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Tag: Norbert Chiazor

  • Tribalism: The gap between Oborevwori & Zik Gbemre – By Norbert Chiazor

    Tribalism: The gap between Oborevwori & Zik Gbemre – By Norbert Chiazor

    By Norbert Chiazor

    Why do Zik Gbemre delight in diatribe? I often ponder.At over 70, a man should walk in measured steps not brash bang on every table.

    For readers at sea over Gbemre’s identity,he is a self styled critic with uncanny obsession for only one subject – Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

    Occasionally,he rambles on other matters  both trivial and tedious but he draws his absurd  theatrics mostly on local politics of Delta.

    This he deviously dramatizes on all kinds of  social media  platforms, with uncouth scandalous yet fictionalised sarcasm which no mainstream newspaper or traditional media would ever agree to publish for the risk of screaming libel.

    His latest tirade, ridiculous as usual but not surprising is a Whatsapp/Facebook post where he went goofy,over communal issues, propagandizing highly divisive perspectives, capable of causing ethnic hatred among Deltans.

    In the worst form of vile  misinformation  ever seen on social media ,Gbemre falsely  wrote that Governor Oborevwori “couldn’t admit  that innocent civilians died in the Okuama crisis”

    At different fora,a  deeply concerned Oborevwori,known for his pacifist make up, had repeatedly acknowledged the tragedy of civilian and military casualties in the Okuama mayhem of March 14 ,2024.

    His sincere  unbiased  condemnation of the violence by the  unhinged perpetrators had been widely reported.

    That he  took  responsibility  to resettle the displaced citizens of Okuama with shelter and other vital material care speaks of a leader who deeply values peace and human dignity, in the face of conflict  and humanitarian crises.

    A  different agenda is clearly at play  between a conceited  antagonist and conscientious protagonist.

    While Oborevwori is daily dousing tension for public order ,Gbemre is  fanning fire upon Okuama.

    His highly  inflammable invectives against the state government, military authorities cultural and community leaders are not only deepening the Okuama issue but expose him as a dangerous rabble rouser. All for  ephemeral vainglory so petty- to trend on Whatsapp and other social media handles.

    Open,fair and reasonable, Oborevwori is obviously more Urhobo than Gbemre.

    There is no charity in malevolent riot at  home.

    Gbemre in his reckless faux pas also raised feeble alarm on Oborevwori for personally  presenting “Staff of Office to the Asagba of Asaba” while he  “delegated his Deputy” to perform  similar  assignment  to  Ovie of Agbarha-Warri.

    This is the most nauseating bigotry displayed in recent  history within Delta.

    Both Asagba of Asaba  and Ovie of Agbara-Warri are recognized kings of autonomous kingdoms.

    Governor’s action is not a damper in the line of duty.

    That he delegated his deputy for staff of office presentation to one, fulfilled all established constitutional conventions.He did not  err in law or moral realm. Chieftaincy is the purview of deputy governor.

    The governor’s hand- over of staff of office to Asagba was simply honorific and symbolic.Asaba is the capital of Delta and seat of government.

    Numero uno Delta  soil .

    This reality,hard core in immutability is beyond the crass tribalism of Gbemre,which throttles his bitter anti-Asaba/Delta North sentiments, in pitiable xenophobia.

    But if he is  in doubt about the sacrosanct status of Asaba, he should read the constitution of Nigeria!

    Oborevwori,with his honour to Asagba,acted well and wise – an administrative savvy, pro-social and culturally sensitive governor.

    Incurable in his tribalistic spell, Gbemre also threw another reckless tantrum at the governor:

    “He shunned all appeals to personally present Staff of Office to Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, a critical opportunity to reaffirm Urhobo ownership rights to Warri Township”

    At peace time,the Urhobos, Itsekiris and Izons are co-existing in Warri after the 1990s destructive ethnic conflict, it is absurdly unimaginable that Gbemre is  blowing a baleful divisive trumpet.

    Does he want to become Ferdinand Nehimana, harbinger of hateful rhetoric who incited the 1994 Rwandan genocide? Or  Adolf Hitler of Nazi notoriety? While these posers are  hyperbolic for a parrot-mouthed ordinary civilian,this stunt no matter the motive is  condemnable,objectionable and  atrocious.

    Happily,Oborevwori is not Gbemre. He will never listen to him.He cannot wear his blurred ethnic binoculars,which magnify  nothing but hate.

    Delta North voted for Oborevwori because he is not a tribal leader. Delta Central supported him ,in spite of the betrayal of naysayers like Gbemre, because he is a good son of Urhobo land.Delta South backed him because he is accommodating.

    Oborevwori pledged at his swearing ceremony at Asaba on May 29th 2023 that he would serve as Governor of all Deltans.

    He has not changed!

    CHIAZOR is Ex- Delta NUJ Chairman and Executive Assistant, EA to the Governor on Media.

  • Zik Gbemre: Sorry, Sheriff is your Governor – By Norbert Chiazor

    Zik Gbemre: Sorry, Sheriff is your Governor – By Norbert Chiazor

    “Some broken hearts never mend, some memories never end, some tears will never dry.” Country crooner, Don Williams’ 1977 hit song surged in the psyche, as one read Zik Gbemre’s malicious piece on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Okuama incident.

    Who is Zik Gbemre? No relation with the great Zik- Nnamdi Azikiwe please!

    Zik Gbemre is a man with incurable spleen on Senator Dr.Ifeanyi Okowa,Rt.Hon. Sheriff Oberevwori and in fact any one successful.

    Gbemre,red-faced and notorious for corrosive tantrums had been making reckless pronouncements against predecessor and successor,peaking his uncivil lamentations in the wake of Oborevwori’s ascendancy as governor.

    His bitter bile brews from an excruciating pain-his paymaster and benefactor lost the 2023 Delta governorship elections.

    Worst still,since the 1990s,he had always supported losers in Delta political contest.A stark reminder of the sad character,in Ernest Hemingway’s “ The Old Man and the Sea” Santiago- an ageing fisherman who spent 44 days in the Gulf Stream,trying to catch a giant Marlin but ended in frustration with the bones.

    Gbemre told the world that Sheriff will lose the “March 18 “ 2023 polls.He went home like Santiago!

    Today,Sheriff is his governor.Chukwu is Oghene,not man.

    Gbemre clouds his uncouth acidic social commentaries,especially on Delta ruling authorities with a deceptive mantra “ We Mobilize Others To Fight For Individual Causes As If Those Were Our Causes”.

    But even the least  perceptive observer would easily detect that it is all guile,forged altruism.Nothing but sour grapes.

    Overwhelmed by an endemic loss of self perpetuation and extended grief,he finds it difficult to expel disorder from his  being.This explains the biting malignance  of his disillusionment and virulence of his criticism.

    Otherwise how would any person of goodwill fault Governor Oborevwori for the inauguration of a Management Committee for the resettlement of Okuama indigenes,because “the camp is yet to take off” according to Gbemre.A most vicious jaundiced viewpoint, he concocted,even when it is in the public domain that the governor had promptly released take -off funds for the exercise.

    Baying in his characteristic bad blood ,Gbemre further raged that  the governor inaugurated  the “Ogbodo-led Committee at Asaba “ instead  of “Ewu”,betraying the meanest of pettiness,laced with his pathological tribal bigotry.

    Stomach-wrenching malevolence is a hard dilemma to subdue but no one expected a man gloating over the Okuama tragedy to be this insensitive.

    His penchant to unjustly call out Oborevwori,at any opportunity is bizarre.

    Writing on the reported  movement of some courses of the Delta State University of Science  and Technology,Ozoro to Orerokpe, Gbemre  fired  an absurd proposition : “Sheriff should have moved the faculty of engineering and faculty of Law to Abraka since a University has been established in Ozoro”

    “Burnout” elders was what he once labelled Delta State Advisory Council ,a respected body of eminent Deltans set up by government,charged with maintaining peace and oneness among people of the multi -state.Among the members are personages like Professor Sam Oyovbaire,Alaowei Broderick, Bozimo,Chief Chris Agbobu,Dr.Roland Oritsejafor,Dr Esther Uduehie,Chief Iduh Amadhe and so on.

    What has been the contributions of Gbemre to Delta,nay Okuama? Grudge,war-mongering,

    ethnic hatred,incitement and divisiveness.

    Given his loathing for the fortunes of constituted authorities,no one is persuaded by his sanctimonious propaganda,mouthed in obscenities.Everybody in Delta is a “nonentity”,only Gbemre is noble! How nice is narcissism?

    With Oborevwori working hard to transform Warri with Julius Berger mega bridges and roads,execution of vital projects across Delta,N40 billion pensions for local government retirees,recruitment of about 2,000 LG personnel,payment of N5 billion promotion arrears to civil servants among sundry initiatives,the governor is too busy to notice Gbemre’s blah blah blah.

    Let him keep fishing!

  • From Dublin with a story – By Norbert Chiazor

    From Dublin with a story – By Norbert Chiazor

    By Norbert Chiazor

    Have you read Things Fall Apart? The nostalgia of Chinua Achebe and the phenomenon of wondrous writings hit me transfixed,as I stood in awe inside Dublin Writers Museum in the Republic of Ireland.

    The transcendal experience – a journalism pilgrimage. It was one eventful Wednesday morning under a mild bright Irish weather,simmering with a coming summer.

    I was standing before my greatest fascination in Dublin.

    In the palatial bowel of the museum set in 18th century Georgian architecture lay sumptuous spectacle portraits,works and intimate personal effects of world greatest writers.

    Jonathan Swift, (Gulliver’s Travels) James Joyce, (Ulyssess) Samuel Becket,(Waiting for Godot ) William Butler Yeats, (The Second Coming) Oscar Wilde, (The Importance of Being Earnest) and George Bernard Shaw (Caesar and Cleopatra).

    Perhaps Chinua Achebe could not have written Things Fall Apart if not for Yeats.I marvelled  as I glanced at the opening lines of Yeats The second coming:

    “Turning and turning in the widening gyre.The falcon cannot hear the falconer;Things Fall Apart,the centre cannot hold.Mere Anarchy is loosed upon the world”

    If Dublin prides itself as the birth place of Nobel Prize winners,as aptly designated by UNESCO, the Irish capital  can win a million dollars award as the hotspot of global fun and entertainment.No city combines culture and sophistication like the capital  of Ireland, British oldest colony.

    I have seen Paris,the gracious towers,the radiance,its breath-taking urbanization, high fashion,sensational cuisine and romantic boulevards. I love South Africa with its matchless Eurocentric flavour seasoned by glamourous Johannesburg,the city of gold.Nkrummah’s Ghana is a delight to see.Its vibrant political culture and buzzing night life resonates with energy and camaraderie.I have come face to face with the royal splendour of Great Britain,mystified by an enchanting monarchy.

    But nothing compares to the eerie charm of Dublin.An amazing city depicting eclectic mix of pop culture and medieval history,modernity and tradition in a subtle coalescence of the past and the present.

    From my temporary residence at the heart of Dublin,a dazzling neat spacious room,on the 4th floor of Jury’s Inn,I had a panoramic view of the entire city.Opposite,stood one of the oldest religious sanctuaries in Europe,Christ Church Cathedral with its hair-raising medieval crypt built one thousand years ago!

    As I took pictures of the ancient church,I thought of  Urhokpota hall in Benin City, Edo State which recently marked 100 years of existence,I remembered the National Theatre in Lagos with its decay  a tragic national embarrassment.Then I laughed.Nigeria has historical monuments but we are quick to destroy our heritage

    Dublin castle,Irish iconic seat of government famed for its Olympian Norman courtyard and circular pillars is still spark and clean after standing for centuries.Temple bar,Dublin’s age old most famous entertainment resort at the city centre never sleeps.

    With its historical sites,Dublin is more than a city. It is a dream land. Ireland is no man’s land as far as human brotherhood and equality are concerned.The long wars,oppression and social misery, the Irish fought, against the Vikings and British invaders explain the natural simplicity and boisterous spirit of Dubliners.

    Irish people are generally warm,friendly and sociable.For the indulgent fun seeker,you can always sip a complimentary pint of stout if you care to visit the Gravity bar at the world famous Guinness Breweries at Saint James gate.

    A fantastic Irish journalist invited me to an orchestra concert,hosted by gay men! All dressed in black tuxedo,bow tie and  immaculate white shirt,they lit up the night with soulful violins and billows of bagpipes amidst generous servings of champagnes and Irish cream.

    For courtesy,I honoured the invitation.I am not gay and will never be. Courteous host.My Irish guy and his hundreds of friends did not at anytime force me to pull my trousers.I am a man with balls.Wonderfully made for woman only!

    Class consciousness is rare in Dublin.A lawmaker,TD Mick Wallace, the equivalent of a Nigerian Senator was arrested by the regular police, called Gardai for a minor traffic offence.The Sunday Independent and Irish Times made a feast of the story.

    The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins came to address local and foreign Journalists at a crowded Dublin Civic Centre with a lone escort- an orderly. No army of security men or hordes of overzealous aides accompanied him.

    Top government officials and politicians in Ireland,the ranks of Senators and cabinet ministers in Nigeria live and move casually without airs,among ordinary folks.One car at a time.Simple sedan.Not I60 million Naira SUV.

    The media in Ireland both government interests and private owned do not align their Television bulletins or Newspaper headlines to give prominence to the president or other powerful political leaders.The news is not on personalities but people and circumstances.

    I took so much from my sojourn in Ireland,meeting Jim Boumelha, president of international federation of journalists,IFJ and supported commendably by continental NGO,African Media Barometer.

    But one treasure from Ireland I would live to hold dear,is a fanciful memorabilia,with the shape of a big spoon.In the wide surface of the white green flowery ceramic spoon is inscribed the following words:

    “Wherever you go,whatever you do

    may the luck of the Irish,be there for you”

    The “Irish blessing” is now displayed in a conspicuous corner in my living room.

     

    Chiazor, former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, now Executive Assistant to Delta Governor.

  • Oborevwori’s stronghold in Delta: Power of popular will – By Norbert Chiazor

    Oborevwori’s stronghold in Delta: Power of popular will – By Norbert Chiazor

    By Norbert Chiazor 

    The defining Supreme Court victory of Delta state Governor, Rt.Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori marked the culmination of valour and grace in the enchanting destiny of one man.

    The victorious march of Governor Oborevwori is a long walk in glory, rooted in firmness of resolve, strengthened by the hand of providence.

    Governor Oborevwori’s irreversible triumph in Nigeria’s apex court followed an unstoppable winning streak.

    The Court of Appeal in lagos, Friday November 24, 2023, resolutely affirmed his gubernatorial election, three months after the Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba, had earlier on September 29, confirmed Oborevwori as the duly elected governor of the state.

    The triple court victories dignify the integrity and honour of the judiciary as sacred bastion of democratic values and citizens’ rights in Africa’s most populous nation.

    Oborevwori, flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, was declared winner of the March 18,2023 Delta governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),after he secured an overwhelming margin of 360,234 votes to defeat Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege of the All Progressives Congress APC, who trailed behind with 240,229 votes.

    With characteristic gusto and abiding faith, he charted a bold course towards the governorship seat in May 2022, when he emerged the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP,  beamed live to the world at Stephen Keshi stadium, Asaba.

    Oborevwori particularly polled 590 votes to outrun his closest rival, Olologun David Edevbie, who got 113 to stand a distant second.

    The crowning glory came May 29,2023 when Oborevwori had the good fortune of enthronement as governor of Delta state. On that fateful day he joined the prestigious class of democratically elected governors in the annals of history.

    Great expectations marked his ascendancy to power as the 5th civilian governor of the state,after his predecessor,a phenomenal pathfinder,Senator Dr.Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa bequeathed a successful legacy.

    The life story of Oborevwori is a study in human gallantry,yet bedecked in humble steps.

    Born on June 19,1963, to Urhobo parents from Osubi, in Okpe local government area of Delta state,Oborevwori has witnessed interesting metamorphosis as a child, student,businessman,community leader/philanthropist, politician and administrator

    Largely self motivated,he embraced the world with all determination. Resilient and focused,he attended Alegbo Primary school Effurun, Oghareki Grammar school ,Oghereki, rising to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Ambros Alli university, Ekpoma and masters in Delta State University Abraka, where he read political Science.

    A relentless seeker of improved lot,he prepared his path as future leader,guided by divine mercy.He 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).

    Oborevwori, followed a wondrous fate,as the longest serving Speaker of Delta state House of Assembly and the first Speaker to become governor in the state.

    An excellent manager of men with tremendous capacity for human goodwill,he has consistently shown admirable spirit of tolerance and accommodation beyond tribal,political or religious lines.Most  of his predecessors as speakers were impeached,either for lack of tact or tenacity.

    A good team player,he kept the state House of Assembly stable and steady for over six years and has sustained the sagacity on the saddle as governor.

    On Inauguration day at Asaba, the state capital, the new governor remarkably rolled out a comprehensive development plan for Deltans and all residents of the state.The M.O.R.E Agenda: Meaningful Development,Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security.

    The implementation has drawn salutary impact with Oborevwori governing Delta with confidence and the brightest of prospects.

    From initial steps of clearing Warri drainages and provision of transformers to light up parts of the famous oil city,which had been in darkness for years,the governor made an unprecedented achievement.

    Governor Oborevwori took a historic step on Monday November 27, 2023, when he performed the ground- breaking ceremony for the construction of multiple bridges and related infrastructure in Warri and Effurun.This followed a ₦78 billion contract earlier signed on October 18 with construction giant,Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

    Details of the four projects are construction of flyover bridge from Enerhen Junction, Effurun, to Marine Gate in Uvwie and Warri South local government areas. Study,road expansion and improvement works on the section of DSC/NPA Expressway from Effurun roundabout to DSC on the Effurun/Patani (East/West) highway, including construction of a cloverleaf interchange at the existing Effurun flyover bridge as well as two pedestrian bridges, in Effurun. Others are construction of flyover bridges at PTI Junction and DSC roundabout, Effurun.

    This is the first time the renowned construction firm,Julius Berger would be handling such a huge project in the state.

    A significant move towards infrastructural revolution in the state,by the Oborevwori administration.

    The determination to transform Delta stands awesome,with applauses from various quarters in the state ,as Oborevwori’s much celebrated street credibility gains freshness.

    Thousands of Delta civil servants are rejoicing with #5 billion Naira promotion arrears windfall paid by a humane Sheriff.The financial succour, is instructive ,coming at a period of harsh economic regime of fuel subsidy removal.

    The governor also approved the payment of #40 billion pensions for local government retirees,in a benevolent stride to improve the material well being of the senior citizens.

    The Oborevwori administration subsequently gave a nod for employment of over two thousand teaching and non -teaching staff across the local government areas in the state, to reduce joblessness in the society.

    Barely eight months in office ,the administration has done much completing and commissioning roads and schools’ projects,while laying visible foundations on other critical sectors.

    His tenure has been impactful on Asaba capital territory and Okpanam axis.Governor Oborevwori recently commissioned 29 network of roads in Asaba metropolis and auditorium of state -owned Dennis Osadebay university,Anwai,as well as projects at Delta State university of science and Technology,Ozoro.

    It has been a break-taking timeline inspecting and addressing projects across Delta as Oborevwori forms and firms up his government

    The governor has assured the people of the state of more projects and programmes as he remains resolute in enhancing the quality of life for all residents, in the years ahead.

    It is a pleasant surprise that the governor has committed energy to the completion and commissioning of projects initiated by his predecessor.Political leaders across the country have often abandoned projects inherited based on a certain fear that the previous initiators would take the credit.

    Sheriff ‘s body language of continuum is an admirable show of wisdom.A good leader handles the past,while building a great future.

    He is peacefully ruling multi -ethnic Delta with impact.The state is agog with celebration. Urhobo,Anioma,Itsekiri, Ijaw and Isoko are happy.

    Weighing his sociable temperament which has earned him widespread popularity,it becomes easy to grasp why the strength of Oborevwori has remained impeccable.

    The public affection he enjoys is rooted in his accessible easy going nature,devoid of distance.

    Amiable and approachable,the governor is generally acknowledged as a man of the people, transcending class and clique.He relates freely with the powerful and the weak,rich and poor,old and young.

    He commands a positive aura that promotes human self-worth and peace of mind,while enhancing communalism and social progress.This is the motif underpinning why the mighty and minion are in love with him.

    With a huge support base from majority of Deltans, Governor Oborevwori stands in a sparkling armour to build a bigger and greater 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.Standing his foot on firmer podium of life, he conquered his inhibitions and embraced his dreams to the glory of his maker.

    With the electoral victory of Oborevwori now sealed with solid legitimacy by the highest court in the land and sanctioned by the Supreme, it is a new dawn.

    This is the time for all, including his political rivals to join in the making of a new Delta, guaranteed by an all- inclusive M.O.R.E agenda.

    The assurances of Sheriff to be the governor of all Deltans through selfless service should inspire optimism towards a prosperous state that meets the aggregate interests of the people.

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

    Governor Oborevwori has done well in Delta and will do MORE!

    Chiazor is Executive Assistant (Media) to Governor Oborevwori

  • Oborevwori: Why Deltans love “Ukodo” – By Norbert Chiazor

    Oborevwori: Why Deltans love “Ukodo” – By Norbert Chiazor

    By Norbert Chiazor

    “Ukodo” is a sizzling delicacy relished among the people of Niger-Delta. A cuisine of meaty sauce, yam and plantain.

    Derived from Urhobo culture, Ukodo, a three syllable word, is both a culinary and phonetic delight.

    When on the table, the aromatic appeal attracts mass consumption by kindred, a happy gathering of communal sharing.

    The attraction of the famous dish as a tasteful meal bears cultural and spiritual significance.

    It is instructive that the Governor of Delta State, Rt.Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori adopted Ukodo epithet as his prosocial identity.

    What is in a name? Everything.

    A rose by any other name would still smell nice. Splendid Shakespeare.

    Name makes a man. Manners feed human distinction.

    The therapeutic elements of Ukodo as a fulfilling food of love and togetherness may have held much fancy for Oborevwori to cherish and embody.

    The longest serving Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly and first Speaker to be elected Governor in the State is living the Ukodo philosophy in him.

    Only a man who respects communalism as common patrimony could have come this far.

    Truly, like the hand that rocks the cradle, the man that befriends his neighbours rules the world.

    South Africans call it Ubuntu. Humanity towards others.

    If William Wallace, the 18th century Scottish sage had the luxury of savouring Ukodo, he could have perhaps rephrased his poignant poem.

    The public affection enjoyed by Oborevwori is rooted in his accessible easy going nature, devoid of distance.

    He brought Julius Berger to transform Warri and Effurun with multiple mega bridges because he loves the streets and the people.

    He is making efforts to build on the tremendous legacies of his predecessors in the development of Asaba, the Delta State capital because he believes that life is a merry go-round like the spread of Ukodo.

    Across the State, he is planning and working towards even and accelerated development, as a function of his openness.

    With N5 billion promotion arrears windfall for civil servants, N40 billion approved for local government pensioners and employment of about 2,000 LG personnel, he understands the meaning of empathy.

    Those still wondering why Sheriff became Speaker and then Governor in quick historic succession may need to study the generous symbolism of Ukodo.

    The one who shares to the village pot would ultimately be the beloved champion of communal honour. With “UKODO”, Deltans would never go hungry in development and advancement.

     

    Chiazor is Executive Assistant, Media To Governor Oborevwori.

  • Clark’s giant cake for Sheriff – By Norbert Chiazor

    Clark’s giant cake for Sheriff – By Norbert Chiazor

    By Norbert Chiazor

    Every region has its legendary strong man.Back home, Chief Edwin Clark carries the card.

    Love him or hate him, the voice of the most prominent Niger Delta elder reverberates to seductive crescendo.

    Irrepressible in character, the coos of E.K. Clark may not always ring controversial. There are times, he rises to the occasion leaving on his trail, approving applauses. Very well. The wise sayings of the old are vital for social good. The moral compass to cheer or chastise a beguiled melleu.

    The Governor of Delta, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori just got a generous letter from the Ijaw -born elder statesman. “My dear son, you have started well”, Clark, Convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), wrote to Sheriff over the N78 billion contract recently awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Limited to transform Delta commercial artery – Warri.

    Clark, Second Republic Senator and former Federal Minister of Information was effusive in expression of joy and appreciation to the governor: “On behalf of the people of Warri and elders of Warri referred to as ‘WARRI BOYS’, for what he termed, “the great plan” for the rehabilitation and urban renewal of “our hometown, Warri/Effurun”

    Sheriff is festooned with garlands by Clark, particularly for engaging reputable construction giant, Julius Berger. This according to the sage portrays sincerity of purpose as pledged in his inaugural gubernatorial speech to give special attention to the famed oil city.

    The Niger Delta leader overly shared his optimism that Oborevwori “will extend this pattern to other major towns in the state” in executing his development template – M.O.R.E. agenda.

    Reading Clark’s letter, the most casual observer would decode it as shocking. For a man sceptical of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s backing of Oborevwori as successor, the embrace is daintily instructive.

    Strikingly, Clark may appear in some quarters as a poker of controversies,who loves to fish in troubled waters; but he is neither a frivolous undertaker nor an accustomed praise singer.

    He never dodges from voicing perspectives on critical issues,whether opinionated or altruistic. He bares his mind. Pungent and scarcely patronizing.

    Clark once described Okowa as a “good product” while on seat, in one of his documented assessment of the immediate past governor. But the old man also recently gave Okowa rough tackles.

    At other times, he has had a mixed grill of chummy and stormy laisoins with Dr.Emmanuel Uduaghan as well as Chief James Ibori during their tenures as Governor of the state.

    Vintage E .K Clark. An icon and iconoclast.

    Now that Sheriff is Pa Clark’s melodious song, let Delta rejoice. The elder statesman has not lied. He spoke truth to power and the people.

    It is trite to say Clark is right. Because the footsteps of Oborevwori, so far, is elegant. He is not faking anything. He is firm. Fastidious in fidelity. Focused on Delta project. He is working well and doing well. An egoless yet assertive enigma is emerging.

    From Delta South to Delta Central, cascading to Delta North, the governor is on the move; laying solid foundation. A greater Delta is on the horizon. Visible.

    The even-handed motive of the new Sheriff in town, makes Clark’s emotive letter so credible.

    Kudos Clark. Carry go Sheriff.

  • Sheriff, speed and 100th day – By Norbert Chiazor

    Sheriff, speed and 100th day – By Norbert Chiazor

    By Norbert Chiazor

    Predecessor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa did not leave Delta in the hands of an irresponsible governor. That was my sigh when I met Governor Sheriff Oberevwori the other day.

    Julius Berger is coming to Delta. A festival of project commissioning is blooming. Civil servants are flaunting their allowances. Delta is trending. M.O.R.E Agenda is making sense.

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori marked his first 100 days in office on September 8, 2023, in the shadows of storied chronology. He is following an archetype.

    Franklin D. Roosevelt became the 32nd president of the United States of America on March 4, 1933, with a pledge to govern with speed.

    On the 100th day of Roosevelt’s presidency, June 12, 1933, he coined the term “first 100 days” as a threshold to gauge his success.

    All presidents of America have followed the Roosevelt model to date. Nigerian presidents since Obasanjo had observed the convention. Governors and indeed all political leaders of significance commemorate it.

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state, in keeping with this tradition just marked 100 days of his gubernatorial sojourn, which began May 29, 2023.

    As symbolic as 100 days may seem, the rhythm of governance is nowhere as easy as the sweet ballad of the nice ice cream seller.

    “After Okowa Na Sheriff”. Yes! But the new Sheriff in town is on a marathon race, so energy-sapping, enervating.

    Glory not the Big Heart. Forget about oil. Delta is not that smooth. This state is so rocky to rule. Complex in character, her place, people and politics are combustible.

    The philosophy behind Roosevelt’s 100 days as a performance chronometer is faulty. Hasty hassle. Fleeting fight. Sound without much volume.

    The 100 days benchmark of determining gain in governance is useless. Three months is too short, too fickle to fire development. Why observe 100 days? A participant observer is not persuaded.

    In the complex maze of power politics in Nigeria, a 100-day period ticks off like a twinkle of an eye. Fading like the morning rose.

    Nonetheless, counting Delta’s 100 days left one eager. Sheriff is shocking. Spunky on the saddle.

    From the initial steps of clearing Warri drainages and provision of transformers to light up parts of the oil city in darkness for years, he moved to Asaba and Okpanam axis to commission 29 networks of roads and auditoriums of state-owned Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai.

    Okowa built the best and biggest state secretariat ever in Nigeria for civil servants, Sheriff put money in their pockets at season of subsidy removal hardship, with the release of #5 billion promotion arrears to Delta workers.

    Following in 100 days was the payment of #40 billion in pensions for local government retirees and approval for the employment of about 1,000 primary school teachers and other staff.

    Mega interchange networks (flyovers) powered by construction giant, Julius Berger are soon to be mounted in the twin cities of Warri and Effurun.

    A governor who promised Deltans M.O.R.E, a 4-point development and empowerment agenda had done more in 100 days.

    Dr. Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the Delta State Government, facing a news conference, rolled out a slate of palliatives- #10,000 running for three months for public sector workers, and 17,000 bags of 50kg rice and maize across the 25 local government areas to cater for the ordinary people, widows and the vulnerable.

    It has been a break-taking timeline inspecting and addressing projects across the three senatorial districts of Delta as Oborevwori forms and firms up his government in 100 days.

    It is a pleasant surprise that the governor has committed energy to the completion and commissioning of projects initiated by his predecessor.

    Political leaders across the country have often abandoned projects inherited based on a certain fear that the previous initiators would take the credit.

    Only an incompetent, wicked administrator would jettison viable projects and programmes financed with huge public funds because he is not the author. That is the tragedy of Nigeria. A selfish sense of personal identity that rubbishes good governance and destroys social continuity. Okowa is right with Oborevwori!

    Sheriff’s body language of continuum is not lack of will but latitude of wisdom. A good leader handles the past while building a great future.

    Pronto. The Delta governor has so far kept a reasonable duty in the 100th day. Balance is Sheriff’s speed. Deltans are following him steady.

     

    – Norbert Chiazor