“Ijaw Group Blasts Orubebe: ‘Your Time Was Failure—Stop Attacking Real Performers’”
Paul Ebi
A fresh wave of political tension is building in the Niger Delta following a strongly worded statement by a self-described advocacy group, “Concerned Ijaw Voice,” criticizing former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, and backing the performance of Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas.
In the statement signed by Comrade Ekiye Gasere Emmanuel, the group described it as “shameful and surprising” that some individuals still support Orubebe amid ongoing criticisms of his tenure in office. The group alleged that the former minister failed to leave behind any meaningful legacy during his time overseeing Niger Delta affairs, accusing his administration of “neglect, disappointment, and unfulfilled promises.”
According to the group, expectations were high during Orubebe’s tenure, with many anticipating significant progress, empowerment programmes, and infrastructural development across the Niger Delta and the broader Ijaw nation. However, they claim that those expectations were largely unmet, leaving behind what they termed a period of “political backwardness.”
In contrast, the group praised Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, describing him as a first-time lawmaker who has demonstrated “commitment and genuine concern” for the development of the Ijaw people through his legislative efforts in the National Assembly.
They pointed to his involvement in key initiatives, including support for bills and policies tied to regional development projects such as a proposed Maritime University, a Federal Medical Centre, and the Bomadi Polytechnic. These efforts, they argued, reflect a leadership style focused on measurable impact rather than rhetoric.
“Leadership is not about noise or propaganda, but about results and service to the people,” the statement read, adding that public office holders should be judged based on their track records.
The group further cautioned politicians against criticizing others without first assessing their own performance while in power, stressing that the Ijaw people deserve leaders with vision, integrity, and proven achievements.
The statement concluded with a call for greater political awareness among Ijaw youths, emphasizing that the new generation is more vocal and unwilling to accept what they described as “wasted opportunities and failed leadership.”
Efforts to reach representatives of Godsday Orubebe for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
