News
Odidi Stakeholders Reaffirm Okrikpa as Chairman, Back IYC Intervention Over OML 42 Spill
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
WARRI, Delta State — Stakeholders in Odidi Community, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, have reaffirmed Prince Preye Okrikpa as the Executive Chairman of the community amid an ongoing leadership dispute before the High Court of Justice in Warri.
The stakeholders also expressed support for the intervention of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide over the prolonged crude oil spill affecting communities around Oil Mining Lease (OML) 42.
In a statement signed by Clement Numah, Secretary of Odidi Community; Oyateide Joseph Hitler, Youth President; and Nancy Ikpidi, Women Leader, the stakeholders said Okrikpa remains the recognised chairman under the community’s internal processes.
They stated that a rival executive led by Truston Gbenekama is the subject of a pending court case, identified as Suit No. W/102/2026, and urged the media, government institutions and other organisations to exercise caution in identifying individuals as the final leadership of the community while the matter remains before the court.
According to the stakeholders, the pending litigation means that the leadership question should be left for judicial determination rather than being settled through public statements or media activities.
They further stressed that the leadership dispute should not be allowed to overshadow the environmental challenges confronting residents of Odidi.
The stakeholders commended IYC President, Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete, and the council’s leadership for drawing attention to the reported oil spill and its consequences for residents and the environment.
They said the pollution had reportedly affected aquatic life, fishing activities and the livelihoods of people within the affected areas, describing the intervention as an important step toward drawing attention to the situation.
The stakeholders called on Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and other relevant authorities to act on the reported spill.
Their demands include immediate containment and investigation of the incident, environmental assessment and remediation, as well as consideration of legitimate compensation claims in line with applicable laws and procedures.
They also urged authorities to engage properly constituted community representatives during the response while respecting the ongoing court proceedings.
The stakeholders maintained that affected residents should not be denied appropriate relief because of the unresolved leadership dispute.
They urged IYC to sustain its intervention on environmental issues affecting Odidi and other Niger Delta communities.
The group concluded that while the leadership question should be determined by the court, the reported environmental concerns require urgent attention from government agencies, regulators and the relevant oil-sector operators.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
A group of stakeholders in Warri has announced its decision to withdraw support for the incumbent member representing the Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, while explaining its position, cited what it described as dissatisfaction with the lawmaker’s performance and representation of the constituency.
The stakeholders subsequently declared their support for Comrade Jude Ukori Mulade as their preferred candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
According to the group, its decision followed concerns over the level of representation and development delivered to the constituency under the current administration.
The stakeholders said they were seeking a representative who would be more responsive to the needs of the people and more committed to advancing issues affecting residents across the constituency.
They urged other political stakeholders and eligible voters in Warri to consider Mulade’s candidacy as the 2027 elections approach.
The group’s endorsement adds to the growing political activities and realignments expected to shape the contest for the Warri Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ereyitomi, who currently represents the constituency in the House of Representatives, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations contained in the group’s statement.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
Residents and road users along the Warri Airport Road, particularly the section near Federal Government College in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, have continued to contend with recurring flooding despite years of road construction and rehabilitation efforts.
The affected stretch is frequently submerged following heavy rainfall, with inadequate drainage identified as a major factor contributing to the persistent flooding.
The recurring situation has raised concerns among motorists, residents and other road users, who say the condition of the road continues to disrupt movement and create difficulties for commuters whenever there is significant rainfall.
The development has also renewed calls for attention to the drainage system along the route, with residents hoping that a lasting solution will be implemented to prevent the road from repeatedly becoming flooded.
By staff Reporter: Rukevwe Odeh
A heavy downpour has left the popular NNPC Housing Complex Road, also known as Ekpan Link Road, submerged in floodwater in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The rainfall caused significant water accumulation along the busy road, affecting movement and creating difficulties for motorists and other road users.
The condition of the road has renewed concerns over flooding and drainage challenges in the area, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Residents and commuters are expected to exercise caution while using the affected route as efforts to manage the situation continue.
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