A Call for Intervention Over the Arrest of Journalist Fejiro Oliver and for Accountability in Delta State
From: New Delta Grassroots Movement (NDGM)
Date: October 13, 2025
Your Excellency,
With profound respect and loyalty, we, the members of the New Delta Grassroots Movement (NDGM), under the leadership of Engr. Felix Akpoyibo, write to you on behalf of our people who have been subjected to years of neglect despite unprecedented revenues allocated to Delta State.
We are compelled to draw your attention to the unjust arrest of Journalist Fejiro Oliver, whose only “offense” has been speaking truth to power by highlighting the glaring underdevelopment in Delta despite colossal federal allocations. His voice represents the frustration of millions of Deltans who cannot reconcile the enormous resources received by the state with the abysmal reality on the ground.
Mr. President, the facts speak louder than any defense. Between 2015 and 2024, Delta State received an astounding ₦2.744 trillion from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC). Yet, the visible development across our 25 local governments is not worth more than ₦200 billion. The breakdown is as follows:
2015: ₦159.8 billion
2016: ₦148.2 billion
2017: ₦186.6 billion
2018: ₦213 billion
2019: ₦214.4 billion
2020: ₦186.83 billion
2021: ₦240 billion
2022: ₦348 billion
2023: ₦483.57 billion
2024 (Projected): ₦564.29 billion
Total: ₦2.744 Trillion
In just two years (2023–2025) under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the state has received nearly ₦1.05 trillion, yet our roads are collapsing, schools are underfunded, hospitals are unequipped, water remains scarce, and youth unemployment continues to rise.
Sir, we recall that when you governed Lagos State, you did not have access to anywhere near these figures, yet through prudent management, visionary leadership, and a commitment to justice, you transformed Lagos into Nigeria’s economic nerve centre. Today, Delta ought to be competing with Lagos and Abuja — not languishing in underdevelopment.
Your Excellency, Fejiro Oliver is being persecuted simply because he dared to question this mismanagement. His arrest is a direct attempt to silence the truth and intimidate others from demanding accountability. This is why we humbly but firmly call upon your sense of justice and fairness to:
1. Intervene immediately to secure the release of Fejiro Oliver.
2. Order a federal audit of the 13% derivation and FAAC allocations received by Delta State from 2015 to date.
3. Reassure Nigerians that under your leadership, no journalist will be victimized for speaking truth in the interest of the people.
Mr. President, your lifelong record as a defender of democracy gives us confidence that you will not ignore this call. Just as you once stood against tyranny, we believe you will again rise to protect freedom, fairness, and accountability.
May God bless you as you continue to steer Nigeria towards greatness.
Respectfully,
Engr. Felix Akpoyibo
National Coordinator,
New Delta Grassroots Movement (NDGM)
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