By Sunday Apah
Members of the Delta State House of Assembly Minority Caucus have distanced themselves from a recent media report alleging a political shift involving Chief Promise Lawuru in light of the upcoming 2027 election.
In a carefully crafted joint statement, the seven All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers condemned the unprofessional use of their group photograph to fabricate the claims presented in the report.
Titled “Response to Allegations of Chief Promise Lawuru’s Political Shift Ahead of 2027,” the statement urges the public to ignore the article published by GbaramatuVoice TV, which has been widely circulated on social media.
The lawmakers clarified that High Chief Promise Lawuru had invited them to the Oginbiri Celebration Day on January 11, 2025, in the Warri North Local Government Area, but only three members were able to attend due to previous commitments.
They further explained that, in recognition of their attendance, Lawuru invited them to his residence in Warri for a breakfast meeting on February 1, 2025.
They emphasized that the meeting did not involve any discussions regarding the performance of Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori or the 2027 election, contrary to what the media report suggested.
The lawmakers expressed their discontent with the use of photographs taken during the breakfast to promote a false narrative, asserting that the images had no connection to the alleged discussions.
“Our attention has been drawn to a misleading article published by GbaramatuVoice TV, which has been making the rounds on social media. We find it important to clarify the facts,” they stated.
“On January 11, 2025, we were invited to Oginbiri Day Celebration by High Chief Promise Lawuru. Regrettably, only three of us could attend due to prior engagements. Subsequently, on February 1, 2025, we were invited to his residence to express appreciation for our attendance at the celebration. We enjoyed breakfast together and left shortly thereafter.
“It is crucial to note that there were no discussions regarding the performance of the Delta State Governor or the 2027 election, as mentioned in the publication. The use of photographs from our visit to suggest otherwise is unprofessional.
“We urge the public to disregard the content of this misleading report, as the accompanying images do not support the claims made.
“It is important to highlight that, as an assembly, we maintain a cordial working relationship with The Governor, and there is no basis for any such conversations to take place,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by Hon. Emakpor Edafe Esq (Minority Leader and Member representing Uvwie State Constituency), Hon. Ebitonmo Anthony Alapala (Minority Whip and Member Representing Burutu State Constituency 1), and Hon. Matthew Onojighofia Omonade Esq (Member representing Ughelli North Constituency 1). Other signatories included Hon. Spencer Obakore Owhofa Esq (Member representing Ughelli North Constituency 2), Hon. Collins Ovie Egbetama Esq (Member representing Udu Constituency), Hon. Achoja Blessing (Member representing Ethiope West Constituency), and Hon. Benson Obire (Member representing Warri South Constituency 2).
