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The lawmaker representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, at the Senate, Ireti Kingibe, says she did not see any report that led to the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

She made this revelation on Wednesday when she featured in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’.

She said she was at a retreat with Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, when she heard about the report.

According to her, she never saw the report that led to Natasha’s suspension. I was at a retreat. I had earlier stated that I was there with three or four other senators who are members of the committee.

“We attended the Committee on Petitions and Public Complaints, signed the attendance register, and I later left for the tax reform retreat, which I considered more important at the time.

“It affects my constituents much more than disciplining a senator, and I figured that the other people who were not part of that committee would take care of it.

“I even complained to other Senators, specifically to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. I complained to him very bitterly that I had not seen that report. I didn’t see it then. I have not seen it till now,” she said.

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Massive Grassroots Mobilisation Signals New Political Direction for Delta State Ahead of 2027

By Andrew Oghenetega
Politics Correspondent
Evwreni, Delta State | April 16, 2026

A new political momentum appears to be taking shape across Delta State as supporters of the Labour Party and stakeholders from across Urhobo land prepare for what is expected to be one of the most significant grassroots political gatherings ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

At the center of the movement is Dr. Barry Avotu Johnson 1st, political scientist, democracy advocate, international development strategist, and frontline Labour Party governorship hopeful, who has announced Thursday, July 30, 2026, as the date for the official declaration of his ambition to contest for Governor of Delta State.

The declaration ceremony will take place at Marere Secondary School Field, Evwreni Town, Ughelli North Local Government Area, beginning at 11:00 a.m. prompt, under the theme:

“THE GOOD BETTER BEST VISION FOR DELTA 2027”

Political observers believe the event will not only mark the formal launch of a governorship campaign but also unveil a comprehensive development blueprint designed to reposition Delta State for economic growth, social advancement, youth empowerment, and transparent governance.

20,000 POLLING UNIT AGENTS TO BE INAUGURATED

The major highlight of the event will be the inauguration and swearing-in of 20,000 Polling Unit Agents, strategically selected from communities across Delta State.

According to campaign coordinators, the agents will serve as grassroots ambassadors of democratic participation, voter education, election monitoring, and community mobilization across the state’s twenty-five local government areas.

Political analysts describe the initiative as one of the largest structured grassroots mobilization efforts by any governorship aspirant in Delta State at this stage of the electoral cycle.

The move is expected to strengthen the Labour Party’s presence at the community level while promoting citizen participation in the democratic process.

Supporters say the initiative reflects Dr. Barry Avotu Johnson’s longstanding commitment to electoral integrity and people-centered democracy through his leadership of the Votes Must Count International Initiative (VMCII).

EVWRENI PREPARES FOR HISTORIC HOMECOMING

Preparations are already underway in Evwreni as community leaders, youth organizations, women groups, and political stakeholders mobilize for the highly anticipated event.

Organizers describe the declaration rally as a grand homecoming for the Urhobo nation and an opportunity for sons and daughters from all 22 Urhobo Kingdoms to unite behind a common vision for the future of Delta State.

Thousands of supporters are expected from the three senatorial districts, while delegations from civil society organizations, labour unions, professional associations, market groups, and faith-based organizations are also expected to participate.

Local residents say the gathering could become one of the most attended political events in the area in recent years.

BROAD COALITION OF SUPPORTERS EXPECTED

According to the organizing committee, participation is expected from:

– Leadership of the Obedient Movement Worldwide in Delta State.
– Youth leaders from Delta North, Delta Central, and Delta South.
– Women organizations and market associations.
– Labour unions and workers’ groups.
– Civil society organizations and democracy advocates.
– Road transport workers and professional associations.
– Entertainment and creative industry practitioners.
– Traditional rulers and community stakeholders.
– Leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU).
– Friends and supporters of a greater Delta State.

Observers say the diversity of groups expected at the event demonstrates growing interest in issue-based governance and developmental politics across the state.

THE GOOD BETTER BEST DEVELOPMENT VISION

At the heart of Dr. Barry Avotu Johnson’s governorship aspiration is a development agenda known as the Good Better Best Vision for Delta 2027.

The vision is built on the belief that Delta State possesses enormous human and natural resources capable of transforming it into one of Nigeria’s leading economic and industrial hubs.

According to campaign documents, the objective is to move Delta State beyond ordinary governance and establish a new benchmark for leadership, accountability, innovation, and sustainable development.

The philosophy is straightforward:

“Good is not enough. Delta must become Better. Better is not enough. Delta must become the Best.”

ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AND JOB CREATION

A central pillar of the vision is economic transformation.

The proposed agenda seeks to diversify Delta’s economy through:

– Agricultural modernization.
– Agro-processing and food production hubs.
– Industrial development zones.
– Small and medium enterprise support programs.
– Technology and innovation parks.
– Strategic local and foreign investments.

The goal is to create sustainable employment opportunities while strengthening economic productivity across urban and rural communities.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

Recognizing the importance of young people in nation-building, the Good Better Best Vision places significant emphasis on youth development.

Proposed initiatives include:

– Digital technology training centers.
– Skills acquisition and vocational education programs.
– Entrepreneurship support funds.
– Youth innovation grants.
– Career development opportunities.
– Creative industry empowerment schemes.

The objective is to equip young Deltans with the tools necessary to compete successfully in the modern global economy.

EDUCATION REFORM FOR A NEW GENERATION

Education remains a major priority under the proposed development framework.

The campaign advocates:

– Modern school infrastructure.
– Teacher capacity development.
– Expansion of science and technology education.
– Scholarship and bursary programs.
– Digital learning platforms.
– Research and innovation initiatives.

The vision seeks to produce a new generation of globally competitive graduates capable of driving economic and technological advancement.

QUALITY HEALTHCARE FOR ALL

Healthcare transformation also features prominently within the Good Better Best agenda.

The proposed reforms include:

– Upgrading general hospitals.
– Strengthening primary healthcare centers.
– Rural medical outreach services.
– Expanded health insurance coverage.
– Modern medical equipment.
– Improved emergency response systems.

Supporters argue that access to quality healthcare should be a fundamental right for every resident of Delta State.

INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH

The campaign also proposes significant investments in infrastructure development.

Areas of focus include:

– Road construction and rehabilitation.
– Rural access roads.
– Water supply projects.
– Modern transportation systems.
– Renewable energy initiatives.
– Urban renewal programs.
– Smart city development projects.

Analysts believe improved infrastructure would stimulate commerce, attract investments, and improve the quality of life for residents.

TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

As founder of the Votes Must Count International Initiative, Dr. Barry Avotu Johnson has consistently advocated democratic accountability and transparent governance.

His campaign promises to strengthen:

– Open government systems.
– Citizen participation in decision-making.
– Digital transparency mechanisms.
– Performance-based governance.
– Efficient public service delivery.
– Anti-corruption initiatives.

Supporters believe these reforms would restore public confidence in government institutions and improve service delivery across the state.

POLITICAL OBSERVERS WATCH CLOSELY

As Delta State moves closer to the 2027 governorship election, political analysts are closely monitoring developments surrounding the Labour Party’s grassroots mobilization efforts.

Many believe the inauguration of 20,000 polling unit agents could provide an early indication of organizational strength and voter engagement ahead of the official campaign season.

Whether the movement ultimately translates into electoral success remains to be seen.

However, one fact is becoming increasingly evident:

The campaign of Dr. Barry Avotu Johnson 1st is positioning itself around a message of development, accountability, grassroots participation, and a vision for a better future.

For supporters gathering in Evwreni on July 30, the event represents more than a political declaration.

It represents the launch of a movement built around a simple promise:

“A Good Delta. A Better Delta. The Best Delta.”

And for many of those expected to attend, that vision begins in Evwreni.