Tag: Hon Sheriff Oborevwori

Delta State Government, Friday, said the ongoing construction of Orere bridge in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state signifies Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s opportunities for all Deltans as enshrined in his MORE Agenda.

The State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze disclosed this while speaking to journalists shortly after inspection of ongoing construction works at Orere bridge.

He commended the contracting firm, Obakpor Engineering Limited, an indigenous company for the job done so far on the project and assured that the Governor Oborevwori’s administration would patronise contractors with proven competence and capacity to deliver on projects.

While reiterating the importance of the project to the several communities across the Orere river, Comrade Izeze a former member representing Ughelli South Constituency, commended the state government for awarding the project.

He said: “I am very pleased with this project, the famous Orere bridge because its something I advocated for over the years.

“Let me state very unequivocally that I am very impressed with what I am seeing on ground considering the fact that the contracting firm, Obakpor Engineering before now has been one of those companies that has been alleged to cut corners, not having the professionalism to deliver on projects.

“But here we are standing across the project that is being handled by Obakpor Engineering and you will think that you are standing at the Trans-Warri Ode-Itsekiri bridges that is being handled by a foreign firm.

“What he has done so far is that he is bridging the gap between our indigenous contractors and their foreign counterparts..

“One of the cardinal legs upon which the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori stands is ‘Opportunities for all’ and it means everybody would have the opportunity to prove themselves.

“The quality of your work will determine how much patronage you will receive from government. I can say categorically that Obakpor Engineering has improved tremendously in terms of the manpower and equipment.

“The contractor has said he will be out of site completely within the next nine months and this goes to show that Obakpor Engineering has come of age and they will continue to improve as we move forward. It is a fantastic job but like I will always say, there is room for improvement.”

On the length of the bridge before the river, Izeze explained that the bridge was designed to ensure that high flood waters does not impede usage of the bridge when there is flood around the corridor.

“If you understand this terrain, the over 30 communities that make up the Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South is entirely an Island and they don’t need much rains before the flood starts.

“To get the proper sloping, the bridge is designed such that there is enough distance before the river so that by the time flooding starts it will not disturb the usage of this bridge,” Izeze said.

On her part, the State Director of Highways, Engr. Mrs Juliet Aboloje said the Orere bridge is 500m cutting across 25 spans of 20meters each with access road of 4.3km and 1.36km arterial roads.

Managing Director of Obakpor Engineering Limited, Olorogun John Oguma said the company remains committed to completing the project on target.

He said the project was delayed by yearly flooding that makes the firm to lose four months of active work annually.

“The taste of the pudding is in the eating. We are trying our best as one of the best indigenous contractors around the state to ensure that we deliver the best quality roads and bridges for our dear state.

“What you are seeing here started in 2021 but God willing we will finish the decking by February to March ending then we will thereafter face the access road.

“By the grace of God this place will be fully motorable and we will open this bridge to the remaining 15 communities up to Bomadi.

“We can assure that in the next nine months we will be through with the job and I thank the state government for trusting us with this all important project.”

Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has commiserated with the Okitiakpe family, Ekakpamre community, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ughelli South Local Government Area and the Urhobo nation on the passing of elder statesman, Chief Patrick Okitiakpe.

Chief Okitiakpe, who hailed from Ekakpamre in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State, was a founding leader of the PDP. He died on Monday after a brief illness at the age of 86.

Governor Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba on Thursday, recalled the immense contributions of the political colossus and business mogul to the political and socio-economic development of Delta State.

He said that as an industrialist, Chief Okitiakpe founded several companies that provided employment for numerous Deltans and other Nigerians, adding that the Urhobo nation would miss the tremendous contributions of the late elder statesman.

He described Okitiakpe’s passing as a “monumental loss” not just to the family, Urhobos, but all Deltans and Nigerians as a whole, adding that he impacted society positively in several ways.

According to him, the deceased was a well respected elder statesman, an illustrious Deltan, former Governorship aspirant of the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), during the late General Sani Abacha administration.

Governor Oborevwori, said: “I have just received with shock, news of the passing of one of Delta’s greatest statesmen, Chief Patrick Okitiakpe, a leader of inestimable value.

“I am saddened to hear of the demise of our dear father and leader, Chief Patrick Okitiakpe. He was an influential leader with piety and empathy for the less- privileged in society.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to the family, the Ekakpamre community, the PDP and Urhobo nation over the passing of the renowned elder statesman and business icon.

“As a great and inspirational leader, Chief Okitiakpe was a man of great political depth and insight as well as a leader of leaders, who contributed immensely to the development of our state and country throughout his lifetime.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I mourn the exit of a great elder statesman, Chief Patrick Okitiakpe, whose sterling contributions to the growth and development of the state and country remain an inspiration to many.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this critical time. May his gentle soul rest in peace”.

A renowned political support group in Delta State, Team Siakpere for Oborevwori has celebrated the victory of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the Supreme Court with a call on the opposition to join hands with government to develop the state.

Speaking at a well attended victory rally at Aghalokpe, Okpe Local Government Area, Director-General of the group, Mr John Ewhubare Siakpere commended members of the group and Deltans for their support leading to the victory of the Governor.

He stated that Gov. Oborevwori was determined to provide even development across the state, assuring that the best was yet to come for the people.

Siakpere who was represented by Hon. Donald Akpojohare, Chairman Team Siakpere for Oborevwori said it was God’s grace to survive 38 pre-election and post election cases without losing any.

He said: “My dear people of Aghalokpe and stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I bring you felicitations and appreciation of our principal, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State on the occasion of the victory rally to celebrate our triumph at the Supreme Court last Friday.

“As party faithful and stakeholders in the Sheriff Oborevwori’s gubernatorial project we thank God immensely for the final resolution of all the 38 court cases in favour of the Governor.

“With the cases now over, the Governor can now concentrate further to provide Deltans with massive dividends of democracy as earlier encapsulated in his MORE Agenda.

“I implore all our brothers and sisters in the opposition to join hands with the Governor by bringing all their ideas and good intents to ensure even development and progress of our state.

“Elections and litigations are over and it is now time for governance across board. Let us shun divisive tendencies and join hands with the ruling party in the state to provide Deltans with the much needed infrastructural and human capital development of our dear state,” he said.

Siakpere further remarked that the last 8 months have been tremendous with several audacious moves from the Governor adding that the best was yet to come from him.

“Already Governor Oborevwori has hit the ground running and did not allow the court cases to slow down delivery of his MORE Agenda for Deltans.

“He defied all odds to award a contract worth N78bn to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the construction of three flyovers, cloverleaf, pedestrian bridges and road expansion projects in Effurun and Warri metropolis.

“This is the first time Julius Berger is working for the State Government in the history of the state and we must commend our amiable Governor for taking this wise decision.

“The Governor has also awarded contracts for the construction of adjoining roads through Adagbrasa, Oka junction and Agbarho to ease traffic during construction of the flyovers at PTI junction and DSC Roundabout.

“Aside projects, the Governor has paid the sum of N5.5billion to workers in the state to defray promotion arrears owed workers over the years.

“Oborevwori also approved the borrowing of N40billion to pay outstanding pensions owed local government and primary school retirees.

“As a prudent Governor who is ever committed to fiscal discipline and accountability, Governor Oborevwori paid the sum of N93.9billion out of the state’s domestic debt profile of N465,404,504, 431.59.

“As at September 2023, the domestic debt had dropped to N371,485,618, 063.33 which is a reduction of N93,918,886,368.26 representing 20.18% decrease.

“Now that the storm is over, it’s time to work together for the people. My advice for the opposition is for them to join us in working for the people. Whatever criticism must be what is beneficial to the state, because all we are praying for is for the good of the state.

“As members of Team Siakpere for Oborevwori we thank all Deltans for their support and we assure them of Governor Oborevwori’s genuine commitment to the sustainable growth and development of Delta State,” he added.

The victory rally featured a motor cade and motorcycles and tricycles with jubilant members showing appreciation to God and the people for their support. Guests were later served the popular local meal “Ukodo” to the delight of everyone at the ceremony.

The affirmation of the election of Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has been hailed across the polity for reflecting the wishes and aspirations of the people of Delta State.

It is, however, true that the judgment was not shocking given the clear pattern of the election results in the state.

Indeed, the only four local government areas that went against the governor in the March election were the ones that had issues of violence and electoral manipulation.

The four local government areas won by the All Progressives Congress, APC candidate were the ones where issues of BVAS snatching, falsification among others were discovered giving fibre to the claims of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP that the APC in Delta only thrived in violence.

Besides, the case of the APC in the courts were further rubbished by internal dissent with a section of party members raising opposition to the pursuit of the party’s candidate quest. That example of a division in the house was best exemplified by the outbursts of Dr Cairo Ojougboh who flooded the media space after the election to claim that Omo-Agege indeed lost the election.

With that, expectation that Omo-Agege would not go far in his judicial pursuit was an easy currency in the media space.

However, with the judiciary giving some controversial results as in Plateau State and the Imo State judgment of January 2020 still resounding there was indeed some anxiety in some parts of the state and particularly in the camp of the PDP.

Omo-Agege was not the only claimant. The Social Democratic Party’s SDP’s Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi and Labour Party’s Ken Pela also claimed to have a case and pursued separate cases to the Supreme Court.

However, very little was expected from them given the little momentum they generated on ground before and after the election.

It was as such with relief that much of Delta State received the judgment of the Supreme Court last Friday affirming Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as governor of the state.

The judgment has not only consolidated his mandate but given him to continue with his pragmatic programmes in infrastructure and human capital development across the nook and cranny of the state.

Reassuringly with the notable exception of Olorogun Gbagi, the other contenders have offered their goodwill following the judgment.

Responding to the judgment, Senator Omo-Agege said:

Omo-Agege, in his statement after the Supreme Court verdict, said: “To my dear brother, His Excellency, Rt. Honourable Sherrif Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State, accept my congratulations for your victory today.

“It has been a long-drawn out struggle to offer our people the best in the governance of our State.

“It is about the collective interest and good of our people, not our personal interest.

“Having now received the Supreme Court’s seal of approval, I must wish you well as a democrat.

“May the good Lord guide and abide with you and give you good health, strength and wisdom to govern our State well in Jesus’ Name”.

He, however, said that his effort to upturn Gov. Oborevwori’s victory was disallowed by the Supreme Court but affirmed the return of Oborevwori as duly elected governor of Delta.

“As the final court of the land, all citizens are bound to accept and abide by its decisions even if they do not accord with their personal or collective expectations of justice.

 

Pela, the Labour Party candidate on his part, said:

“In the spirit of sportsmanship and democracy, I extend my congratulations to Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. To you, I say: THE EYES OF THE PEOPLE ARE ON YOU. Now that the “distraction” of the court cases is over, we trust you will serve with honor and work tirelessly for the betterment of all Deltans to make your promised M.O.R.E Agenda a concrete reality rather than an unfulfilled promise. Rest assured, we will remain vigilant and active in our role as the opposition, ensuring accountability at every turn. Remember say Supreme Court nor dey for performa

…craves for Peace, Unity in Delta State

Two term President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has congratulated the Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and his Deputy Chief Monday Onyeme over the victory at the nation’s apex court.

In the message, Senator Mark urged the governor and his Deputy to make conscious efforts to ensure peace , unity and development of the state.

According to Mark, “Your dedication, hard work, and commitment have been truly inspiring, and I am thrilled to see your efforts recognized and affirmed by the highest court in the land.

“Your leadership has been instrumental in shaping the future of Delta state, and I have no doubt that your election will pave the way for continued progress and prosperity.

“Your vision for your state, coupled with your ability to bring people together, has undoubtedly resonated with the voters, and I am confident that your tenure will bring even greater success and positive change for your state”.

The former Senate helmsman noted that the legal battle that culminated in the triumph at the Supreme Court “is a testament to your resilience and unwavering determination.

” Your ability to navigate through challenges and uphold the principles of justice and fairness is commendable, and it is a true reflection of your characters as a leaders.

“As you embark on this new agenda for Delta State, I want to express my unwavering support and commitment to working alongside you to achieve your goals. Your victory is a victory for all of us who believe in progress, equality, and justice.

“I have every confidence that under your leadership, Delta state will continue to thrive and flourish, and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact of your continued efforts in the years to come”.

He urged the duo to adopt the approach of even development across the state to ensure that no section of the state will feel neglected just as he advised them to extend hands of fellowship to political opponents who hitherto challenged the election victory.

Paul Mumeh
Special Adviser to Senator David Mark

Foremost political pressure group in Delta State, Delta Unity Group (DUG) has congratulated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and urged him to implement modernisation programmes to bring about better quality of life for the people.

This is coming on the heels of Friday’s judgement of the Supreme Court which affirmed the election of Governor Oborevwori.

DUG in a statement on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Sir Sunny Areh while congratulating Oborevwori, said “the long winding and tortuous legal battle has come to a definitive end.”

Titled: “At The End, It’s All About Deltans,” DUG stated that the judgement has ended all challenges with respect to the 2023 Governorship election, and wished the Governor well “as he pilots the affairs of Delta State in the next three and half years.”

The Statement reads: “After a long winding and tortuous legal challenge to the election of His Excellency, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as Governor of Delta State, the entire process came to a definite conclusion on Friday, January 19, 2023 when the Supreme Court, the highest Court in the land, ruled in favour of the Governor.

“The judgement effectively ends all challenges to his election. We congratulate Governor Oborevwori on his victory and wish him well as he pilots the affairs of Delta State for next three and half years.

“At Delta Unity Group (DUG), our position was inspired by the earnest desire to chart a fresh course in the developmental trajectory of our people, a drive we share with progressive and committed Deltans.

“We remain irrevocably committed to putting our people on sound developmental pedestal and will always support all efforts, programmes and policies geared towards improving their lot.

“As democrats, the DUG believes in the effectiveness of the democratic process and institutions as vehicles for attaining the aspirations of our people to high quality of life and security. We will work assiduously for the strengthening of our democratic institutions as we firmly believe that the fundamental objective of governance is the uplifting of the welfare and well-being of the people.

“Finally, we enjoin the Governor to develop and implement modernisation programmes designed to bring better quality of living for the people of Delta State.”

The Delta Consensus Group, DCG has welcomed the New Year message from former Governor James Ibori in which he called for support for the present administration in the state.

The DCG in a statement on Wednesday, January 3, said the New Year message by the former governor was another indication of the consensus and unity that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has succeeded in weaving since his emergence.

The group in the statement issued by its national coordinator, Manny Onye also called on the political elite to heed Chief Ibori’s admonition in throwing support for the Oborevwori administration in the state.

“We are elated by the New Year message of Chief James Ibori and believe that it is the final signal of a new convergence of political unity in Delta State.

“Elections have come and gone and it is a great honour and respect that Chief Ibori has decided to act with honour and dignity required of statesmen to project the interest of the state by his prayer for the Sheriff Oborevwori administration.

“We are not unaware that the decision of Chief Ibori is in realization of his reading of the political reality on ground that Governor Oborevwori successfully mobilized his popularity on the streets to the polls and then to Government House.”

Concluding the group called on all remaining sceptics to heed Ibori’s admonition and throw support for the Oborevwori administration morally and in prayers.

“We cannot stop but urge all Deltans irrespective of tribe and religion to heed the patriotic call of Chief Ibori in throwing support for the Oborevwori administration,” the group said.

Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has approved provision of take off site for the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the State.

The State Commissioner for Lands, Surveys and Urban Development, Chief Emamusi Obiodeh announced the Governor’s approval to journalists in Asaba on Friday.

According to the Commissioner, the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences take-off site is the place previously used by the School of Marine Technology, Kwale.

The Governor has approved 15 hectares of land, including all facilities and infrastructure previously used by the Delta State School Marine Technology, Kwale campus which has moved to their permanent site.

The new university will operate from this take-off site pending when they move to their permanent site of 100 hectares at Umuseti-Kwale.

The Commissioner said Governor Oborevwori appreciated the Federal Government for the choice of Delta State for this all important specialised university.

He expressed the State Government’s preparedness to partner with the Federal Government, and any other serious investors with capacity that are ready to invest in the state.

The Commissioner said Governor Oborevwori has directed him to provide land to investors who are ready to partner with the state with viable developments that will impact the lives of Deltans and other Nigerians.

Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Alexander Ogomudia (Retd), as he clocks 74 years on Dec. 29.

According to Governor Oborevwori, Ogomudia, the Uzere born General in Isoko South, is a prominent Deltan and the former Chief of Army Staff, who was resolutely dedicated to Nigeria’s peaceful coexistence.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the governor expressed gratitude to Gen. Ogomudia, who held the position of Chief of Defence Staff from 2003 to 2006, for his contribution to ensuring that the nation’s military authorities adhered to democratic principles.

The governor thanked Gen. Ogomudia for utilising his position of authority to enhance peace and progress in Nigeria and Delta State.

He added that the retired General was very active in peacekeeping missions, where he made a name for himself as a renowned international peacemaker, a martial strategist, resilient, and determined soldier.

Additionally, Governor Oborevwori praised Gen. Ogomudia for his tireless efforts to guarantee better civil-military ties and the re-professionalization of the armed forces.

The Governor said: “Through perseverance and discipline, you rose to the top of the military hierarchy and you have been recognised as a distinguished military officer with remarkable bravery and admirable moral character.

“We, as a government, value your support and wise counsel in making sure that civil power and constitutionalism were respected in the military.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate our leader and elder statesman, Gen. Alexander Ogomudia, CFR as he clocks 74 years on December 29.

“At 74, I join your family and indeed, your associates and admirers in thanking God Almighty for granting you a life of great accomplishments and abiding fulfillment”.

The Director-General Team Siakpere for Oborevwori, Mr John Ewhubare Siakpere (JP), has congratulated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on his victory at the Appeal Court on Friday.

The governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Asaba, had earlier dismissed the petitions of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Mr. Ken Pela, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party and Chief Kenneth Gbagi of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for lacking in merit.

The tribunal held that Governor Oborevwori was duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast on the March 18 Governorship Election in the state.

Not satisfied with the ruling, the appellants sought redress at the Appeal court.

The Appeal Court sitting in Lagos also dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit.

An elated Siakpere in a statement from his base in the United Kingdom, said the outcome of the Appeal Court ruling was a further affirmation of the ruling of the tribunal which had earlier declared Governor Oborevwori as duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast at the election.

He said the jubilation across parts of the state was a testament to the popularity and acceptability of the PDP and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori by majority of Deltans.

He urged the opposition candidates to sheathe their sword and allow the outcome of the judgment as the wish of majority of Deltans.

“On behalf of Team Siakpere for Oborevwori, I congratulate our principal and amiable Governor of Delta State and our great party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the today’s multiple victories at the Appeal Court in Lagos.

“The judgement of their lordships is an affirmation of the ruling of the tribunal and also a true reflection of the wishes of majority of Deltans who voted in the March 18 Governorship election in the state.

“While we thank the judiciary for yet again doing justice on the matter, I call on the opposition candidates to sheath their sword and see the judgement as a true reflection of the wishes of Deltans.

“Let us support our amiable Governor especially as he is set for to unfold legacy projects for Deltans.

“It is my prayer and that of all my followers at Team Siakpere that God will continue to bless Delta State and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to continue doing the right thing for the development of our dear state,” Siakpere stated.