Secrets Reporters
Fresh controversy has erupted at the Delta Printing and Publishing Corporation (DPPC), publishers of The Pointer newspaper, following the recent appointment of a new General Manager.
An investigation by SecretsReporters reveals that the process may have violated long-standing civil service rules and ignored established succession procedures.
The appointment of Mrs. Rosemary Nwaebuni, a Grade Level 15 officer, as the General Manager has drawn significant criticism from within the Corporation.
Multiple internal sources allege that her elevation bypassed more senior and experienced officers, raising serious concerns about fairness, due process, and the morale of staff.
Findings by our Reporter showed that the appointment, which succeeded that of Mr. Godfrey Ubaka who retired on February 16, 2025, contravened the conventional system used in previous transitions.
In earlier appointments, a shortlist of the three most senior officers was submitted to the Ministry of Information by the Board for final selection, a tradition followed in the appointments of Mr. Ubaka, Mr. Monday Uwagwu (retired September 2023), and Mr. Sam Ijeh (retired March 2024).
Instead of following this established order, the Board reportedly bypassed more qualified and senior candidates, including Mrs. Henrietta Oyakhilome (GL 17), and Mr. Tony Eke (GL 16), to appoint Mrs. Nwaebuni, who insiders say was not even on Grade Level 16 at the time of her appointment.
Records confirm that Mrs. Nwaebuni joined the Corporation in 2003 and was on GL 15/8 when the decision was made.
“This is not just about skipping protocol; it’s about a growing disregard for the values of merit and seniority that the civil service is built on,” a senior editorial staffer told this reporter on condition of anonymity.
Both Mrs. Oyakhilome and Mr. Eke have decades of experience and hold significant portfolios. Mrs. Oyakhilome, employed since 1995, has served in virtually every editorial capacity, including Editor of all titles, Member of the Editorial Board, and Head of Special Projects, responsible for showcasing the Stronger Delta Strides. Mr. Eke, who joined in 1994, has led the editorial board since 2016 and once served as acting Editor-in-Chief.
Yet, these seasoned officers now find themselves reporting to a junior officer, a situation many describe as not just irregular but demoralizing. “It’s not about personal ambition. It’s about institutional integrity and respect for due process,” another insider explained.
The investigation also suggests that the decision may have been influenced by external political interests, particularly those linked to Dr. Ifeanyi Okorodudu, a former top official in the Ministry of Information who has since moved on to serve as an Executive Director at DESOPADEC. Despite his new posting, Dr. Okorodudu is said to maintain undue influence over key decisions at The Pointer.
Several sources allege that he played a central role in Mrs. Nwaebuni’s appointment, reportedly using misinformation to sway top government officials, including the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu.
“He painted senior officers in a bad light to justify his preferred candidate. Lies were told, files were manipulated,” a source close to the process revealed.
Further fueling the controversy is the revelation that Dr. Okorodudu has been in possession of the official Hilux vehicle of the Corporation for nearly two weeks. While the official explanation given is that the vehicle is undergoing repairs, it was allegedly last seen in the Mgbuka area of Onitsha, Anambra State, an area where some state officials are known to conduct unofficial vehicle transactions.
In addition, internal documents indicate that the Delta State Public Service Rules prohibit junior officers from supervising their seniors, a principle that has now been violated. Section 13(2) of the DPPC law also stipulates that its officers are to enjoy the same rights and privileges as their civil service counterparts, particularly concerning promotion, discipline, and appointments.
“This precedent is dangerous. It threatens the very fabric of our public institutions,” said a retired senior editor familiar with the Corporation’s history.
As of press time, the Delta State Government has yet to issue an official response, although efforts to reach them have failed. However, mounting discontent within the organization signals a need for intervention. Many believe that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori may not have been fully briefed on the anomalies and hope that a thorough review of the process will restore integrity to the system.
Efforts to also reach Dr. Okorodudu for comments were unsuccessful.