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Delta Govt Protests N80m Blackmail

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Delta Govt Protests N80m Blackmail

 

By Edozie Obasi-Eze

The government of Delta State maintains that it will not be cowed into paying a whooping N80 million for a TV programme, Inside Niger Delta, anchored by Felix Akugha on the African Independent Television (AIT).

Commissioner for Information, Delta State, Charles Aniagwu, expressed the position while briefing the media in Asaba, on Tuesday.

He was addressing alleged attacks on the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa led government by the Port Harcourt-based AIT presenter, Akugha.

The Commissioner made available what he claimed to be a copy of the proposal signed by Akugha, to journalists, and averred that the essence was to come clean before the public.

He pointed out that the media briefing was aimed at educating the general public on why Akugha had chosen the path of blackmail instead of speaking facts about the Delta government.

He said, “We have been quiet because we did not want to expose the reason why he had gone offensive for a very long time.

”Long before now, Akugha had approached us and he brought a proposal to that effect, that we should be paying him N80 million annually to project what we are doing in the state.

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“He had approached us verbally, but in September 2021, he brought this proposal and we said that apart from the fact that the amount was on the high side, the numbers of the things you want to do, we are already handling.

“Besides that, he listed the number of media outfits to be deployed but did not include our local broadcasting stations in the state.”

In addition, Aniagwu stated, “We, however, advised him to progress but take a second look at the cost he was presenting and to also incorporate our local media outfits in Warri and Asaba.

“All he wanted was to push his way through but we say that is not how we work.

“Since that time, he went on the offensive believing that he could blackmail us into doing his bidding.

“He called the programme, ‘Inside Niger Delta’ but what he ended up doing is inside the politics of Delta State.

“So, for every edition of the programme, he looks for his co-travellers to attack whatever we are doing even though he progresses in error.”

He pointed out that even when the state government had explained what it wanted to do with the N150 billion bridging finance, Akugha went about castigating the government.

“Akugha claimed that we have abandoned the ongoing Asaba-Ughelli dualization project (Federal Government Road) that efforts are on by the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa led the government to complete.

“Beyond that, when we announced that we were going to build an International Conference Centre, he queried why we needed to give advance payment to mobilise the contractor.

“But I did explain to him on the need for the advance payment, particularly when speed was of essence and given the spiral inflation but rather than agreeing, Akugha went on a voyage of destruction.

“Even in his edition of Monday, given the rising profile of Gov. Okowa largely due to his performance and achievements, Akugha and his co-travellers painted a picture that is at variance with the reality, saying that nothing is happening in Delta.

“But we want to make it clear that the number of attacks from Felix Akugha, will not make us to engage him or pay him the N80 million he is demanding.

“If he wants to do business that is legitimate, we don’t have problems with that but he can’t force our hands to pay him.”

NEWS

‘Best Scion Any Father Could Wish For’ — Reno Omokri Hails Seyi Tinubu at 41

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Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has celebrated Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his 41st birthday, describing him as “the best scion that any father could wish for.”

In his birthday message on Monday, Omokri praised Seyi Tinubu for his relationship with his father, President Bola Tinubu, and his contributions to the City Boy Movement and activities associated with the Renewed Hope agenda.

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Omokri described the celebrant as “a bulwark against siege,” while highlighting what he characterised as his role in the movement’s activities and achievements.

“As a liege to your father, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you have been a bulwark against siege,” he wrote.

He added that Seyi Tinubu was not just a contemporary figure but had also contributed to the success associated with the Renewed Hope agenda.

“You are not just contemporary; you have also been an accessory to the greatness and success of every anniversary in the Renewed Hope supremacy, with more than an honorary mention in the CBM glossary and history,” Omokri stated.

Reflecting on the City Boy Movement, Omokri recalled hoisting its flag on Mount Kilimanjaro, saying the movement had continued to bring what he described as equity, joy and improvement.

“As I said when I hoisted the CBM flag on Mount Kilimanjaro, because of you, the City Boy Movement has brought and continues to bring equity, joy and improvement,” he wrote.

Omokri also included a Yoruba expression in his tribute, stating: “Omo ologo ko le bi omo ti o l’ogo!”

He further reflected on the significance of knowing one’s birth date and purpose in life, saying Seyi Tinubu possessed both forms of knowledge.

“Very few people ever achieve two of the greatest knowledges: knowing when they were born and why they were birthed. To God be the glory, you know both,” he stated.

Referring to the celebrant’s 41st birthday, which he said was coming up the following day, Omokri extended his wishes on behalf of himself and his family.

“Therefore, on the occasion of your forty-first birthday, which comes up tomorrow, my family and I wish you a happy birthday and extend to you our warmest right hand of fellowship,” he wrote.

He concluded the message with prayers for Seyi Tinubu, his parents and his children.

“May God bless the parents who bore you and the children you begat,” Omokri stated.
The birthday message was signed by Reno Omokri.

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CJN Tasks Judges on Reforms as Supreme Court Records Over 2,000 Cases

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The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called on judicial officers across the country to embrace reforms and leverage technology to accelerate the dispensation of justice.

Kekere-Ekun made the call while delivering her address at the 2026/2027 Legal Year ceremony at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja.

She urged judges to adopt innovative approaches to adjudication amid the growing number of cases pending before courts across the country.

READ MORE: JUST IN: Judiciary Mourns As Ex-CJN Dies At 89

The CJN noted that technology could help ease the judicial process, improve efficiency and support the timely resolution of cases.

Reviewing the judiciary’s performance during the year under consideration, Kekere-Ekun disclosed that more than 2,000 cases were filed at the Supreme Court, with civil matters accounting for the majority.

The growing caseload highlights the need for reforms that would strengthen the administration of justice and improve the efficiency of the courts.

At the swearing-in ceremony of 68 newly conferred Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), the CJN cautioned legal practitioners against discrediting court judgments through media commentary.

She emphasised the importance of protecting the integrity of the judiciary and maintaining public confidence in the justice system.

The warning comes amid ongoing discussions about the conduct of legal practitioners and the need to preserve respect for judicial institutions.

 

 

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Bwala Accuses Arise TV Presenters of Hypocrisy Over Peter Obi Discussion

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Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has accused some Arise Television presenters of hypocrisy over their alleged silence during a discussion concerning former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Bwala made the allegation in a social media post on Monday, October 12, 2026, following the television station’s morning programme, where issues concerning Obi’s alleged inconsistencies and character were reportedly discussed.

SEE ALSO: BREAKING: Daniel Bwala Melts Under Political Heat

According to Bwala, only Dr Reuben Abati, an Arise TV presenter and former presidential spokesman, offered his opinion on the matter, while two other presenters allegedly remained silent.

He claimed that the presenters participated in discussions on subjects before and after the segment involving Obi but declined to express their views when the former Anambra State governor became the subject of discussion.

Bwala suggested that their alleged silence reflected political bias, arguing that the presenters had previously criticised politicians for defecting from their political parties.

“The reason they kept quiet is because they have used their loud mouth in calling out people for changing parties and they cannot afford to call out their master and candidate in the face of raw evidence,” he wrote.

The presidential aide also criticised some individuals he accused of presenting themselves as journalists without formal training, alleging that they contributed to the spread of hate speech, inflammatory rhetoric and misinformation.

“These people parading themselves as journalists with no formal training are the major cause of hate speech, vitriol and fake news,” Bwala stated.

He, however, commended Arise TV presenter Ojy Okpe for what he described as her willingness to scrutinise Obi during the programme.

“Thank you @OjyOkpe at-least today you tried to give Peter his bitter pill of inconsistencies,” he wrote.

Bwala further predicted that Okpe could face criticism from the other presenters for covering the issues involving Obi.

“I know you will have a long day managing backlash from the boy and girl for covering Peter Obi matter,” he added.

He concluded his post by reiterating his criticism of the presenters, declaring that “hypocrisy is real.”

 

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