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Emudainohwo to Deliver DOPF 2025 Annual Lecture in Asaba 

The Planning Committee of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has announced Dr. Ochuko Benedict Emudainohwo, PhD, FCA, Associate Professor of Accounting at Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba, as the Guest Speaker for the 6th DOPF Annual Lecture, scheduled to hold on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at David’s Event Centre, Asaba, commencing at 11:00 a.m.

In a joint statement signed by the Chairman, Mr Abel Johngold and Secretary, Josephine Omodior of the Planning Committee, Dr. Emudainohwo was described as an “accomplished scholar and professional accountant with a strong record of academic leadership, research productivity, and service to the discipline and the wider professional community.”

Dr. Emudainohwo, who currently serves as Associate Professor of Accounting at Dennis Osadebay University, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and a respected authority in accounting, taxation, and financial governance. He previously served as Acting Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences during the 2023/2024 academic session, where he provided leadership in faculty development, curriculum innovation, and research advancement across management disciplines.

A seasoned academic, Dr. Emudainohwo obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Accounting from Glasgow, United Kingdom, and holds both a Master’s Degree in Finance and an MBA (Finance), in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, all from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). His academic and professional experience bridges theory and practice, with special research interests in foreign direct investment, taxation, firm performance, financial governance, and public sector accountability.

He has published extensively in reputable national and international peer-reviewed journals, addressing vital themes in fiscal policy, accountability, and governance reforms in emerging economies. His works have contributed significantly to contemporary debates in accounting and financial policy development.

As an educator, Dr. Emudainohwo is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of accounting professionals and scholars. He coordinates the Accounting Technician Scheme (ATS) at Dennis Osadebay University and teaches a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Financial Accounting, Contemporary Issues in Accounting, Social and Environmental Accounting, History of Accounting Thought, and Advanced Management Accounting Theory. He has also supervised several student research projects and dissertations.

Beyond his teaching and research roles, Dr. Emudainohwo plays an active part in university administration, serving on several committees that promote academic quality and institutional growth. He maintains professional affiliations with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and continues to contribute to both academic and professional advancement in his field.

The Planning Committee expressed confidence that Dr. Emudainohwo’s lecture will provide “a scholarly, practical, and policy-relevant perspective” on the 2025 theme, “Nigeria’s New Tax Law: Implications and Opportunities for Businesses and Society.”

The 2025 DOPF Annual Lecture will also feature a panel of distinguished discussants drawn from government, academia, business, and civil society, and is expected to attract policymakers, professionals, corporate executives, and the media.

The organisers confirmed that His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State, will attend the event as the Special Guest of Honour, alongside other senior government representatives and dignitaries from across the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nwoko, Anwasia Lead Delegation On Condolence Visit To Joshua Opia Family

The Chief of Staff to the Senator representing Delta North, Dr. Michael Nwoko alongside the Director of Administration and Finance to the Senator, Hon. Somadina Anwasia led a delegation on a condolence visit to the family of Late Comrade Joshua Opia Ojieh in Enugu State.

The visit was in commiseration with the family of late Opia ahead of his funeral scheduled for the 11th and 12th of December, 2025 in Kwale, Ndokwa west LGA.

The deceased was a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ndokwa West Local Government Area and security consultant in the oil and gas industry, who passed on at the age of 48.

The late Opia who died at UNTH hospital Enugu on 30th October 2025 was a successful businessman and Director of Security services in Senator Ned Nwoko 2023 Senatorial campaign organization

The team was received by the late Opia’s wife, Mrs. Ozioma Opia; his eldest Son, Mr Chinedu Joshua Opia; his mother, Mrs Josephine Opia, and other members of the family.

Addressing the family, Dr. Nwoko described the late Opia as “an amiable, disciplined and dedicated supporter of the distinguished Senator Nwoko and said ” he also made immense contributions to peace and community development in Ndokwa axis and the Niger Delta”.

Pledging the total support of Senator Nwoko to give the deceased a befitting burial, the Chief of staff to the federal law maker noted that “the departed Opia was remarkable as a business mogul, security expert, grassroots politician and philanthropist.

Also, in a solemn message, the Director Administration and Finance, in the Senator’s Constituency office, Hon. Somadina Anwasia expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Comade Opia said he was “a committed, humble, and dependable political figure whose positive contributions to leadership and humanity would remain evergreen”

He prayed for God to console the family, grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, and for the soul of the departed to find eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord.

Also, in the team of the condolence visit were Mrs. Ada Okuneye Faith, Mrs. Evidence Ashinze, Hon. Larry Ezechi, Hon. Christopher Uzuakpundu, Stanley Ehikwe, Hon. Mrs. Caroline Ijeh, Hon. Kelvin Otuole and a host of others.

The bereaved family appreciated Senator Ned Nwoko and his team for the thoughtful visit, noting that it was a remarkable show of love, respect, and solidarity during their moment of grief.

 

Nigerian Student Abroad Jailed 10 Years for Raping Teen, Faces Deportation

Nigerian postgraduate student living in the United Kingdom, Chiemka Okoronta, after serving a 10-year prison sentence for raping a teenage girl in West Yorkshire, is set to be deported.

 

According to a report by the BBC, the 29-year-old committed the offence after the teenager became stranded on a night bus in Morley, Leeds, while both were returning home to Bradford on March 25.

 

Court documents revealed that Okoronta tricked the victim into sharing a taxi with him before luring her into his accommodation and assaulting her in a locked toilet.

 

The prosecution told the Bradford Crown Court that the teenager’s phone battery had died after she got off the bus, prompting Okoronta to offer her a ride.

 

However, instead of heading to Bradford Interchange as promised, the taxi diverted to his flat, where he persuaded her to come inside before locking her in and attacking her.

 

After the assault, the victim managed to escape, stopped a passerby, and used their phone to contact the police.

 

Delivering judgment, Judge Sophie McKone described Okoronta as a “dangerous sexual predator,” noting that he had premeditated the attack.

 

“I am satisfied that when you asked if she wanted to share your taxi to Bradford, you had already formulated a plan to get her back to your flat, where you could rape her,” the judge said.

 

“You concocted a reason for her to come into your flat. You are, I am clear, a dangerous sexual predator,” McKone added.

 

The court ordered that Okoronta, originally from Nigeria, serve an additional three years on an extended licence after his jail term.

 

He will also be placed on the sex offenders register for life and deported upon completion of his sentence.

 

In a victim impact statement read before the court, the teenager said: “This incident has turned my life upside down. I have flashbacks of what happened to me. I have nightmares, one minute I feel fine, and the next, it all comes back.”

 

Detective Constable Sue Sutcliffe of the West Yorkshire Police commended the victim for her immense bravery in reporting this horrific crime straight away.

Niger Delta Activist,  Mulade, Urges Presidency, National Assembly to Enforce Direct Payment of 13 Percent Oil Derivation to Host Communities

Renowned Niger Delta environmental and human rights activist, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to take decisive action in ensuring that the 13 percent oil derivation fund are paid directly to host communities rather than to state governments.

Mulade, in a strongly worded statement issued in Warri, Delta State, said that the current arrangement where state governors receive and manage the 13% derivation fund is a misdirection of host community resources into the wrong hands, denying the oil-bearing communities the right to develop themselves.

“The 13 percent derivation is not ghost money it has a source, and that source is the Niger Delta host communities where the oil is extracted from,” Mulade declared. “Failure to pay the funds directly to the host communities negates the principles of fairness and the very intent of the law establishing the derivation policy.”

He maintained that the state governments have consistently misappropriated or politically manipulated the funds, leaving the oil-producing areas in deplorable condition, with poor infrastructure, polluted environments, and neglected populations.

Mulade proposed a new model for managing the 13 percent derivation, emphasizing that even channeling the funds through construction companies to build bridges and roads linking the creeks would yield better developmental results than handing the funds to the governors.

“It is imperative to state that the Federal Government should entered a consortium agreement on behalf of the host communities and pay 70% of the 13% oil derivation funds directly to construction

Companies to handle mega roads and bridge projects to link and open up the riverine areas to the upland, then Niger Delta would witnessed rapid and real development. While the balance 30% should be channels towards human capital development through the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) recognise by law under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), for direct impact.

It is worthy of note that the current practice only gives opportunities to the state governors to turned the derivation funds into a political conduit pipe, a tool to compensate political allied and personal enrichment scheme,” he stated.

The environmentalist described the situation as both illegal and unconstitutional, stressing that the 13 percent derivation was created to directly benefit the people who suffer the environmental and social consequences of oil exploration.

Mulade also highlighted the historical contribution of Chief Dr. Wellington Okrika, the Bolowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, who championed the struggle that led to the establishment of the 13 percent  derivation principle, noting that Niger Delta governors have since “fed fat” on the achievement without recognizing or fulfilling their obligations to Okrika or the communities he represented.

He called on the Presidency, the National Assembly, and the RMAFC to immediately begin a review of the payment framework, and to enact a constitutional amendment or administrative directive that would enforce the direct payment of derivation funds to oil-bearing communities through their desire projects in a transparent and accountable mechanisms.

“If President Tinubu truly wants to correct injustices and promote equity in the Niger Delta, he must ensure that the 13 percent derivation reaches and be impactful to the people for whom it was created — the host communities,” Mulade concluded.

Okoisor Reaffirms Commitment to Promoting Transport Health and Safety Compliance

The Joint National Transport Safety Committee (JNTSC), Delta State Chapter, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transport health and safety compliance among heavy-duty truck operators, as part of its ongoing nationwide sensitization campaign.

Speaking during the advocacy visit at Umunede, the Chairman South South and Regional Coordinator, Comrade Armstrong Okoisor said JNTSC was determined to ensure that the lives of the heavy-duty truck operators were safe.

Okoisor revealed that the initiative would culminate in a major South-South Regional Conference on Transport Health and Safety Compliance (HSC).

He noted that the sensitization exercise had already covered several major transport corridors across the state, including Anwai Road, Head Bridge (former Toll Gate), and Oko Market in Asaba to prepare them for upcoming training and safety regulations.

“We have informed and engaged with the people controlling the parks and have also consulted our royal fathers, who have given their blessings and encouragement for this initiative,” Okoisor said. “We want the drivers to understand that this sensitization is not punitive but designed for their benefit and safety.”

“This will be the first of its kind in the region,” he added. “During the conference, experts and consultants will address issues affecting the transport sector, especially safety compliance and driver welfare.”

The Chairman South South and Regional Coordinator of JNTSC, explained that beyond awareness creation, the JNTSC plans to establish a comprehensive truck terminal that will serve as a rest and service point for drivers. The proposed facility will include a clinic, market, worship centers, and accommodation to ensure drivers rest properly before continuing their journeys.

On his part, the regional Head of Enforcement and Compliance for the South-South region, Comrade Samuel Archibong, emphasized that the campaign aims to create awareness among drivers and vehicle owners on the importance of adhering to safety standards before full enforcement begins.

Also speaking, Head of Operations for the JNTSC Delta State, Hon. Adigwe Emmanuel assured that after the sensitization phase, the committee would move into full enforcement to ensure strict compliance with transport safety standards.

Deputy Director at the Ministry of Transport, Mr Kelly Prosper commended the initiative, describing it as timely and essential for improving road safety and reducing accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (Heavy-Duty Section), Umunede Unit, Mr. Nathaniel Ofagba, pledged the union’s support for the program, emphasizing that many drivers neglect their own safety.

BREAKING: PDP Reacts After Court Stops National Convention

…Reveals Next Line of Action

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has insisted it will proceed with its planned elective National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, despite a court order halting the event.

Earlier reported by Politics Nigeria, a Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the party from conducting the convention over an alleged breach of its own rules. Justice James Omotosho also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from receiving, publishing, or recognising any outcome from the proposed exercise until the party complies with all statutory requirements.

However, in a statement issued on Friday night, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said preparations remain on course.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice Kolawole Omotosho, describing it as an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.

“Nonetheless, the judgment does not prevent the party from continuing with activities and processes leading up to the National Convention to elect new National Officers who will steer the affairs of the party for the next four years,” the statement read.

Ologunagba noted that a recent Supreme Court decision had reaffirmed the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs, adding that all members, chapters, and organs of the party should remain focused on preparations for the convention.

He further disclosed that the party has directed its legal team to immediately appeal the ruling, reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and the protection of multi-party democracy in Nigeria.

Residents, LG Workers, Political Affiliates Celebrate Hon.Chinye in Grand Style

When the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice, Isseleuku, headquarters of Aniocha North Local Government Area stood still as the residents, local government workers, political affiliates and family with friends stormed the secretariat to celebrate the most popular local Government Chairman, Hon. Emma Chinye.
The event was not just a birthday bash but an avenue to encourage a renewed hope for more agenda initiatives of the All Progressive Congress (APC) government and to give hope to the hopeless, bright future to the teeming youths of Aniocha North Local Government Area, and to complement Chinye’s vision to rebuild the council area.
Hon. Chinye who dressed elegantly arrived at the venue with his wife Mrs Tina Chinye, family members, friends and poiltical associates as the Chaplain and Asiwaju of Yoruba Community, Apostle Akinbolade Yero started the event with an opening prayer and praise session.
At the event, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Choir provided melodious praise songs that spiced up the event and throw the crowd to a dancing galore, Hon. Chinye and his wife took the lead, he danced like Kind David in the Bible whom publicly danced for God to his nakedness.
Chinye took the lead, glorifying God for his support, guidance, protection, wisdom, to him and Gods grace for him to be able to carry the council area along his vision to rebuild Aniocha North, a promise he had lived to accomplish.
The event also attracted members of the public who came out enlarge to celebrate the man they described as ‘the man we know’, birthday gifts was showered on Hon. Chinye with goodwill messages from notable politicians and Leaders in Aniocha North Local Government Area.
Delivering goodwill messages, an elder statesman Hon. Nnamdi Mohanye who took a vintage point at the event commended the Chairman, Hon. Chinye for his outstanding performances and implementation of his vision to rebuild the council area.
Mohanye disclosed that Aniocha North Local Government has not seen this type of administration, saying that Hon Chinye had captured the grassroot through his empowerment policies, while he had fight crime and reduced it to the barest minimum stage.
He pointed out that Hon. Chinye had over 100youths in his payroll, while women, widows and the less priviledge are also benefitting, adding that across the council area, Chinye had written his name in the sands of time.
Another grassroot politician and a founding member of APC in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Sir Mathew Chinye who was at the fore front of the event said that Emma Chinye was a miracle to the council area.
Sir Chinye described him as young vibrant politician who has his people in his mind, saying that the council Boss has demonstrated power and judicious management of the public fund in his disposal.
He urged other Leaders to emulate the developmental strides of Hon. Emma Chinye and pleaded that every party member should be patient for the Chairman would in interval of time affect everybody positively.
Meanwhile, there came a moment of toast presided by a quintessential Vice Chairman, Lady Clara Nneka Dibie, who also prayed for Hon. Chinye and encourage women of the council area to support the vision to rebuild Aniocha North.
Clara described the event as a convergence of like minds marking the natal anniversary of their indefatigable chairman, Hon. Emma Bazim Chinye, adding that Friends and well wishers came out in their numbers to felicitate with the celebrant at the council secretariat.
Indeed the celebration signals God’s love and limitless grace upon the life of their beloved brother and father of all, while wishing him many more years ahead and prosperous administration in a renewed hope and more agenda of the state government.
In the same vein, the Nnamdi Okwufulueze Ofonye Campaign Organization (NOOCO), a proud structure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) family in Aniocha North, also felicitated with the Chairman, Hon. Emma Chinye, at the event,
Ofonye who led the team, noted that Chinye’s leadership has continued to reflect the true ideals of service, inclusiveness, and commitment to community development, adding that  under Chinye’s watch, Aniocha North has witnessed stability, cooperation, and purposeful governance, which stand as testimonies of his administrative capacity.
Ofonye prayed that as Chinye marks this special day, they celebrate his achievements and unwavering dedication to the growth of their Local Government, and pleads for God Almighty to grant him continued wisdom, good health, and the grace to keep steering the affairs of the people with courage and compassion.
Earlier, a Councilor, representing Ezi community, Hon. Uwafili Patricia Awele described the Chairman as a shining beacon of hope whose character is defined by his patriotism and dignity and beyond that Chinye had being a confidante and strong pillar of support to Delta State Government and Aniocha North at large through his vision to rebuild Aniocha North policy.
The legislator further described Chinye as a consummate leader, compassionate humanitarian, and a responsive father to both his family and the entire council area, adding that  these remarkable qualities underscore his sterling performance in championing developmental initiatives especially as they relate to women, youths, and children in Aniocha North.
The climax of the event was presentation of gifts from various groups, the Arewa Community led by Sariki Isiaka Muhammed, top Moslem brothers, the Delta State  Job Creation Officer, Hon. Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, other top government functionaries who attended the event and prayer session from the Chaplain of the council and the Asiwaju of Yoruba Community, Apostle Akinbolade Yero.

Lagos Govt Demolishes Over 200 Illegal Shanties, Uncovers Dummy Gun

The Lagos State Government has demolished over 200 illegal shanties and dislodged several criminal hideouts beneath Costain, Ijora, and Apapa Road.

The large-scale operation was coordinated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, and supported by multiple agencies.

The enforcement aimed to reclaim public spaces, restore environmental order, and curb criminal activities along key transport corridors.

During the clearance, operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) discovered a dummy gun and other weapons hidden under the bridges.

LASTMA Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the discovery in a statement issued in Lagos.

He said the items were found inside makeshift structures used by suspected criminals beneath the Costain Bridge.

Giwa condemned the state of the affected areas, describing them as “a monumental affront to public decency and order.”

“No responsive and responsible government would countenance such brazen lawlessness within vital infrastructural zones,” he said.

He said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to stop traffic robberies, drug peddling, and environmental nuisance.

Giwa also confirmed that long-abandoned trucks and unauthorised garages converted into criminal dens were removed from the Ijora Bridge area.

The exercise featured the participation of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), and the Nigeria Police Force.

Teams worked together to clear derelict vehicles and dismantle shanties around Apapa Road, Ijora, and Costain inward Iponri.

Giwa reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to sustain the tempo of urban renewal across Lagos.

He warned that any illegal occupants who attempt to return to the cleared sites would face “swift and decisive sanctions.”

“The Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration remains committed to a safer, cleaner, and more habitable Lagos,” Giwa added.

He commended all participating agencies for their cooperation and urged residents to remain law-abiding and supportive of government initiatives.

Delta Govt Targets N100b to Support Security Agencies Operations – Bureau Chief

…Says Tompolo’s N10b donation worthy of emulation

The Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said that the state government is targeting N100billion in the first phase of her drive to raise funds to support operations of security agencies through the State Security Trust Fund.

He made the disclosure on Wednesday in Asaba, at the Orientation Panorama Platform, a public enlightenment interactive program on Voice of Delta Radio, saying that even though Delta State is safe and secured for investments, tourism and other socioeconomic activities there is the need to enhance peace and security as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda of the state government.

Dr Oghenesivbe commended Chief Government Ekpemukpolo aka Tompolo, and the management of Tantita Security Services Ltd, for donating N10 billion to the State Security Trust Fund, describing it as a clear demonstration of patriotism, and a well thought out Corporate Social Responsibility.

He said the N10 billion would go a long way to boost government efforts in enhancing peace and security in the state, while calling on other corporate citizens and wealthy individuals to emulate the generosity of Chief Tompolo and Tantita Security Services, in the ongoing public-private partnership towards upscaling the operations of security agencies with an initial target of N100billion.

He noted that since the assumption of office, governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has been doing the needful to keep the state safe and secured, especially by procuring and distributing operational vehicles to security agencies, as well as assisting their operations with required logistics and other necessary support, adding that 0.5% of the State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is also allocated monthly to the Security Trust Fund.

Dr Oghenesivbe stated that the law establishing the State Security Trust Fund was enacted in 2013, to provide the legal framework for a public-private partnership to enhance security in the state, adding that the law provides the foundation for a trust fund to raise and manage resources from various sources to support security agencies with equipment, lastest technology, strategic training, and provide facilities to combat crime and improve public safety in Delta State.

The Bureau Chief quoted governor Oborevwori as saying at the launching of the trust fund that the fund would focus on acquiring modern surveillance equipment, operational vehicles, and communication tools, as well as supporting the training and retraining of security personnel and community vigilante groups across the 25 local government areas of the state.

He commended the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, and his special crack team for their invaluable efforts and achievements in policing crime in the state, noting that the Command made several arrests and recovered cache of sophisticated arms and ammunition from criminal elements, while also commending heads of other security agencies working round the clock on a daily basis to keep Delta safe and secured.

“The Oborevwori administration priotizes peace and security. Therefore, the initial target for the State Security Trust Fuund is N100billion. It’s achievable, and all hands are on deck to ensure that government goals are achieved within a reasonable time.

“Chief Government Ekpemukpolo aka Tompolo, and the management of Tantita Security Services Ltd, deserves commendation for donating N10 billion to the State Security Trust Fund. Their patriotism and love for Delta cannot be overemphasized.

“This is clearly a remarkable display of uncommon corporate philanthropy, and solid public-private partnership. As a people and government we are very grateful to Chief Tompolo and Tantita.

“It’s important and very necessary for other corporate citizens and wealthy individuals to emulate the uncommon corporate social responsibility exhibited by Chief Tompolo and Tantita Security Services Ltd, because security is everybody’s business. Collectively, we can achieve the N100billion target.

“Our amiable working governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, is committed to the security of the state, and wellbeing of the people. Therefore, the need to upscale peace and security strategies cannot be overemphasized,” Oghenesivbe said.

Check Off Dues: MOUN Seeks Gov Oborevwori’s Intervention

The leadership of Motorcycles Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN), Delta State Council, has appealed to state Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene into the lingering issue between the union and relevant government agencies that had inhibited it from carrying its mandate of collecting check off dues from members in the state.

 Addressing a press briefing at Labour House in Asaba yesterday, the Deputy National President of MOUN, Comrade Julius Oghenevwegba said it was becoming difficult for the union to operate freely in the state because of certain inhibitions.

The union ,an affiliate of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), has however, expressed concern over recent actions by security operatives, which, according to the union, have affected its members’ activities across the state.

 “The Delta State Council of the Nigerian Labour Congress has equally taken a resolution condemning the action of security agents in bid to stop us from unionising in Delta State,” he said.

The union maintained that the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN) remains a “bonafide and duly registered trade union” and a recognised affiliate of the NLC.

“We want to use this medium to call on the governor to intervene in this conflict. We are set to resume full operations. The union, however, distanced itself from any conflict with the state government, describing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as “labour-friendly.”

“We are not against the governor or his government. In fact, I’m from Delta Central Senatorial District , and I can tell you I’m impressed by the governor’s performance so far. We’re ready to work with him to develop Delta State,” he said.

It could be recalled that the Delta State Directorate of Transport, had earlier in a letter dated April 2, 2024, gave reasons why the Motorcycles Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN) cannot be recognized by the state government.

The ministry said Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycles Operators Association (COMTOA) is the only recognised association responsible for coordinating the activities of all commercial motorcyclists in the state.

‘’They (MOUN) are to liaise with the state-recognised mother association (Commercial Motorcycles and Tricycles Operators Association) on the modalities of their operations’’ the transport ministry stated.

‘’Allowing any other association to spring up will disintegrate the amalgamated associations which formed COMTOA and will further encourage more associations/trade union to spring up which is capable of breaching the relative peace and security currently experienced in this sector in the State.’’

Also, the Secretary to the State Government, in a statement dated September 5, 2025, said COMTOA, an amalgamation of various unions, was established as a government intervention to address the incessant conflicts in the sector.

According to the SSG, ‘’As an aftermath of these consultations, all the unions that existed then were amalgamated to form the Delta State Motorcycles and Tricycles Operators Association (COMTOA), which now coordinates and manages the activities of motorcycles and tricycles in the state’’

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