill message jointly signed by the Chairman, Comr. Frederick Umueruere, and Secretary, Akpovoke Otiti, UEPA noted that Okotete has continued to inspire many young people through her dedication, leadership qualities, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The group stated that her impactful contributions and strong personality have paved the way for greater possibilities, especially among women and youths striving for leadership and meaningful engagement in society.
“May this new chapter of your life bring you even more success, wisdom, and fulfillment. Keep roaring, keep leading, and keep shining as the true Lioness that you are,” the statement read.
UEPA further prayed for long life, good health, and many more years of greatness for the celebrant, while wishing her continued success in all her future endeavors.
“On behalf of the Urhobo Editors and Publishers Alliance, we wish you a happy birthday and many more prosperous years ahead. Cheers to you!” 壟✨
ASABA – The Delta State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has disclosed plans to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged failure of its former party chairman to hand over and continued control of its bank accounts by Solomon Arayenka after his defection to another party.
The State Chairman of the party, Dr. Peter Adogbejiri Mrakpor (SAN), made this known on Sunday while addressing journalists in Asaba
The State chairman informed newsmen that the party leadership resolved to take necessary legal and administrative steps to reclaim its bank accounts and secretariat, allegedly still under Arayenka’s control.
He described the continued possession and operation of the party’s accounts by Arayenka as unacceptable and contrary to party regulations and due process, especially following his alleged defection to the APC.
“We will do everything possible to reclaim our party secretariat and ensure that all PDP accounts currently in the possession of Solomon Arayenka are returned to the duly recognised leadership of the party,” he said. He has a lot of explanations to do.
The chairman added that involving the EFCC became necessary to ensure transparency, accountability, and protection of party assets.
He reassured party members of the leadership’s commitment to strengthening internal democracy, restoring confidence, and repositioning the party for future political engagements in the state.
Peter A Mrakpor (SAN) also urged party faithful to remain calm and supportive as the leadership pursues lawful means to resolve the matter and safeguard party interests.
Abuja – The Acting Nat’! President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP), Comr. Akpovoke Otiti, has given thanks to God Almighty as the mother of the Delta State Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, (CPS) Chief Festus Ahon, clocks 100 years today.
Comr. Otiti described Mama Ahon as a pillar of support whose life reflects strength, wisdom, and grace worthy of celebration.
He noted that reaching the remarkable milestone of 100 years is a testament to God’s faithfulness and a blessing to the family, Delta State, and all who know her.
“Mama, we are proud to call you our mother. Centenary looks beautiful on you. Your life continues to inspire us all,” Otiti stated.
He further prayed for more strength, peace, and good health for the centenarian, wishing her continued joy and divine blessings. Happy 100th Birthday, Mama Ahon.
AljaziralPress 