PRESS RELEASE
VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN MR. PRINCE JOSEPH ORHOMONOKPAYE, SSA ON COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
The attention of well-meaning stakeholders in Delta State’s media landscape has been drawn to a recent publication by a faction of the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN), Delta State Council, in which they passed a purported vote of no confidence on Mr. Prince Joseph Orhomonokpaye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Newspapers.
After a thorough review of the issues raised and the broader context of Prince Orhomonokpaye’s appointment and performance, we, the undersigned publishers, media professionals, and observers, categorically reject the claims made in that press release and instead pass a vote of confidence on Mr. Orhomonokpaye for the following reasons:
1. Dedication to Duty:
Since his appointment, Prince Orhomonokpaye has shown a visible commitment to uplifting the standards of community journalism in Delta State. His passion for engaging with grassroots media and promoting community-based reporting has been evident in his policies and outreach.
2. Inclusive Approach:
Contrary to the allegations of exclusion, Prince Orhomonokpaye has made deliberate efforts to open up opportunities for a wider circle of media professionals beyond the narrow confines of long-standing associations His attempt to make capacity-building and official engagements more inclusive should be lauded, not vilified.
3. Support for Governor’s Agenda:
The seminar referenced by the ACNPN was part of the SSA’s initiative to align community media with the MORE Agenda of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. It was well-intentioned and aimed at equipping media professionals to better report on governance. Any shortcomings in execution are best addressed through constructive engagement, not character assassination.
4. Commitment to Reform:
Prince Orhomonokpaye’s tenure has been marked by an honest effort to reform a space previously dominated by cliques and personal interests. Resistance from entrenched elements should be seen for what it is: an attempt to maintain the status quo and suppress new ideas.
5. Professional Conduct:
While no public servant is perfect, it is wrong and highly unprofessional to label Prince Orhomonokpaye as “uncivilized,” “abusive,” or “irrational.” Such language reflects more on the authors of the original press release than on the subject of their attacks. Disagreements, no matter how strong, should be expressed with decorum and respect.
6. Unity, Not Division:
Prince Orhomonokpaye has consistently encouraged all publishers—regardless of affiliation—to work together for the growth of community journalism. Attempts to paint him as divisive are baseless and misleading.
7. A controversy has emerged surrounding a recent seminar organized for community newspaper publishers and other related political appointees.
Sources reveal that Mr Ike Philip Abiagom, Mr. Jude O., and Comrade Alaska Ekele, along with a few others, allegedly requested 500,000 naira each from Prince Joseph Orhomonokpaye. However, their request was declined, as the approved budget for the seminar was specifically allocated for training, accommodation, and feeding of the publishers for the three-day event. The attendees were also provided with seminar bags and all necessary materials to ensure the smooth running of the seminar.
According to reports, Mr Ike Philip Abiagom Mr. Jude O., and Alaska Ekele are reportedly unhappy that their preferred candidate, Mr. Benedict Obiokolie, publisher of Anioma News, was not appointed by the governor. It is alleged that they had collected 500,000 naira from Mr. Obiokolie, promising to influence the governor to appoint him as a Special Assistant (SA).
Since the governor did not appoint Mr. Benedict Obiokolie, they vow to frustrate Prince Joseph Orhomonokpaye and ridicule him in the sight of the governor. The so-called executive of ACNPN led by Ike Philip Abiagom is no longer publishing regularly, and they can not provide up-to-date information about their publication. However, regular community newspaper publishers have commended the governor for appointing Jude Obiowego as senior special assistant (SSA) on media, expressing their support for the governor’s decision.
Notable attendees included Dr. Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Charles Aniagwn, Commissioner for Works (Rural) and Public Information, and other commissioners, who either attended personally or sent representatives.
The Secretary of State government (SSG) took the opportunity to commend Prince Joseph Orhomonokpaye for organizing the event, acknowledging that it was a “wonderful job” that brought together community newspaper publishers and political appointees.
The seminar itself was reportedly well-structured, with attendees receiving seminar bags and necessary materials to facilitate the event. The attendance of such high-profile figures underscores the significance of the event and the government’s commitment to engaging with community newspaper publishers.
Conclusion:
We affirm that Mr. Prince Joseph Orhomonokpaye has brought energy, vision, and integrity to his role as SSA on Community Newspapers. While he may not have satisfied the personal expectations of every individual or group, his track record speaks for itself: an unwavering commitment to elevating community media in Delta State.
We therefore pass a VOTE OF CONFIDENCE on Prince Joseph Orhomonokpaye and call on His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to ignore any self-serving attempts to discredit him. Instead, we encourage more constructive collaboration and unity among all media stakeholders in Delta State.
Signed:
Pa Joseph Onyibie
Publisher Ika Voice
(Chairman)
Victor Ucheka
Publishers: Pathway News
(Secretary)
On behalf of
Regular community newspaper publishers of Delta State
25th July, 2025
