Tag: Hon Sheriff Oborevwori

JUST IN: Oborevwori inaugurates transition Cttee of men of proven integrity

Delta State Governor-Elect and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has inaugurated a Transition Committee of men of proven integrity that will enable the next government to hit the ground running.

Deputy Governor-elect of the state, Chief Monday Onyeme was among dignitaries who witnessed the event.

TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports that the focus of the committee is all encompassing including:

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION AND STRATEGY

FISCAL POLICY AND PUBLIC FINANCE

INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES

HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT & CREATIVE INDUSTRY

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND JOB CREATION and others.

Inaugurating the transition Committee on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023, at the Unity Hall, Old Government House, Asaba, the Governor-elect said that the formal inauguration of the Transition Committee heralds the journey to the commencement of a new administration come May 29, 2023 and expressed his profound gratitude to the good people of Delta State for their vote of faith and confidence in him and the Peoples’ Democratic Party.

“It is incumbent on us to reciprocate this mandate by midwifing a smooth transition process that will enable the next government to hit the ground running.

“Naturally, the expectations of the people are high given the overwhelming support that we received, winning in 21 out of the 25 Local Government Areas. For emphasis, this is a mandate for consolidation and growth, for investment and economic reform, and for making the youth the centrepiece of our policies and programmes.

Clearly, our people believe in our M. O.R.E agenda, which is designed to advance the State in all aspects of infrastructural and human capital development, as well as economic wellbeing”, he said.

According to the Governor-elect, the men and women appointed into the Transition Committee possess the requisite knowledge, wisdom, capacity, and experience, essential for the assignment, saying that; “They have been part of this journey, and understand that the incoming administration needs to start on a sure footing.

“Their task is to put in place the necessary structures and means that will enable the incoming administration to effectively implement its policies and programmes from day one”.

Rt Hon Oborevwori said that arising from interactions with the people of the State during electioneering campaigns, and building on the solid foundations that have been laid by the current administration, it was necessary a transition process is put in place that will provide strategic direction for the next administration.

The Committee, he stated, is to submit presentations in the following thematic areas:

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION AND STRATEGY

FISCAL POLICY AND PUBLIC FINANCE

INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES

HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT & CREATIVE INDUSTRY

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND JOB CREATION

PEACE AND SECURITY

MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRIES

ENVIRONMENT, WATER RESOURCES, AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

ENERGY, OIL, AND GAS

“Suffice it to say that the Committee is expected to set short, medium and long terms targets for the administration and accommodate any other critical sector that may have been left out as it relates to the M.O.R.E agenda”, the Governor-elect said.

He expressed appreciation to the State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for his wisdom and counsel and for always pointing “us in the right direction”, describing him as a man with exceptional leadership qualities.

“To the Committee, I expect you to complete and submit your work within the next 21 days. I eagerly look forward to your recommendations for the successful take-off of the next administration. With God’s grace and enablement, we shall do MORE to ADVANCE Delta State”, he stated.

The Governor-Elect thereafter inaugurated the Transition Committee as follows:

PROF. EMMANUEL NWANZE – CHAIRMAN
DR. KINGSLEY EMU – MEMBER
DR. BARRY GBE – MEMBER
CHIEF SUNDAY ONORIODE – MEMBER
CHIEF TILIJE FIDELIS – MEMBER
MR. IFEANYI EGWUNYENGA – MEMBER
MR. JOHNBUL EDEMA – MEMBER
HON. SAMUEL MARIERE – MEMBER
DR. KINGSLEY ASHIBUOGU – MEMBER
ENGR GOODNEWS AGBI – MEMBER
MR. ABEL ESIEVO – MEMBER
MR. DARLINGTON IJEH – MEMBER
PRINCE KELLY PENAWOU – MEMBER
MRS. CORDELIA ANYANGU – MEMBER
HON. JOAN ADANIOMA – MEMBER
HON. PALLY EGHOVIE – MEMBER
HON. SHOLA DAIBO – MEMBER
MRS. GEORGINA EVAH – MEMBER
MRS. CHRISTABEL OBIUWEVBI – MEMBER
PHILOMENA EDEDEY – MEMBER
MRS. SHIMITTE BELLO – MEMBER
DR. MRS. EVELYN ALUTA – MEMBER
MRS. ROSELINE AMIOKU – MEMBER
HON. JOHN NANI – MEMBER
MR. MOFE PIRAH – MEMBER
BARR. GEORGE OROGUN – MEMBER
MR. IKECHUKWU MADUEMEZUE, ESQ. – MEMBER
MR. OVIE EMUAKPOR – MEMBER
HON. GODKNOWS ANGELE – MEMBER
HON. PEREZ OMUON – MEMBER
MR. EZEKIEL OKOH – MEMBER
MR. GODSPOWER ENERHO – MEMBER
MR. ISAAC WEYINMI AGBATEYINIRO – MEMBER
MR. DONALD PETERSON – MEMBER
MR. EUGENE UZUM – MEMBER
MR. ISIOMA OKONTA – MEMBER
MR. ODINIGWE DANIEL ODIGIE – MEMBER
MR. EMMANUEL EYAKAGBA – MEMBER
HON. ONORIODE AGOFURE – MEMBER
MR. AUGUSTINE OGEDEGBE – MEMBER
RT. HON. (BARR.) BASIL GANAGANA – MEMBER
HON. JOHNSON ERIJO – MEMBER
CHIEF ALLISON OGIDIGBEN – MEMBER
CHIEF FAVOUR IZOUKUMOR – MEMBER
OLORI ATUWATSE III – MEMBER
MISS ORODE UDUAGHAN – MEMBER
REV. JUSTIN C. OKOROJI – MEMBER
ERARAWEWHO JUNIOR UYERO – MEMBER
OKODOZOR UKUBOKEYE – MEMBER
CHRISTIAN ONOGBA – MEMBER
MR. KENNEDY UZOKA – MEMBER
AUSTINE AYEMIDEJOR – MEMBER
JOHN MUTU – MEMBER
PROF. IKOMI ROBERT – MEMBER
HON. PASCAL ADIGWE – MEMBER
RT. HON. EMMANUEL OKORO – MEMBER
JOHN ASHIMA – MEMBER
APOSTLE DR. OKONYE CYRIL IFECHUKWUDE – MEMBER
REV. GIDEON OGHENERUEMU OYIBO – MEMBER
HON. SOLOMON IGHRAKPATA – MEMBER
HON. (CHIEF) FERGUSON ONWO – MEMBER
HON. ENGR. EMEKA NWAOBI, FNSE – MEMBER
BARR. MRS. LYNA ALIYA OCHOLOR – MEMBER
COMR. GOODLUCK OFOBRUKU – MEMBER
COMR. OSANAKPA AUGUSTINE – MEMBER
AMB. CAROLINE OROBOSA USIKPEDO – MEMBER
SONNY EKEDAYE – MEMBER
BARR. CHRIS IFEANYI OSAKWE – MEMBER
BARR. POSSIBLE SOLOMON AJEDE – MEMBER
EFE TOBOR JOSIAH – MEMBER
EZE HENRY EKENE – MEMBER
EMEKA UMERAH BIDOKWU – MEMBER
PROF. FESTUS ARUNAYE – MEMBER
BARR. STELLA ANETOR – MEMBER
HON. PRINCESS PAT. AJUDUA (Ph.D.) – MEMBER
HON. ANTHONY ELEKEOKWURI – MEMBER
RT. HON. FESTUS AGAS – MEMBER
DR. AKPOVETA ISAAC – MEMBER
HON. EMMANUEL IGHOMENA – MEMBER
HON. BEN IGBAKPA – MEMBER
MIDENO BAYAGBON – MEMBER
BARR. ANDREW ORUGBO – MEMBER
SEN. EMMANUEL AGUARIAVWODO – MEMBER
REV. FR. CHRISTOPHER EKABOR – MEMBER
BARR. VAL ARENYEKA – MEMBER
DR. MICHAEL IFEANYI OSUOZA – MEMBER
CHIEF OWIN ERIRHOMURU – MEMBER
PROF. HOPE EGHAGHA – SECRETARY

Responding, the Chairman of the Transition Committee, Prof Emmanuel Nwanze promised that they will carry out the assignment diligently, saying that “You have chosen wisely”.

May 2, 2023
May Day : Remain focused, pray for Nigeria to survive our economic woes, Oborevwori tells workers

Delta State Governor-Elect and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has has advised Nigerians to remain focused and pray for Nigeria to survive the present day economic woes as they celebrate May Day.

He also commended workers in the country for their “immense and invaluable contributions to the socio-economic development of the country.

This message was contained in a press statement to mark this year’s Workers’ Day, the Governor-elect urged them to keep the flag flying notwithstanding the current economic challenges in the country. He encouraged them to “remain optimistic,” adding that they must remain focused and prayerful for Nigeria to come out of her present predicament.

In the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dennis Otu, Oborevwori said: “I rejoice with Nigerian workers today as they celebrate this year’s Workers’ Day. Labour creates wealth, and is the most significant product in any country.

“I commend our workers for their sacrifice, patience, and dedication to duty. This country is grateful to you for your immense and invaluable contributions to the socio-economic development of the country.

“Though the current economic situation in the country is less than desirable, I urge you to remain optimistic, and continue to pray for wisdom for our leaders to get us out of the woods. I believe the labour of our workers shall not be in vain.

“Happy Workers’ Day.”

May 1, 2023
Political restructuring of Nigeria is the only tool capable of transforming federating units like Uvwie, Urhobo – Prof GG Darah

…as other sons and daughters of Urhobo extraction postulate on the way forward

Professor G.G. Darah, the erudite professor of Oral Literature, Folklore and Cultural Sciences has said that the most significant changes that will transform Nigeria’s federating units such as Uvwie and Urhobo is political restructuring of Nigeria.

In a keynote address at a colloquium at the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun on Uvwie: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow to mark the 15th coronation adversary of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe 1, JP. OON, Professor Darah regretted like other oil-rich districts of Urhobo and the Niger Delta, Uvwie has been reduced to an economic colony of Nigeria.

“For over 50 years the people of Uvwie have offered a conducive
atmosphere for businesses and investors to thrive and prosper.
The Federal Government of Nigeria and multinational oil companies are the biggest beneficiaries of the prosperity.

“Regrettably, the people of Uvwie have become landless and
impoverished. Like other oil-rich districts of Urhobo and the Niger
Delta, Uvwie has been reduced to an economic colony of Nigeria.
This situation of exploitation should not be allowed to continue.
The instruments for a fairer and more equitable engagement
should be fashioned to enable Uvwie people to become substantial shareholders in the businesses and industries.

Therefore, fresh memoranda of understanding should be
prepared to equip Uvwie people to own controlling shares in the existing and future enterprises.

“In the light of emerging consensus on public economic ventures,
giant industries like the Refinery, Petrochemicals Plant, and the
Nigerian Gas Company are likely to be available for privatization.
Urhobo/Uvwie investors must be allocated substantial shares in
the privatized enterprises

“For equity and justice, the policies on local content must be
implemented in all the public industries and institutions such that
the relevant cadres of personnel must be reserved for
Uvwie/Urhobo host communities. For example, about 75% of
employment of middle level and non-technical cadre should be
reserved for locals. The tertiary institutions – PTI and FUPRE – must
allocate agreed admission spaces for Uvwie citizens.

“Having lost much of the land to industries and government
institutions, Uvwie people can no longer practise subsistence
agriculture. Yet they have their natural right to enjoy sustainable
and decent livelihoods. The Uvwie people should now design a
development master plan to consolidate the status of an industrial
society in which they can thrive and prosper. An Uvwie
Investment and Development Corporation (UIDC) should be
registered to work out the strategies of how Uvwie/Urhobo
people can become self-reliant and dominant in certain fields of
enterprise. The UIDC will engage governments and financing
institutions such as the Bank of Industries, African Development
Bank and international agencies that fund economic projects. In
order to generate capital to finance enterprise, it is necessary to
establish an Uvwie Bank for Commerce and Industry. The shares
can open to other Urhobo kingdoms, friends and associates of
Uvwie.

” Many of the goods sold in Uvwie and Urhobo markets are
produced in other states. This condition of dependency should be
challenged. Deliberate plans should be made to identify
consumable goods and services that must be manufactured in
Uvwie/Urhobo land to stimulate economic growth, employment
opportunities, and wealth. For example, there could be “Effurun
soaps and detergents”, “Ekpan packaged garri and starch”,
“Ugbomro Gins and Beverages”, “Ugborikoko Vegetable Oils”, etc.
In the viable field of catering services, enterprising Uvwie people can develop food brands such as “Ukodo Plaza”, “Amiedi
Assembly”, “Oghwo-Evwri Palace” etc.

The patronage of these
delicacies will further promote Urhobo cultural image.
 With the current pressure on land, space for industries and
factories can be obtained by negotiating with churches to offer
sections of their premises.

“The churches will be co-owners and
shareholders in the enterprises. Similarly, new housing policies
should be developed in favour of high-rise structures of ten floors
and above; this is the trend in all modern metropolis in the world.
In the next ten years and beyond, fossil fuels for automobiles
might give way to electric vehicles. This development will lead to
the shutdown of many petrol service stations. Their premises will
be useful for industries, factories, and shopping plazas. The
problem of congested inter-city motorways will be reduced with
the introduction of metro line mass transit systems. That is when
Effurun/Warri and environs will assume the status of a metropolis.
In the next decade or so, an international wing of the Osubi
Airport will be built; this will upgrade the area to an aeropolis,
that is, a city dependent on aviation economy.

Professor Darah said the restructuring of the Nigerian Federation would entail
the devolution of political, economic, and security powers to the
federating units or states.

“The federating units or states will have
100% ownership/ control over their natural and other resources. The
states will pay a negotiated tax to the central government to run
essential public services. In the restructuring project, each state will
have its own constitution. In the constitution of each state, the
principles of restructuring will also be entrenched. Each local
government or kingdom will enjoy the right of 100% ownership and
control of its natural resources and revenues and pay a negotiated
tax to the state government. Thus, restructuring will end the
totalitarian and exploitative control of the federal government over the federating units; in the same manner, restructuring will put an
end to the autocratic and exploitative power of states over local
councils. Uvwie and other resource-endowed areas will benefit from
the restructuring of the Nigerian federation. These democratisation
processes will create a more equitable and just federation. Richly
endowed municipalities like Uvwie/Effurun will have funds to engage
in large-scale industrial enterprises, manufacturing, education,
cultural preservation, security, housing, health, and other social
services.

In a paper presented by Mr. Daro Ejumudo which dealt extensively on the origin of the Uvwie people, he celebrated Abe I and described him as a symbol of change and positive transformation is Uvwie kingdom.

“His reign has ushered in greater peace and innovations. A world class palace,
befitting the Uvwie people was built during his reign. Like the Roman god, Janus,
he continues to look in opposite directions, drawing inspiration from the Uvwie
past to promote a glorious future.

“The throne under him has remained a force of cohesion, binding together the
fissiparous tendencies and social groups that inhere in every robust society, even
one as homogenous as the Uvwie kingdom. He radiates the grandeur and dignity of the kingdom and a source of inspiration and unity for the kingdom. Endowed with wisdom courage and integrity, he is the embodiment of the culture and tradition of the people.

“But like the theme of this colloquium: Uvwie: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,
the Ovie is also clearly focused on the future, promoting education at all levels to give opportunity to the underprivileged. There is no one more prepared and equipped to lead the Uvwie people to a brighter future.

In his paper, the Wado City advocate, Dr. Ejiro Imuere warned on the long time implication of calling Urhoblo towns, Warri and that it would lead to diminishing the Urhobo nation with the largest population in Delta state.

Prof. Rose Aziza lamented the marginalization of women in most Urhobo communities and the need for a review. Chief Assin Godstime lamented the low representation of some Urhobo communities including Uvwie in the political equilibrium in Delta state while Chief Hope Erute in a paper commended the late Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Eruowho 11 and reigning monarch for their contribution to modern Uvwie emancipation.

The moderator of the event was Prof. (Chief) Joe Abugu(SAN) a specialist in Company Securities and Secured Credit Transactions. He has consulted in several capacities in public issues and private.

Earlier in an opening speak, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM, Dr. Emmanuel Sideso narrated his desired to have a concise history of the Uvwie people and that the colloquium was just a stepping stone to achieve his aim.

The colloquium committee chairman, Chief Omafume Amurun announced that details of the colloquium is expected to be published as a compendium for further study on the history of the Uvwie people.

#

April 21, 2023
OPINION:The other side of Oborevwori, Gov-elect-By Emma Amaize

NOT many of his co-contestants saw the materialization of the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, as the 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the May 2022 governorship primary.

They gave him no chance of success the same way some of the contenders in the March 18 governorship polls calculated that they would overwhelm him, but he shocked them.

In the above two ballots, one, intra- party, and the other, a general election, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the country’s electoral umpire, Oborevwori’s opponents underrated his capacity and huge support base.

The truth is that Oborevwori has a calm and amiable disposition, besides the perceived divine hands upon his emergence. He is also not desperate for power; he is tactful, not arrogant, and humble in his dealings with others.

Like David in the Bible, who did not seek the crown, but was divinely picked above others, as the king of Judah, Oborevwori was not initially the choice of the Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and other party leaders for the governorship ticket. However, when the time came, they sought and anointed him.

All the plots by King Saul to stop the consecration of the humble shepherd boy, David, failed, just as the plots to stop Oborevwori from emerging as governor fell like a pack of cards.

Three things about Oborevwori, a Special Assistant on Youth Development to former governor, Chief James Ibori, between 2003 and 2006, which other politicians that contested against him took for granted are his street credibility, friendship, and acceptability across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Acquaintance

Oborevwori knows how to make friends and retain the commitment of the good one, who he refers to as “my brother” among the retinue. He does not joke with this category of friends; he knows and does everything to call people by their names; and converses with all persons with respect, no matter the perceived status. This has endeared him to many, both politicians and non-politicians.

In building relationships with people, over the years, Oborevwori, who loves to relate with people well invited persons he newly met to his home and office simply to know them better and deepen the relationship. Usually, he parted with memorable gifts in the process, which is part of the reason he has trusted and committed friends that support him.

Not showy and strategic

The governor-elect is not an ostentatious personality. He is sociable and reserved. A Special Adviser on Land and Security (2007-2010) and Senior Special Assistant on Security to the Governor (2012-2014), Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, because of his knowledge, appointed him as an Adviser to the Delta State Waterways and Land Security Committee, DSWSC, an intelligence outfit he put together to keep militants at bay in the creeks.

As a member of the Committee, years back, in Warri, this writer observed that Oborevwori would attend meetings without showing off his personality. He listened most of the time to the deliberations without speaking, but whenever he raised his hands to speak; his suggestions were well- thought out and strategic to the committee’s operations. That probably informed his appointment by Uduaghan.

His politics hovered around the Urhobo axis of the state where he was the chair of the Osubi community, and Councilor/Supervisory Councilor for Works in 1996 under the old Okpe local government area, which included the present Udu and Uvwie local government areas before Ibori found him.

House of Assembly sojourn

With the exit of the Uduaghan government in 2015, he contested and won the election as the lawmaker, representing the Okpe constituency in the state House of Assembly.

In the House, he maintained his accustomed calm disposition, contributing to matters in discussion only when very important.

He did not know his colleagues observed his special leadership qualities until then Speaker, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya lost out in their estimation, and they fished him out from his hiding place in 2017 to become the Speaker of the 6th Assembly. He did not disappoint his colleagues, as he avoided greediness, the banana peel that caused many previous speakers to lose their positions in the past.

They re-elected him, Speaker, in the 7th Assembly in 2019, a position he occupies till date, making him the longest-serving Speaker of the House.

The workers of the House of Assembly also see him as the most -caring Speaker ever, and unlike the previous years when they (workers) locked the gates against the Speakers that did not bother about their welfare, they rejoice whenever Oborevwori scheduled a meeting with them.

He is one lawmaker and Speaker that visited his constituency weekly to enable his constituents to discuss and appraise him on matters that bother them, including some personal needs, which he attended to.

The run-up to the 2022 PDP primary

Oborevwori, not rated among the top five PDP governorship aspirants when the political tempo heightened in 2021 built his winning strategy with the way he conducted the affairs of the House of Assembly as Speaker from 2017.

He never demonstrated extreme anxiety for power like other candidates. In fact, on two to three occasions that Saturday Vanguard called him in 2021 to inquire about his whispered governorship ambition, he told this writer that he was satisfied with his speakership position and had not told anybody he was running for governor.

Some months after when the whispers persisted, he confided in this writer that some political leaders had approached him to run for the 2023 governorship, but he was praying to God about it, reiterating that he was contented as Speaker, and would not run for governor, except he was convinced that it was God’s plan for him

While some governorship aspirants bandied the names of Ibori and Okowa as their backers, and others proclaimed that God had anointed them to succeed Okowa, he kept a sealed lip on his staying power.

It was in late 2021 that he indicated interest, and threw the first bombshell at other aspirants, who undermined his strength at the PDP mega rally in Asaba, in January 2022, attended by Ibori, Okowa, and all the governorship aspirants of the party.

His followers in their thousands took over, not just the venue of the mega rally with his yellow attires; his posters adorned all the strategic positions in and around the Cenotaph venue, in Asaba, in a manner that made other aspirants look like non-starters in the race.

On that day, Oborevwori, a first-time contestant for the gubernatorial ticket, made it look as if the other governorship aspirants did not do their homework properly. Unmistakably he sent a powerful message that he was the candidate to beat with his preparation.

Saturday Vanguard learned that members of the state House of Assembly, local government chairmen, and his political allies that took it upon themselves to mobilize logistics, including vehicles, posters, vests, etc without his say-so.

The love for Oborevwori was so pervading that party members were ready to ditch Okowa if he had supported any other aspirant. Virtually all the lawmakers, party leaders, and youths mobilized their respective constituencies for him, and it was either Oborevwori or nobody else.

The next month, February 2022, the Delta Central- 23, an Urhobo political pressure group inaugurated to ensure that Delta Central senatorial district produced the 2023 governorship candidate of the PDP, adopted Olorogun David Edevbie, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, and Sheriff Oborevwori, as its three top aspirants.

The group led by Chief Ighoyota Amori presented the names of the trio to Okowa for his final choice ahead of the May 2022 governorship primary.

From that time to May 25, 2022, when the PDP finally held its governorship primary, the support for Oborevwori grew in roots and branches, and with Okowa behind him, he clinched the party’s ticket over Olorogun David Edevbie, a former Commissioner and preferred candidate of Ibori.

Almost a year later, the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, the apex socio-cultural group of the Urhobo ethnic nationality, endorsed him as the Urhobo candidate for governor.

The president-general, Barrister Ese Gam, speaking on February 22, 2023, at UPU National Secretariat, Uvwiamuge Agbarho, said: “Our incoming Governor is a grassroots person. We must speak out and take a decision that is going to affect our people positively. We like the humility of the state PDP gubernatorial candidate and his readiness to work for the Urhobo nation and Delta State in general.”

March 18 polls

The March 18 governorship election was a different ball game from the PDP primaries, but the resolution of Uduaghan, who revealed, last year, that a voice (Spirit of God) instructed him to collaborate with Okowa to deliver Oborevwori as governor, was a game changer for the PDP.

The governor-elect’s street credibility, which the opposition mocked him for became a lifesaver, as the ordinary persons in the streets identified with him. The derision that the Master’s degree holder was uneducated, and a stooge of Okowa made no sense to a preponderance of the electorate, who heard him verbalize on several occasions during his campaigns.

Oborevwori is humble and respectful — Great Ogboru

Speaking during his 65th birthday celebration at his country home at Abraka, Ethiope East local government area, recently, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, governorship candidate in Chief Great Ogboru, said he decided to congratulate and support the governor-elect because of his humility and respect for constituted authorities, and not because the PDP bought him.

April 17, 2023
Delta: Oborevwori hails critical stakeholders, gives glory to God after receiving CoR

…says transition program will be announced soon

Governor-elect of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori has hailed all critical stakeholders in the state who made his victory possible during the guber polls as he gives God all the glory after receiving his Certificate of Return on Wednesday at INEC office in Asaba, Delta state.

TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in his remarks after receiving his CoR saying:

” In the final analysis, the glory belongs to God, maker of the heaven and and the earth, and from whom all power flows.

“In due course, the Government shall be unfolding a Transition Committee that will midwife my inauguration on May 29, 2023. Until then, I implore all Deltans and residents to remain prayerful, peaceful, and law abiding.

He also praised critical stakeholders such as the outgoing governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and others who stood by him before and after his victory.

Read his full address below:

” I have just been presented with the Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), arising from my emergence as the Governor-Elect of Delta State on March 20, 2023. With the issuance of the Certificate of Return, we must now turn our attention to ensuring a seamless and stable transition in pursuant of my Advancing Delta agenda.

“On a day like this, it is important that I acknowledge and thank all those who worked tirelessly to bring us to where we are today. First, I wish to, once again, appreciate the leader of our great party, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa under whose able and wise leadership the PDP in Delta State has remained strong and formidable. Our massive victory may have come to some as a surprise but not to us because we know Deltans are happy with the excellent performance of Governor Okowa.

“Our victory is a testament to this fact; it was as comprehensive as it was decisive; the PDP won in all the 17 Local Government Areas in the North and South senatorial districts. In the Delta Central senatorial district, we won in four out of the eight Local Government Areas. But even more significant was our victory in Ethiope East Local Government Area, which had eluded the PDP since the current democratic dispensation began in 1999.

“Let me also thank our former Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan for his exemplary courage and statesmanship. Dr Uduaghan was in the trenches with us; he went out of his way to reconcile aggrieved persons in order to ensure that the party was united going into this battle. Thank you, sir, for your leadership and commitment.

” I thank the Chairman of our party, Barrister Kingsley Esiso for his doggedness. I doff my hat to the elders/founding fathers of our party, all the members of the campaign council, party leaders at various levels, and the various support groups that stood solidly behind me.

“My gratitude also goes to civil servants, retirees, organized labour, youths, professionals, student groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, artisans, market women, and all those who laboured in one way or the other for this victory.

“Thank you all for staying the course. I assure you that your labour shall not be in vain.

“Let me specially appreciate my wife, my Children and family members for their prayers, support, encouragement and steadfastness all through the electioneering process . May God bless for this show of love and care.

” In the final analysis, the glory belongs to God, maker of the heaven and the earth, and from whom all power flows.

“In due course, the Government shall be unfolding a Transition Committee that will midwife my inauguration on May 29, 2023. Until then, I implore all Deltans and residents to remain prayerful, peaceful, and law abiding.

“By God’s grace, we shall do MORE to ADVANCE Delta State.

March 29, 2023
PHOTOS: Jubilant Deltans receive Oborevwori, promises not to fall their hands

It was jubilation galore on Saturday as the Delta State Governor-Elect and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori stormed the Ughelli Motor Park, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the State.

Oborevwori, on his way to his Osubi residence for the first time after he was declared the winner of the March 18th, 2023, Governorship Election, made a stop over at the Ughelli Motor Park and greeted the people who trooped out in their large numbers.

And Osubi, his Community was thrown into a wild celebration as he arrived back home after the Governorship Election victory.

From the Osubi Airport where he was received in a carnival-like manner, the Governor-elect, accompanied by the Deputy Chief Whip of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Solomon Ighrakpata and host of others , walked all through with the sea of people down to his residence.

Addressing the people at the Osubi Civil Center, the Governor-elect, said that he was elated by the show of love, support and prayers for him by well meaning Deltans and promised not to disappoint the people.

He said that his victory at the just concluded Governorship Election in the State was to the glory of God as he appealed to all Deltans for their support.

He said that; “I want to sincerely thank our leaders, the youth, women, leaders and non Deltans. We give God the praise. Please, tomorrow Sunday in Church thank God for this victory because it is God that gave us this victory. God is not a man that lies and we know the light that shines in Government House will continue to shine. You have done very well and it is God that will pay you back”.

The Governor-Elect, who is also the National Deputy Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria added that; “I will not disappoint the people. I want to assure the youths that they will be part of my Government, we will work together, we will partner together. Delta State has done very well. I will consolidate on the legacies, dividends, projects that this present administration has done. No projects will be abandoned. I have promised Deltans that I will do MORE, there will be Meaningful Development, Opportunities for all our Youths, there will be Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security. Together, we will have a peaceful State with your cooperation and the cooperation of all our youths, leaders, religious leaders, we will achieve the peace. I will listen to you MORE, we will do MORE and achieve MORE in the Government that is coming”.

March 25, 2023
Ogboru Congratulates Oborevwori on Election Victory +Photos

The 2023 Governorship Candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru has congratulated the winner of the 2023 governorship election of Delta state, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP).

The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Sheriff Oborevwori winner of the election having polled 360,234 votes against his closest rival, APC’s Ovie Omo-Agege who scored 240,229 votes.

Ogboru in a Congratulatory Message made available to Journalists, while congratulating PDP’s candidate on his victory however lamented that the governorship elections witnessed very high voters apathy and intimidation, describing the process as a major set back in the evolution of democratic tenets.

He said; “The 2023 governorship elections have come and gone. We witnessed a very high degree of voter apathy. Intimidation, violence, coercion and unprecedented level of vote buying never seen before.”

“It is a major set back in the evolution of democratic tenets and a treat to future elections. But there is a declared winner and we must accept it so”.

“May I therfore, use this opportunity to congratulate Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his victory over several obstacles and in this election. Congratulations. We wish you all the best as governor of Delta state”

March 20, 2023
Delta Guber: Okowa congratulates Oborevwori, thanks Deltans

Delta Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed gratitude to people in the state for using their ballots to give Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, victory in Saturday’s governorship election.

The governor, at a Thanksgiving Service at Government House Chapel in Asaba, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Oborevwori as governor-elect on Monday, attributed the party’s victory to God’s grace.

Okowa charged the governor-elect and his deputy, Chief Monday Onyeme, to put God first in all activities, and assured them that they would record successes if they governed with the fear of God.

He disclosed that the presidential and governorship elections brought forth new lessons for him, and promised to offer the best of advice to the in-coming administration in the state.

“Today is a glorious day in the sight of God because of what we went through since Saturday, March 18. We thank God for leading us to victory.

“I thank all Deltans who have been out there campaigning for us, the PDP. I thank all of you for coming to rejoice with the governor-elect, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the deputy governor-elect, Sir Monday Onyeme.

“So, l thank you all for coming. As you go back home, remember to continue to give thanks to God for what He has done in our lives and in our state.

“We have come here to dance and to sing praises to God for what He has done in our lives. I thank all our leaders, our women and all our youth for working so hard towards the victory of our party (PDP).

“My greatest joy today is that l am sure that this altar of God will stay alive” Okowa said.

To House of Assembly members-elect, leadership of the PDP and other stakeholders, he called on them to rally round Oborevwori to enable him achieve set goals.

While commending Deltans for their support in the last eight years, he promised to remain committed to doing more till his last day in office as governor.

“As l thank you all, l must also thank Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for the roles he played in uniting aggrieved members of the party in the build-up to the elections.

“In these last two weeks, God has taught me a lot of lessons and it is my prayer that you (the governor-elect) will not make some of the mistakes that we made,” he added.

To those that defected before and during the electoral contest, he wished them well, emphasizing that he held no grudge against anyone.

Congratulating the governor-elect and his deputy, the governor urged them to relate more with the people at the grassroots, even as he implored them to trust in the Lord for He alone would endow them with what they need to succeed.

He also urged Deltans to work with the governor-elect and his deputy so as to sustain the tempo of sustainable socio-economic and infrastructural growth and development in the state.

In an interview, the governor-elect, said he was overwhelmed by the support of Deltans at the polls, and promised to justify the confidence reposed in him.

Dignitaries at the special thanksgiving service were Wife of the Governor, Dame Edith Okowa; former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; the governor-elect, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, Tobore; his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, among others.

March 20, 2023
72hrs to election: 8 Delta guber candidates step down, endorse Oborevwori

Barely 72hours to the gubernatorial election, eight governorship candidates and the leadership of their political parties in Delta State have stepped down their ambitions and declared total support for the Governorship Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

The candidates led by Prince Henry Eze of Allied Peoples Movement (APM) said in a news conference in Asaba that their decision to jettison their ambitions and endorse Oborevwori for Saturday’s election was in recognition of the massive achievements of PDP, especially Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration in the state.

The political parties Action Alliance (AA), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party and Booth Party.

According to Eze, Delta is a traditional PDP state and for stability and furtherance of an atmosphere for inter-party harmony and cohesion, it became necessary to adopt a governorship candidate with good political credentials, pedigree and general acceptability as consensus candidate for the 2023 Governorship Election in the state.

He said “the choice of our consensus candidate fell on Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori of the PDP who happens to be the current Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

“Oborevwori has worked very hard, embarked on ward-to-ward campaigns and done wide consultations with virtually all known stakeholders in the state.

“Delta State political stakeholders believe in continuity and the present Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has performed creditably well in office and it is therefore natural that another PDP Governor should continue from where he stopped in order to consolidate on the gains of his administration.”

He added that it was common knowledge that All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in the country had plunged Nigeria into untold hardship, created an embarrassing security situation that led to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other security challenges.

“The recent acute fuel scarcity in Nigeria, the biting Naira squeeze and near collapse of our educational system has made it clear that the APC government is not one to vote for.

“As Nigerians battle to to upturn the stolen Presidential mandate by Ahmed Tinubu, we should not on the other hand be repeating the same mistake by installing the leprous APC government in Delta State,” Eze stated.

Eze further remarked that the eight governorship candidates came together to endorse Sheriff Oborevwori “as consensus candidate based on the following reasons”:

“Delta State requires a candidate that would continue the laudable projects of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and Rt. Hon Oborevwori has proven to be a good administrator and a team player, having become the longest serving Speaker in the history of the Delta State House of Assembly and the first to transmute from one administration to another.

“Oborevwori is a calm, calculated workaholic, a devout God fearing Christian who can be entrusted with the management of human and material resources.

“Delta people can no longer endure the pains of another APC government after causing suffering, anguish, deaths and pains that is making Nigerians look like beggars in their own country.

“Like the Americans would say, there is no changing the winning team. PDP Governors in Delta have brought peace and development to the state and there is no reason why we should change a party that is doing well.

“From this end, the governorship candidates of APM, Prince Henry Eze, Emeka Bidokwu (AA), Oghenejabor Onome (AAC), Cosmos Annabel (APP), Emmanuel Ogba (ADP), Engr. Okolie Austine (ADC), Fred Obi of (Accord), and Umudane Sylvester of (Booth Party), are stepping down their governorship ambitions to declare their support for Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

“We have taken this all important and crucial decision with the backing of the relevant organs and membership of our various political parties”.

March 16, 2023
Arise TV Gubernatorial Debate: Matters Arising

PRESS STATEMENT

Last night, Arise TV hosted Delta State gubernatorial candidates to a debate in preparation for the forthcoming elections. We wish to observe as follows.

1. Given the rising profile and the international image of Arise TV, Deltans had looked forward to a professional, robust, and well-packaged debate devoid of bias and partisanship on the part of the organisers. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The event was poorly organised, and the moderators played the roles of judge and jury that left a sour taste in the mouth of many viewers. Even while the debate was ongoing, the social media space was awash with comments about the haughty and unprofessional conduct of the moderators.

2. Our gubernatorial candidate, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, through the campaign office, had sent his apologies to Arise TV in a letter conveying his inability to participate due to prior scheduled engagements. The letter was sent through Email and WhatsApp to the organisers at 12:49pm on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. To our shock and chagrin, the letter was all over the social media within 30 minutes of our sending it.

4. Mr. Frank Tietie, the principal moderator of the debate, read out the letters from the PDP and APC explaining their inability to take part in the debate. The PDP letter was straight to the point on why our candidate could not participate in the debate. But the APC letter contained scurrilous attacks on Oborevwori. This was a very unprofessional and unethical act on the part of Arise TV, because it was tantamount to providing air time for APC to malign the person of Rt Hon. Oborevwori.

4. We note that Mr. Tietie has been a strident critic and antagonist of the Okowa administration. He was a prominent actor in the callous dissemination of false claims on the loan status of Delta State, which the fact checker debunked yesterday. He frequently used his Arise TV platform to spew those lies with impunity and castigate the government. Given his bias and prejudice against the Okowa administration, we were surprised that he was chosen to moderate the debate.

5. The female moderator, Angela Ajetunmobi, prefaced the question on healthcare with the false statement that pregnant women who require cesarean procedures pay for the services in state hospitals contrary to what obtained in the past. This is absolute bunkum because the Okowa administration rolled over and integrated the free maternal care and free medical care for children under 5 into the contributory health insurance scheme.

6. The combative – and adversarial – posture of Mr. Tietie in insisting that Rt. Hon. Oborevwori MUST come to Arise TV to speak to Deltans betrays the pretentious neutrality of the moderators. His outburst is not only unethical, it is also insulting and provocative. Besides, there is no provision in our laws that mandates candidates to participate in television debates.

7. In view of the obvious bad faith and hostility displayed by the moderators towards Rt. Hon. Oborevwori, we have absolutely no confidence in the Arise TV debate programme as currently constituted. This eleventh-hour debate looks more like a set up than a sincere effort to raise the bar of political discourse in our dear State. We reiterate that this debate is ill-conceived, ill-motivated, ill-timed, and ill-intentioned. Our candidate, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori will, therefore, not be participating.

God bless Delta State.

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza.
Deputy Director, Media & Publicity,
Delta PDP Campaign Council/ State Publicity Secretary,
Delta State PDP.

March 16, 2023