Opinion
How Akpabio prevented ‘Rage of the Niger-Delta’
“I came in peace and in peace, I leave you!” These were the words of the Minister of Niger Delta and supervising Minister of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Godswill Akpabio, shortly after taking the wind off the sail of what would have been another Armageddon in the Niger Delta region.
The Niger Delta region, which has known relative peace in the last few years, was about to go up in flames for the umpteenth time, following the proclamation of a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government by Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo over the failure of the government to inaugurate a substantive NDDC Board.
In fact, to use Tompolo’s words, the rage of the Niger Delta region was about to be awakened. The ex-warlord had, on May 31, said: “I wish to call on Mr. President, members of the National Assembly and security agencies to work towards the constitution of the substantive board of the NDDC, within a few days, to avert a total breakdown of law and order that will equally affect crude oil exploration and exploitation activities in the region.
“I hereby proclaim a seven-day ultimatum starting from the date of this publication to inaugurate the substantive board of the Commission.
“Senator Akpabio’s temporal (sic) reprieve from the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) protest is a child’s play compare (sic) to what is to come in a few days. He is about to be awakened to the rage of the Niger Delta region.”
Tompolo had gone ahead to accuse Senator Akpabio and the Presidency of running the show and undermining the commission, claiming that the Forensic Audit embarked upon by the government was aimed at strangling the NDDC.
But rather than take offence with the false accusation and go on the defensive, as the Forensic Audit embarked upon by the Federal Government is to chart a new and better path for the NDDC Board and not to criminalize anyone or strangle the NDDC, Akpabio opted for peace even in the face of wrong accusations.
For those conversant with Audits, the outcomes are expected to provide a direction and a window of opportunities for the future rather than dwelling on the past, unless of course, if there are questions that need answers.
Words from within the government circles have also indicated that the President is expected to give the new NDDC Board its terms of reference from the recommendations of the Forensic Audit so that it could better serve the people of Niger Delta.
With the threats from Tompolo premised on wrong assumptions, however, the cloud of uncertainty gathered and with that came rumbles of a storm that would have, again, thrown the Niger Delta into another needless crisis that will affect the peace of the region, throw its 17 million residents into panic and badly hit the nation’s oil production and by extension its already troubled economy.
But before the ship of crisis could sail, Akpabio, the man of peace stepped in. The former governor of Akwa Ibom, in a move described by several commentators as exhibition of extraordinary courage in the interest of Nigeria, embarked on an unscheduled visit to Tompolo’s country home in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State on June 3, in the company of Delta State deputy governor and other key figures.
The objective of the visit, which has been described as courageous albeit suicidal, was to thaw the ice and avert another major face-off between Niger Delta militants/Tompolo and the Federal Government after the rumbles of 2016 and 2017, when the ex-militant was sought by the EFCC and the destructive days of the Niger Delta Avengers, as well as many other insecurity threats in the axis, which not only threatened the peace of the region but also resulted in several losses.
Of equal significance was the consideration of the implications that renewed hostilities in the region would have on the economy of the country and especially the effect they would have on the Niger Delta region and its people.
Among other things, renewed hostilities against oil facilities in the region would have resulted in the cancellation of the Amnesty Programme, which could leave about 30,000 beneficiaries stranded and pushed back into militancy.
Without the peace-building effort of the former Senate Minority Leader, an outbreak of hostilities would have also pushed the Niger Delta into more woes, bearing in mind that the region is yet to recover from the mass exodus of International Oil Companies and subsequent relocation to Lagos, which resulted in increased unemployment, low patronage for business owners and decreased Internally Generated Revenues for Niger Delta states.
Another round of hostilities would have spelled doom for the already troubled region, if not result to full-blown war.
As a patriotic Niger Deltan and a highly detribalised Nigerian, who has over the years, demonstrated uncommon passion for the well-being of the region and the country, Akpabio embarked on the eight-hour journey on the high sea to the creeks of Gbaramatu, where even the most valiant would dread to tread.
While the meeting was held behind closed doors, the result has come into the open: there is consensus building, which has led to continued peace in the Niger Delta. Tompolo has come out to suspend the ultimatum, which lapsed two Sundays ago.
The Forensic Audit will go on as planned while the substantive Board of the NDDC will be inaugurated at the end of that exercise.
Though many observers of events in the Niger Delta believe that the ultimatum and threats from the Tompolo camp were predicated on rumour and false allegations, and that they should not have been dignified as to gain ascendancy in the public space, as they were misguided, Akpabio’s peace initiative remains commendable.
For these observers, mostly of Niger Delta descent, the failure of the Tompolo camp and other agitators to ask questions of previous governments who let down the people of the Niger Delta through several uncompleted and abandoned projects, including the NDDC Headquarters, and many others, call to question the claimed patriotism behind the issuance of ultimatum on the NDDC Board.
One of such observers, Hope Ebipade, a lawyer, said: “The action of the Niger Delta Minister is highly commendable. The trip to Oporoza was extraordinary patriotism in action. The former governor demonstrated uncommon courage in the interest of Nigeria by embarking on that trip to foster peace, though the ultimatum should not have been issued or dignified, as it was based on false premises.
“We all know that the forensic audit of the NDDC is imperative due to the deep-seated corruption at the Commission over the years. The audit, in the end, will be in the interest of our region, so I expect all well-meaning indigenes of Niger Delta to support it”.
The question we should ask is why issue an ultimatum over the inauguration of the NDDC Board when there are other germaine issues affecting the region? It is on record that the Amnesty Programme has no interim administrator, yet no one is issuing an ultimatum.
Rather than focus on that, the agitators chose to direct their ire at President Buhari over the appointment of Akwa Effiong, as interim Administrator of NDDC, a move that is meant to ensure quality service delivery at the Commission pending the inauguration of the substantive Board.”
Another commentator, Godsday John said: “We thank God for an uncommon leader like Akpabio. That singular act of seeking peace and consensus averted a major crisis that could have led to a war in our region. What is going on in the South-East between the Army and agitators from that zone is an indicator of what would have been.”
Today, as a result of former Governor Akpabio’s bravery and acquiescence with the unpopular views of renowned American professor, Michael Dediu, that “if you want peace, prepare for peace,” everyone is a winner over the NDDC Board matter that would have precipitated war.
The peace of the South-South geo-political zone is intact at a time when all other five zones are facing one insecurity challenge or the other. But for the peace initiative, the fragile peace in the country would have been further threatened and everyone knows how volatile the Niger Delta could be when it comes to face-offs over matters of interest to the region.
Also, thousands of youths whose future has become assured as a result of the invaluable roles being played by the Amnesty Programme will not be thrown into gloom. The Amnesty Programme to ex-militants could have been halted if the boys returned to targeting oil installations and countless families would have had their hopes dashed.
More importantly, the economy of the country will not take another hit at this period when the country is already troubled as a result of the global economic situation, with oil exploration at least continuing unhindered.
Yes, everyone came out a winner following Akpabio’s Olive Branch, but the biggest winners are certainly the people of Niger Delta, who can now look forward to an NDDC that is better positioned to serve their interest after 21 years of tending to the interests of a few.
The over 17 million people of the oil-rich zone and, indeed, all Nigerians can also heave a sigh of relief that, by the action of one man, who chose to travel the road of peace, an unnecessary carnage has been averted. Though for Akpabio, the road of peace and patriotism is not strange; he travelled through familiar paths as governor of Akwa Ibom State for eight years, where he arrested youth restiveness with insightful and visionary initiatives in agriculture, youth engagement and massive employment creation, not many people expected a Minister to risk everything to visit Gbaramatu kingdom.
If they did, not a lot of people expected this outcome, which has made the people enamoured with Senator Akpabio, who has been unnecessarily vilified for taking bold initiatives to reposition the Niger Delta Ministry to serve the people better.
With peace brokered and the continued peace being enjoyed in the Niger Delta and by extension Nigeria following Akpabio’s bold move, one is reminded of the concluding lines in Robert Frost’s poem, Road Not Taken. “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.”
Aigbogun writes from Port Harcourt
Growing support has continued to trail a youthful politician and technology advocate, Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, popularly known as Repete, as many youths in Ibadan North Federal Constituency expressed confidence in his leadership style and vision for development.
Across several communities within the constituency, residents, particularly students, artisans and young professionals, described Repete as one of the emerging political figures with strong grassroots appeal and a passion for youth empowerment.
Supporters said his growing popularity stems from his consistent advocacy for innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development aimed at addressing unemployment and creating opportunities for young people.
As an engineer and technology enthusiast, Repete is also said to possess a deep understanding of the evolving digital economy and the need to position youths for global competitiveness.
Many of his supporters noted that his approach to leadership focuses on practical solutions, mentorship and capacity-building initiatives capable of helping young people become self-reliant and economically productive.
Some community stakeholders who spoke on his rising profile said his humility, accessibility and relationship with the grassroots have continued to endear him to many residents within the constituency.
They added that Repete’s engagement with youths and community groups reflects his commitment to inclusive governance and people-oriented representation.
Observers within the constituency also maintained that the increasing support for the politician reflects a growing desire among residents for a new generation of leaders driven by innovation, competence and accountability.
According to them, many young people see Repete as a symbol of hope and progressive leadership capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State stands on the edge of a consequential decision—one that may define not only its fortunes in Ibadan North Federal Constituency but also its broader political relevance in the state.
As the countdown to the party primaries intensifies, the question before APC leaders is no longer routine. It is strategic. It is urgent. And it is decisive: will the party align with the clear preference of the people or risk repeating costly political miscalculations?
At the centre of this debate is Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, widely known as Repete—a name that has, over time, evolved from a political identity into a grassroots phenomenon.
A Candidate Rooted in the People
In contemporary Nigerian politics, where voter awareness is rising and expectations are shifting, candidates are increasingly judged not by promises but by presence. On this scale, Adegboyega stands tall.
His political journey is marked by consistent engagement with constituents—far beyond the optics of election seasons. From youth empowerment initiatives that provide practical skills and startup support, to sustained interventions in healthcare access for the elderly and indigent, his footprint across Ibadan North reflects a model of leadership anchored on service.
Unlike the transactional approach that often defines political relationships, Adegboyega’s connection with the people appears organic—built on trust, accessibility, and continuity. These are not mere campaign attributes; they are political assets.
The Danger of Political Disconnect
History offers the APC a clear lesson: parties that ignore grassroots sentiment often pay a heavy electoral price. The imposition of candidates perceived as distant or untested has, in several instances, resulted in voter apathy, internal dissent, and eventual defeat at the polls.
Ibadan North presents no exception.
With opposition parties closely monitoring the APC’s internal dynamics, any misstep in candidate selection could provide a ready opening. A divided house, coupled with a candidate lacking widespread acceptance, is a formula the opposition is well-positioned to exploit.
The implication is straightforward: this is not merely about party loyalty; it is about electoral viability.
Echoes from the Grassroots
Across the length and breadth of Ibadan North—markets, motor parks, religious centres, and community gatherings—a consistent pattern emerges in political conversations. The name “Repete” resonates with familiarity and acceptance.
Such organic support is not easily manufactured. It is cultivated over time through visible impact and sustained presence. For a party seeking electoral certainty in a competitive environment, this level of grassroots validation is not just desirable—it is critical.
A Test of Leadership and Judgment
For the APC leadership in Oyo State, the moment calls for clarity of purpose. Decisions driven by narrow interests, personal alignments, or short-term calculations may carry long-term consequences.
The task, therefore, is to balance internal considerations with external realities. Elections are ultimately decided by voters, not by party caucuses. A candidate who commands public confidence offers the strongest pathway to victory.
The Stakes Are Clear
Ibadan North is too strategic a constituency for experimentation. The cost of error is not limited to a single seat; it extends to party cohesion, credibility, and future positioning within the state’s political landscape.
In this context, the argument for Adegboyega is less about sentiment and more about strategy. His visibility, acceptability, and record of engagement place him in a strong position to consolidate support and mobilise voters effectively.
Conclusion: A Choice with Consequences
As the APC moves closer to its primaries, the decision before it is both simple and significant: align with a candidate who reflects the mood of the electorate or risk conceding advantage to a watchful opposition.
In politics, moments such as this often separate foresight from hindsight.
For APC in Ibadan North, this may well be one of those defining moments.
Aderibigbe Akanbi, a political analyst, writes from Ibadan.
As the road to 2027 gradually unfolds across Oyo State, political conversations are shifting from routine permutations to deeper questions about competence, generational leadership, and measurable impact. In Ibarapa East, that conversation has found a new voice in Yusuf Abiodun Ramon — a Lanlate-born technocrat whose entry into the race for the State House of Assembly is redefining what representation could mean for the constituency.
In a political environment often dominated by familiar faces and conventional calculations, Ramon presents a profile shaped by technical discipline, structured thinking, and solution-driven engagement. His professional background, anchored in analytical precision and systems management, forms the foundation of his public service aspiration.
For him, representation must move beyond ceremonial presence to practical responsiveness — laws that reflect local realities, oversight that protects public resources, and advocacy that translates into visible development.
Ramon argues that the future of Ibarapa East lies in leadership that listens deliberately, plans strategically, and delivers measurably. He speaks of strengthening rural infrastructure, expanding youth-driven economic opportunities, and institutionalising transparency as core pillars of his agenda. In his view, governance must not merely be symbolic; it must be structured, accountable, and people-centred.
Rooted in Ile Odede, Isale Alubata Compound, Ward Seven of Ibarapa East Local Government, and maternally linked to Ile Sobaloju, Isale Ajidun Compound, Eruwa, Ramon’s story is not one of distant ambition but of lived experience. He is, in every sense, a son of the soil — shaped by the same roads, schools, and economic realities that define daily life in Ibarapa East.
“I was born here. I grew up here. I understand our struggles, our strengths, and our untapped potential,” he says. “Representation must go beyond occupying a seat; it must translate into preparation, competence, and genuine commitment to development.”
His academic journey mirrors that philosophy of steady growth. He began at Islamic Primary School, Lanlate (1995–2001), proceeded to Baptist Grammar School, Orita Eruwa (2001–2007), and later earned a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, between 2009 and 2011. Refusing to plateau, he advanced his intellectual horizon and is now completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Lagos. “Education,” he reflects, “is continuous capacity building. Leadership today requires both technical knowledge and administrative insight.”
That blend of engineering precision and managerial training has defined a professional career spanning more than a decade. Shortly after his diploma, Yusuf joined Mikano International Limited as a generator installer, gaining hands-on experience in industrial power systems — a sector central to Nigeria’s infrastructural backbone. He later transitioned into telecommunications at Safari Telecoms Nigeria Limited, where he received specialized training in Industrial, Scientific, and Medical radio bands, strengthening his expertise in network operations.
In 2013, he became a Field Support Engineer at Netrux Global Concepts Ltd., then a leading ISM service provider in Nigeria. Over four formative years, he immersed himself in telecom infrastructure deployment and maintenance, mastering field coordination, logistics management, and real-time technical problem-solving.
Since July 2017, he has served as a Field Support Engineer with Specific Tools and Techniques Ltd., a power solutions firm providing services to major operators including MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria. In that capacity, he operates at the frontline of ensuring energy reliability and network uptime — responsibilities that demand discipline, accountability, and systems thinking.
For political observers in Ibarapa East, this trajectory matters. It reflects more than résumé credentials; it speaks to a mindset anchored in efficiency, coordination, and measurable outcomes — qualities increasingly demanded in legislative representation.
Beyond the private sector, Ramon’s political exposure is neither sudden nor superficial. A loyal member of the progressive political family in Lagos, he once served as a personal assistant to a former lawmaker, gaining practical insight into legislative procedure and constituency engagement. Within his community, he has quietly extended financial support to small-scale entrepreneurs and students — modest but consistent interventions rooted in personal responsibility.
“My interest is my people,” he states firmly. “Ibarapa East deserves strategic, responsive, and capable leadership at the State Assembly. We must move from rhetoric to results.”
Across the constituency — from Lanlate to Eruwa — development priorities remain clear: youth employment, vocational empowerment, rural road rehabilitation, stable power supply, agricultural value-chain expansion, improved educational standards, and stronger lawmaking that directly reflects community needs.
Political analysts argue that Ramon’s technocratic background positions him uniquely at the intersection of policy formulation and practical implementation. At a time when national discourse increasingly favours competence over grandstanding, his profile resonates with a broader generational shift toward performance-driven governance. His engineering discipline reinforces problem-solving; his business training strengthens administrative understanding; his grassroots roots anchor his empathy.
For Ibarapa East, the 2027 election cycle may represent more than a routine democratic exercise. It may mark a recalibration of expectations — a demand for representation that understands both the soil beneath its feet and the systems that drive modern development. As political alignments gradually crystallize in Oyo State, Yusuf Abiodun Ramon’s declaration signals the arrival of a candidate seeking to translate private-sector structure into public-sector impact.
One thing is clear: the conversation about the future of Ibarapa East has begun — and it is now framed around competence, credibility, and capacity.
Oluwasegun Idowu sent in this piece from Eruwa, Ibarapa East LG, Oyo State
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