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Tag: governor

  • Ebonyi governor disowns official portrait in circulation

    Ebonyi governor disowns official portrait in circulation

    Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, says his photograph, currently in circulation on social media, does not represent his official portrait.

    Nwifuru disowned the portrait in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday.

    The governor, in the statement, disclosed that the photograph does not represent his official portrait as the governor.

    “The public should disregard the photograph as the governor’s official portrait will be made public when it is ready,” the statement read.

  • Jigawa Governor makes appointment 48 hours to tenure expiration

    Barely 48 hours to the expiration of his second tenure in office, governor Muhammad Badaru has appointed Madaki Abdulkadir Ja’e as the new Managing Director of Dutse Capital Development.

    The appointment is coming barely 48 hours to hand over the mantle of the state leadership to the governor-elect.

    This was contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Office of the Secretary to the Government and Office Head of Civil Service, Jigawa State, Ismaila Ibrahim Dutse.

    A registered member of the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) Madaki Ja’e, was a one-time staff of the Ministry of Lands, Housing, Urban Development and Regional Planning before he was redeployed to the Ministry of Works and Housing as Director of Planning Research and Statistics from 2004 to 2007.

    The statement, however, directed Arch, Saleh Abubukar Gumel to report to the office of the Head of the Civil Service.

    The appointment is with immediate effect.

     

     

  • What to expect from Oborevwori as Governor – By Jackson Ekwugum

    What to expect from Oborevwori as Governor – By Jackson Ekwugum

    By Jackson Ekwugum

    Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is a study in contrasts. His tough exterior belies his easy-going, mild-mannered nature. He walks with a bounce and with the assurance of a man with a keen sense of history and mission and, at the same time, exudes the meekness of the man in cassock. Unlike most politicians he is not overly ambitious but somehow destiny keeps thrusting him into the limelight. A man of austere speech, he prefers to let his actions do the talking. Truth be told, his personality is as much intriguing as it is enigmatic. The more you think you know him, the more you want to know him.

    In the build up to the PDP gubernatorial primaries in 2022, not a few dismissed him as a non-factor, a pretender with an exaggerated view of his political worth and relevance. To his traducers, the governorship was way above his pay grade and that he should be grateful if he made the cut for a seat in the federal house of representatives. But Oborevwori may be simple and easy going but he is certainly not naïve or a pushover when it comes to politics and elections. He quietly and doggedly took his case to the grassroots – the youth, the women, and the party leaders – and strenuously canvassed their support for his candidacy.  It was not long before the other aspirants came to the grim realisation that they were up against a movement. By then, tried as they could, the momentum could not be stopped. The lesson: underestimate Oborevwori to your own peril.

    As he mounts the saddle of leadership in Delta State, the mood in the state is a mixture of excitement and caution. Excitement because of his street credibility and the promise of his MORE agenda – more empowerment programmes, more opportunities for workers, more infrastructural projects, more schools; in short, more everything! But then that enthusiasm is promptly tempered with the argument for the need to moderate the expectations of the fawning crowd; that it is often better to under-promise and over-deliver. While there is ample logic in the latter proposition – for there are always those with unrealistic expectations – but there really should be no apprehension, whatsoever, with the MORE agenda. As conceived, it is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and consistent with Oborevwori’s philosophy of growth and continuous improvement.

    In essence, that is what Oborevwori represents – consistency, capacity, character, and fidelity to a cause.  In his six years as Speaker of the House, the Governor-Elect built a stellar reputation as a consensus builder and unselfish leader. In the House, as a first among equals, Oborevwori commanded the respect – and admiration – of his peers with his transparency, accountability, and trustworthiness. It is in this context that we must not take for granted his longevity as Speaker. It is not often that a person holds sway in the state legislature for that long or transits from one Assembly to the other in the same position as Speaker. It speaks volumes of his leadership credentials and the uncommon ability to rally people behind a cause. Those who think this is a mean feat would do well to carry out due diligence of the various Houses of Assembly in the country. It is often the case that speakers are angrily thrown out by their colleagues because of their opaque governance style and superstar syndrome.

    It is to be expected that some would wonder if Oborevwori could replicate his deft handling of the House in the governance of the state. Whilst I concur that being a Governor is a much weightier responsibility, I hasten to add that it is not rocket science. One does not have to be a genius or corporate titan to succeed in that office; it just takes doing the simple things to write your name in gold. Things like sincerity of purpose, clear sense of direction, putting round pegs in round holes, shunning nepotism, the courage to take tough decisions, being a good listener (but not to gossip), respect for differing views, and, of course, the wisdom to allocate limited resources to meet competing needs and interests. Oborevwori showed during his tenure as Speaker that he can sift through the challenges of resource allocation in an equitable and judicious manner.

    Oborevwori’s unique attribute as a leader is his authenticity. Being an authentic leader is to be unassuming, forthright, reliable, and trustworthy; it also means to be relatable but not naive, firm but flexible, and vulnerable but resilient. Authentic leaders run an open-door policy and create a work environment devoid of mutual suspicion, distrust, and exclusion; a workplace where people are free to express themselves without fear of being sanctioned or victimized. In short, an authentic leader builds an environment where people have a sense of belonging and maintain a healthy self-esteem. I sense this will be the hallmark of his administration given his simplicity, humility, and straightforward approach to life and issues.

    A bridge builder, and a man with a voracious appetite for learning, I posit that Oborevwori is poised to surprise many with his performance as Governor. My first impression of him is that of a man who understands that it is going to take a team, a good team, to actualize his agenda and is humble and flexible enough to submit to superior counsel.  Inclusiveness is in his DNA. And as we saw in the House, he is a game changer; not just because of his longevity as Speaker but that he also became Speaker as a first-term legislator in 2017. It is that which destiny has bestowed upon him, and I see him continuing the game changing narrative as Governor.

    Ekwugum is Manager, Communications, Government House, Asaba.

  • Kwara gov. emerges new NGF chairman

    Kwara gov. emerges new NGF chairman

    Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has been elected as chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).

    In his acceptance speech made available after his election on Wednesday, Abdulrazaq said that he would continue the tradition of maintaining a close and cordial relationship with the President, arms of government, among other nation’s stakeholders.

    The new chairman of the NGF also promised to ensure regular consultation with all member governors in order to arrive at consensus on all issues for the advancement and promotion of national interest.

    “I want to thank Allah, exalted is He, for the historic event in which my brother Governors bestowed upon me the Chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). The significance and the huge responsibilities of this office are not lost on me.

    “I hereby pledge to uphold the ideals and vision of the NGF whilst recognizing and appreciating the eminent track record of the institution as a most credible, authoritative, influential and effective inter-party platform for consensus building and peaceful resolution and advancement of pan-Nigeria goals, interests and aspirations.

    “l will ensure regular consultation with all members in order to arrive at consensus on all issues for the advancement and promotion of national interest, peace, progress, and stability of the nation.

    “As a body, we will also continue our tradition of maintaining a close and cordial relationship with His Excellency the President, the National Assembly, all Federal and State institutions, the business community, the civil society, media, and development partners.

    “Finally, l wish to thank my dear colleagues for the confidence reposed in me as the new Chairman of NGF”.

     

     

  • Sheriff as Governor: When grace embraces grit

    Sheriff as Governor: When grace embraces grit

    By Norbert Chiazor

    Hardwork is good but graceful destiny enchants better,like Christmas- delightfully giddy and glorious.

    Grit served Sheriff Oborevwori right but grace saved him.Advantage is better than activity. Blessing, sweeter than diligence.The vigor of human muscle could be emboldening, yet cosmic vision outshines the bravest.

    Born June 19,1963, the longest- serving speaker of Delta state House of Assembly would be governor, beginning from May,29,2023.

    Among personalities in a crowded room of Delta politics, only one man got a seat to government House.Luck of dream.Lesson of favour. Spectacle of Sheriff,the fortune star of Delta.

    He faced obstacles. He fought battles.
    He flew on low and high dangers.Fazed to the valleys and mountains.Challenged from all fronts.But fired his fears.Not by power but providence. His steps were marked for conquest but mercy said no.Standing his foot on firmer podium of life vicissitudes.

    Sheriff, poised to become the fifth civilian governor since creation of Delta,would join the exclusive pantheon of first leaders- Chief Felix Ovoudoroye Ibru (late) Chief James Onanefe Ibori,Dr.Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan and Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.

    Largely self motivated, Sheriff is a product of fortitude chiseled by divine design. He embraced education with humble determination and attended Alegbo Primary school Effurun, Oghareki Grammar school ,Oghereki, rising to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Ambros Alli university, Ekpoma and masters, Delta state university Abraka.

    He would make great efforts to learn more,acquiring certificates in courses relating to leadership,
    management, legislative competence,personal effectiveness and communication impact.This took him to Manchester Business school, London school of economics and political science,university of Cambridge,Georgia institute of Technology,Atlanta and International law Institute ,Washington.

    His labour of love for knowledge search earned him Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Management and Institute of Chartered Mediations and Conciliators.

    A relentless seeker of adventure, he prepared his path as future leader, aided by favour which seemed to underpin his entire life from the cradle. Sheriff was the pioneer chairman of Osubi community, (1996- 2003), supervisory councillor for Works,Okpe – 1996,Special Assistant on youth development to Governor James Ibori ( 2003- 2006), special adviser on land security to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, ( 2007-2010) and state coordinator to the Amnesty programme,(2009- 2010). In 2015 he moved to the hallowed chambers, rising as member Delta House of Assembly.

    The offerings of Sheriff as law maker are bountiful,heavy in history.He is the longest- sitting speaker since 2017 and first member of DTHA to serve from one Assembly to another.

    Under his guard,over eighty bills were passed into law, inspiring vibrancy as hallmark of the legislature.

    But by far his best legacy is the stability he brought to the House with the executive arm,under the Okowa administration as the greatest beneficiary. If the Okowa regime prides itself ( fairly so ) as a success story in social development and human empowerment, the Oborevwori stabilizing tendency made the journey smooth. Never before had a state legislature been so passionate in engagement with the executive, for common good of the people.Only a man with wise accommodating characteristics would have exercised such duties ,mobilizing his colleagues with selfless patriotism, devoid of the familiar hostilities between the two frontline arms of government.Peace not punch is the standard definition of separation of powers. A good speaker derives his voice from amiable tone and tact not violent fumes and fights with the executive pair. Wisdom is higher than war. Head or tail, Sheriff has paid his dues.

    That he was trusted to serve as treasurer, Conference of Speakers’ of state Legislatures of Nigeria and subsequently,Deputy chairman,bears out his honour, beyond the boundaries of Delta.

    Every man has his foes, but Sheriff’s friends are mammoth, gained in most quarters across Delta by his simple humble steps.

    A new Sheriff with newer gait has come to lead.

    The mood in Delta- buoyant and happy is a foretaste of what is to come under Sheriff governorship.

    The solid baton of progress from the suave leader Okowa, is safe in the hands of a receptive successor, on good terms with the high and low in the society.

    As governor,Sheriff will do MORE!

  • Palaver awaits govs, ministers as EFCC spreads dragnet after May 29

    Palaver awaits govs, ministers as EFCC spreads dragnet after May 29

    Palaver as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), at the weekend disclosed that many political office holders will no longer have immunity after May 29 this year and those who engaged in misappropriation would pay for it as its officials would be after them.

    Many political office holders including the president, some governors, ministers, Commissioners, special advisers, among others, will end their tenure on May 29.

    Many of them who have been found to have soiled their hands by looting the treasury have always hidden under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution which covers them with immunity to evade prosecution.

    Section 308 of the constitution (as amended) shields many office holders including the president, vice president, governors, the deputy governors, among others, from civil and criminal proceedings, arrest, imprisonment and court processes while in office.

    However, on Friday, the EFCC in its “Eagle Series” posted on its Facebook wall, disclosed that to those of them who are clinging to the section to perpetrate all sorts of things, May 29 is 30 days away when their immunity would lapse.

    According to a quote by the agency on the series, people continue to praise government officials even when they are owing workers salary, or when the hunger in the land is very rampant, the reality would dawn on such officials and they would pay when the seat is vacant.

  • BREAKING: Ex-Anambra Governor, Mbadinuju is dead

    BREAKING: Ex-Anambra Governor, Mbadinuju is dead

    The former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju is dead.

    His first son, Chetachi Mbadinuju, announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

    “With heavy hearts but utmost gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, uncle, friend and associate, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, a former governor of Anambra State and elder statesman,” he said in the statement.

    Details to follow…

  • Osun to enact disability protection law – Adeleke

    Osun to enact disability protection law – Adeleke

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun on Tuesday said that the state will soon enact disability law to cater for the needs of people living with disabilities.

    Adeleke said this during the distribution of support materials to people with disabilities in Osogbo.

    The governor said his administration would review the legal framework as it affects the people with disabilities within state.

    He said that all the needed legislative and executive actions toward the enactment of law would be launched without further delay.

    “Our administration is committed to supporting this segment of the citizenry. We will work to comply with local and international best practices.

    “More specifically, our administration will review the legal framework as it affects the people with disabilities within Osun state.

    “Osun must get a disability law in due course to cater for the needs of this class of our society.

    “To our people with special needs, this administration will ensure that the final law addresses all your concerns.

    “Once the legal framework is formalised, be rest assured of full implementation as may be prescribed,” he said.

    Adeleke, who noted that government had the responsibility to support all categories of its citizenry, said the distribution of the support materials programme was designed to strengthen people with special needs.

    The governor, while commending the people of the state for the success of the Saturday’s house of assembly election, also sympathised with victims of political violence in the state.

    “While we celebrate the successes of the poll, we equally sympathise with victims of political violence across the state.

    “We are saddened by deliberate acts of thuggery in some parts of the state. I will repeat here that election is not war but choice making.

    “Now that elections are over, I call on all Osun people to get back to work and focus on the urgent task of building a better Osun state.

    “Now is the time to support the government’s efforts to address our developmental challenges.

    “We need all hands on deck to improve the growth of the various sectors of the society,” he said.

  • BREAKING! Ex-Deputy Gov of Ekiti, Egbeyemi is dead

    BREAKING! Ex-Deputy Gov of Ekiti, Egbeyemi is dead

    The Immediate past Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi is dead.

    The former deputy governor died in the early hours of today at an undisclosed hospital.

    The 78 years old was a Nigerian lawyer and served as deputy governor of Ekiti State from 2018 to 2022.

    The Ado Ekiti-born politician attended St. Saviour’s Primary School, Ado-Ekiti, and Holy Trinity Anglican School Ilawe-Ekiti (1958) and Baptist School, Ado-Ekiti (1959).

    He later attended Harding Memorial Secondary Modern School where he obtained his Modern School Certificate in 1962.

    He studied privately while a laboratory assistant at Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti, in 1965, and when he was a bursar at Notre Dame Grammar School Usi-Ekiti from 1969 to 1972 during which he passed his West Africa School Certificate Examination as a private student and both G.C.E. ‘O’Level and Advanced Level Examinations. He later attended the University of Lagos College of Education where he read Biology and Physical Education and passed with Distinction in Physical Education.

    He read law at the University of Ife (Now Obafemi Awolowo University) from 1977 to 1980[4] and was at the Nigerian Law School Victoria Island, Lagos between 1980 and 1981 where he obtained his Barrister at Law Certificate and was called to the Bar in 1981 as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    Details shortly…

  • Meet Sheriff Oborevwori the Next Governor of Delta State – By Joel Salubi

    Meet Sheriff Oborevwori the Next Governor of Delta State – By Joel Salubi

    By Joel Salubi

    Born in the year Nigeria became a Republic on the 19th of June 1963 to the family of Chief Samuel Oborevwori of Osubi in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, the precocious lad was abundantly endowed with social and leadership skills that manifested very early in his life. From the home front, to the larger compound and the neighbourhood, the boy stood out among his peers as one in whom God is well pleased.
    He attended Alegbo Primary School, Effurun for his primary education which he completed in 1977 when he obtained the First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC). He also attended Oghareki Grammar School for his secondary education. Life for him was neither a walk in the park nor a bed of roses. Like Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Kwame Nkrumah, Barack Obama, and other political greats before him, the young Sheriff had to struggle with existential impediments which, by the grace of God, he overcame. In addition to his natural and amazingly high social and leadership quotient, Hon. Oborevwori is an embodiment of courage which aided the manifestation of his destiny of greatness.

    Realizing that he needed education to excel in life, he proceeded to the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.) degree in Political Science in 2004. Not to be satisfied with half measures, he went a notch higher by obtaining a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree also in Political Science from the Delta State University, Abraka, in 2010. He is thus well grounded in politics in theory and in practice.

    In Politics

    Rt. Hon. Oborevwori achieved greatness by dint of hard work and grace in fulfillment of a great destiny. He is probably the only politician since the Fourth Republic in Delta State who not only worked with all the three Governors, but functioned in both executive and legislative arms and enjoyed the singular and rare privilege of being the only Deltan of all times to be elected a Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly consecutively.

    His political sojourn began in 1996 when he was elected as a Councilor in the old Okpe Local Government Area (which then included Udu and Uvwie LGAs). At the beginning of the Fourth Republic, he was a notable mobilizer of people and influencer of public opinion in Okpe and Uvwie where he emerged as a remarkable youth leader with massive followership.

    It took no time before the then Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Chief James Ibori, spotted him and appointed him as a Special Assistant on Youth Mobilization from 2003 to 2006. Governor Ibori’s successor, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan appointed him as Special Adviser on Land Security from 2007 to 2010. In the heat of the Niger Delta crisis of 2008/2009, Hon. Oborevwori became the Delta State Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme and by so doing contributed to the enhancement of national security and stability. He was later to serve as Senior Special Assistant on Security to Governor Uduaghan from 2012 to 2015.

    His crossover from the executive to the legislature came in 2015 when, in appreciation of his contributions to public service, he was elected to represent the Okpe Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly. His colleagues, the honourable members of the Delta State House of Assembly, in recognition of his sterling qualities unanimously elected him as Speaker of the Sixth Assembly in 2017, a post to which he was re-elected in 2019 thus making history as the first Deltan to serve as Speaker from one Assembly to another Assembly.

    Rt. Hon. Oborevwori’s political feat is not only depicted in his being the State’s longest-serving Speaker, but in the stability, vibrancy, and resourcefulness he brought to the affairs of the Delta State House of Assembly as well as the overall development of the State. Under his watch, the Delta State House of Assembly became one of the most dynamic in Nigeria. It is in recognition of Rt. Hon. Oborevwori’s legislative acumen and political sagacity that his peers in the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria elected him as Deputy Chairman in 2020 having served as Treasurer from 2018 to 2020. What greater honour and testimony to political greatness could be more than being recognized and honoured by one’s peers nationally?

    A Pan-Deltan and Unifier

    Rt. Hon. Oborevwori is without doubt a rare Pan-Deltan in a class of his own. His political antecedents and social networks across different divides attest to his unassailable Pan-Delta character. He is at home with all the ethnic nationalities in Delta State and his leadership of the Delta State House of Assembly which oversees the interest of the entire State, for so many years, consolidates his Pan-Delta outlook. As Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, the entire State is his constituency. He understands the problems and appreciates the socio-economic and political aspirations of Delta State. As Special Adviser and Amnesty Coordinator, he was focused mostly on Delta South. As a Member representing Okpe in the State House of Assembly, he is at home with Delta Central. As Speaker of the State House of Assembly, he sees Delta North as home. Rt. Hon. Oborevwori thus embodies the triangular makeup of Delta State as depicted in the three Senatorial Districts.

    Rt. Hon. Oborevwori is the kind of Governor a multi-ethnic State like Delta State needs. He is a consensus builder who has forged deep friendships and contacts across the three Senatorial Districts of Delta State. His down-to-earth personality and accessible nature has endeared him to all Deltans. He is at home with the rich and the poor, the educated and uneducated, the powerful and the powerless. It is largely due to his humility and uncanny ability to carry everybody along that he has the rare honour of being the first lawmaker in Delta State to be elected Speaker consecutively.

    For Rt. Hon. Oborevwori, politics is about the people. His political philosophy is anchored on the people’s welfare. This is the reason why from his days as Councilor to the present, his ideology has been people-driven. The nature of the bills he sponsored, his constructive engagements, and his partnership with the Executive arm of Government have all been pro-people. As an individual, he is compassion personified. This reflects in the Oborevwori Foundation which has brought succour to the needy through scholarships, empowerment, and entrepreneurial schemes, and other support programmes for the young and the old.

    Equipped to Serve

    Despite obtaining degrees in Political Science and giving a good account of himself as a politician in view of his rich and variegated practical experience in public office, Rt. Hon. Oborevwori has advanced beyond this moment in preparation for higher responsibilities in a world that is fast changing. His resume is formidable and puts him in good stead to propel the Advancing Delta…MORE agenda.

    Rt. Hon. Oborevwori has built capacity, competence, and character and has enhanced his knowledge with the following:

    i. Certificate in Top Executive Leadership Programme, Manchester Business School, United Kingdom;

    ii. Certificate in Legislative Framework for Budget Management, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, United States of America;

    iii. Certificate in Legislative Management and Leadership, International Law Institute, Washington DC, United States of America;

    iv. Certificate in Leading Inclusive Development, London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom;

    v. Certificate in Advanced Leadership Programme, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom;

    vi. Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) and

    vii. Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators,

    among many others

    Conclusion

    Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is without doubt very well prepared for the high office of Governor. He has undergone full political tutelage. He knows the people and the people are with him. As a political scientist, he understands the issues in theory and practice. He is set to Advancing Delta….MORE. Honoured with the traditional title of Ukodo of Okpe Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Oborevwori runs on grace, courage, and destiny. He is God’s own project as the next Governor of Delta State.