Tag: oborevwori

…Passes confidence vote on Ogor, Ukodhiko, Odior

The Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Saturday, celebrated the victory of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State at the Supreme Court.

The party also passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor, the representation of member representing Isoko Federal Constituency, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko and member representing Isoko North State Constituency, Hon. Bernard Odior

Speaking at a meeting held at the Ozoro Country home of the former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor, the former lawmaker thanked God for the victory of the Governor and the party.

He said it was a thing of joy for the Governor to win all his court cases and thanked party faithful and leaders for supporting the party’s victory.

Ogor urged party faithful and Deltans to continue supporting the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori aimed at advancing Delta.

Motion for the vote of confidence was moved by State Legal Adviser of the PDP, Chief Isaac Atikueke and seconded by Hon. Joseph Otheremu.

While thanking Hon. Ukodhiko for his quality representation, the party urged him to emulate the impactful and leadership strides made by his predecessor, Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor.

In a related development, the member representing Isoko North State Constituency, Hon. Bernard Odior at the meeting appreciated leaders and party faithful for supporting his election into the State House of Assembly.

Hon. Odior who was State Legal Adviser of the party in the state paid glowing tribute to the leaders and party faithful for making his election victory possible.

A PDP Chieftain and UK based lawyer, Mr John Ewhubare Siakpere (JP), has congratulated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on his victory at the Supreme Court on Friday.

In dismissing the separate appeals, the Supreme Court said the appellants failed to prove the case of over voting and non compliance with the relevant electoral laws.

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 which sat in Lagos also dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit.

The Appellants again proceeded to the Supreme Court but were disappointed with the apex court’s ruling which found no fault in the tribunal and Appeal Court judgements on the matter.

In a statement from his Ivie Siakpere Country home, Aghalokpe, Siakpere, a business executive, who is Director-General Team Siakpere for Oborevwori dedicated the Supreme Court victory to God Almighty.

He said the outcome of the Supreme Court ruling was a further affirmation of the ruling of the Appeal Court and tribunal which had earlier declared Governor Oborevwori as duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast at the election.

He remarked that the jubilation across 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 accept the outcome of the judgement as it was in line with the wishes of majority of Deltans who had voted Oborevwori in the election.

“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 Supreme Court in Abuja.

“The judgement of their lordships is an affirmation of the ruling of the Appeal Court and 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 doing justice on the matter, I call on the opposition candidates to accept the outcome of the judgement as a true reflection of the wishes of Deltans who mainly voted for Gov. Oborevwori at the election.

“Now that the court distractions are over, it is now time for all Deltans irrespective of their political leanings to support our amiable Governor to deliver on his MORE Agenda for our people.

“Since May 29, 2023, till date, Governor Oborevwori has completed and inaugurated several roads and other key infrastructure across state and he is determined to do more for the benefit of all Deltans.

“It is my prayer and that of all my followers at Team Siakpere for Oborevwori, 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.

Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has directed that the contractor handling the construction of Ibusa/Achalla/Asaba Road Phase ll road (From KM6.83 to KM13.8) Oshimili North/South Local government area, should immediately return to site.

Governor Oborevwori further directed the contractor to ensure that the project is done according to specification in the Bill of Engineering Measurements and Evaluation (BEME) and Bill of Quantity (BOQ).

The directive became necessary after the State Commissioner for Works Highways and Urban Roads, Comrade Reuben Izeze, had briefed the Governor on the outcome of his visit to the project site on January 9th, 2024 with top officials and civil engineers of the ministry to carry out on the spot assessment.

The visit to the project site which was prompted in response to a social media post that caught the attention of His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who has zero tolerance for sub-standard jobs.

The Governor immediately directed the Honorable Commissioner for Works Highways and Urban Roads, to visit the site to investigate and get first hand report.

The Commissioner berated the contractor for executing a sub-standard job, stating that the integrity of the job is questionable.

Izeze, while touring the project site, observed that the contractor carried out the sub-standard jobs during the holidays without informing the Ministry project site engineers for proper supervision.

“This act is perceived to have been intentionally done to cut corners to maximize profit at the expense of tax payers money.

“The quality of job on ground is sub-standard and in vast contrast with His Excellency’s vision to deliver quality projects to Deltans under the policy of meaningful development in the MORE Agenda.

“Although the reinforcements were in placed as specified, the method of construction adopted at some sections of the trapezoidal drains resulted to the poor finishing at such sections, which covers a total length of 95meters.

“There are visible signs of poor concrete mix, which is very glaring for all to see and it’s unacceptable,” Izeze stated.

While on the project site, some residents were heard complaining and protesting the poor quality of job being done, stating that such poorly executed jobs doesn’t reflect the good intentions of His Excellency and won’t stand the test of time.

Izeze who was very disappointed with the shabby job, said: “I can see that the most important part of the project is already been compromised, and why would anyone want to cut corners, how much will he save?

“See how the work site is, it is an embarrassment to the Governor and good people of Delta State. The concrete mix failed the lab test because it’s poorly mixed.

“Why would the contractor compromise standard without recourse to integrity and the confidence reposed on his company, considering the essence of the project to the immediate community and the load the project is designed to carry.

Governor Oborevwori is doing his very best to pull our resources together, manage our finances and pay contractors so that they are able to deliver on their contractual obligations.

“We will not accept any job that is below the standard specified in the Bills of engineering measurements (BEME) and Bill of Quantity (BOQ) because Governor Oborevwori has warned that on road infrastructure, there are no sacred cows,” Izeze added.

The International Coordinator of Nigerian Patriotic Youth Network Int’l, Amb. Akpovire Godwin Ovuomaraini has frowned at the lacklustre attitude of students and youths towards call for free education in Delta State.

Ovuomaraini, a former National President of the National Association of Delta State Students, NADESTU, in a statement from his Manchester base in United Kingdom said it was unfortunate that youths and students who were supposed to be beneficiaries of free education at all levels in the state where not interested in supporting the cause.

The statement titled “The Dilemma of Delta: Unveiling the Cowardice Attitude Towards Free Education”, Ovuomaraini said, in the pursuit of a Delta that thrives on the intellectual prowess of its citizens, the call for free education remains a beacon of hope.

“In the heartland of Delta State, where the potential for progress is abundant, a perplexing phenomenon unfolds. A call for free education, a policy that promises to empower the youth, students, and parents alike, encounters an unexpected obstacle—cowardice.

“As the voice advocating for this transformative policy gains momentum, it is disheartening to observe the reluctance, sycophancy, and misplaced fears that shroud the very individuals who stand to benefit the most.

“The proposed initiative seeks to break the chains of educational inequality, offering a chance for every Deltan to access quality education without the burden of exorbitant fees.

“However, a disconcerting pattern emerges as those who could shape a brighter future for Delta shy away from supporting this call.

“One would expect the youth, students, and parents to be at the forefront, championing the cause for free education. Surprisingly, it is this very demographic that seems to retreat into the shadows of hesitation. The question that looms is: why?

He said, “Sycophancy, a phenomenon where individuals prioritize personal gain over the collective welfare, has found an unfortunate home in the hearts of some Deltans. Fearful of upsetting the status quo, some hesitate to openly endorse the call for free education, dreading the repercussions from those in power.

“Hunger, a pervasive issue in many communities, becomes a tool of manipulation. The fear of losing meager opportunities or facing economic repercussions stifles the voices that should be echoing the call for educational liberation. The shackles of hunger, ironically, become a barrier to advocating for a policy that could break the cycle of poverty.

“Lack of foresight, another impediment, clouds the judgment of those who are hesitant to support free education. The inability to see beyond immediate concerns blinds them to the long-term benefits of an educated populace — a populace capable of steering Delta towards unprecedented heights of development.

“It is indeed a shame and an unfortunate reality that the very individuals who could usher in positive change betray themselves through their reluctance to support a policy that promises to uplift generations. The courage to stand for what is right, the courage to envision a brighter future, seems to be elusive in the face of immediate challenges,”

He called on youths and students brave the odds and overcome the shackles of hunger, poverty and deprivation to rejuvenate the educational inequality in the state.

“It is imperative for the youth, students, and parents to overcome the shackles of cowardice, sycophancy, hunger, and myopic vision. Only through unity and courage can Delta embrace a future where education is not a privilege but a right for all.

“The onus falls not only on the call for free education but on the collective consciousness of Delta to rise above the limitations that hinder progress. Only then can the true potential of this vibrant state be unlocked, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow be fulfilled,” Ovuomaraini stated.

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, Friday, said the ministry remains irrevocably committed to delivering on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE agenda for the people of the state.

Comrade Izeze disclosed this at a media parley to mark the end of 2023 working year at his office in Asaba.

He expressed gratitude to God for seeing him and the staff of the ministry through till today 29th December, being the last working day of the year 2023.

When asked why he was still in the office working, when a lot of people have traveled for holidays within and outside the country, Izeze emphasized, “the last time he checked the calendar, today is not a public holiday and has no reason to be off work.

The Works Commissioner said, “procrastination is the great thief of time, and on no account should any work be pushed over to another day except for public holidays or unavoidable emergency situations.

“If the Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, the executive Governor of Delta state as at today 29th December 2023 is still working in the office attending to important matters of state concerns, then i see no reason to be anywhere else other than in the office treating files for onward action by relevant directorates within the ministry and if need arise, visit project sites for on the spot assessment.

“Governor Oborevwori is in a social contract with Deltans to deliver more meaningful development, opportunity for all to thrive, with realistic reforms and enhanced security through his well articulated M.O.R.E Agenda, which can only be achieved through dint of hard work and diligent supervision of the process.

“Essentially, this ministry touches the lives of all Deltans through project delivery, as such files that needs my attention, shouldn’t be rolled over to another day, when they can be treated today, even if it’s the last working day of the year. I have ensured that no mail or file is left hanging on my table.

“On August 23, 2023, we officially assumed office, and immediately swung into action. So far we have paid on the spot inspection visit to Ughelli -Asaba projects sites being handled by CCECC Ogwashi-Ukwu and Levant Construction Nig Ltd at Oleh Roundabout.

“We went on inspection at Bubedan project site at Isheagu, Nigercat project site at Bedesiegha, Bomadi. Storm drain project at Ogbeogonogo market area, Asaba. Ongoing projects at lower Erejuwa and environs by sharpstone construction company.

“There are other projects inaugurated by the Governor within this period. The Madonna school internal roads network measuring about 16km and many other ongoing projects that are near completion.”

Izeze further remarked that, “As a Ministry, we have also ensured that contractors who have completed their jobs whose certificates of completion needed to be signed in other for them to process their payments and clear staff salaries and other contingencies, is another factor why we have prioritized every working hour available to me to ensure smooth governance process,”

He expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for appointing him to lead the ministry adding that he would continue to put his best for

“Honestly I am glad, to have been called to serve Deltans in this capacity by His Excellency and I will keep putting in the best of my God given ability in advancing the MORE Agenda.

“The satisfaction in all of these for me, is seeing the MORE Agenda gaining momentous traction progressively, with measurable impacts in the overall benefit of all Deltans. I remain unrepentantly committed to His Excellency’s policy thrust.

“We hope to do more in 2024 God sparing our lives and granting us sound health to perform.

“On this note, I wish to extend a very hearty compliments of the season to the good people of Delta State on whose mandate we are serving, the media for their support roles, stakeholders, leaders and particularly my dependable Permanent Secretary, Engr. Fred Edafioghor and the workforce of the Ministry of Works Highways and Urban Roads.

“Most especially my gratitude to God Almighty by whose grace we are enabled to carry out the assignment committed to our hands,” he stated.

Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, underscored the importance of local government councils to the overall growth and development of the nation.

Governor Oborevwori stated this when he received on Christmas visit the College of Heads of Personnel Management, HPMs and Treasurers to the Local Governments, TLGs led by its President, Chief Austin Emaduku, at his Osubi country home.

The Governor who expressed delight at receiving the delegation appreciated them for their support before, during and after the elections.

Governor Oborevwori said: “I am very happy to receive you all this morning. I thank you for all your support at the grassroots.

“We will continue to do our best to advance our MORE Agenda for the development of our state. What is more important is for the state to move from this level to a higher level. We will look at the issues you raised and see how to resolve them.”

On appointment of qualified persons from retirees of local government service, the Governor said; “we will continue to appoint people with experience and those who are qualified and strong enough to work will be appointed because we need their experience to add value to governance”.

On employment of junior staff, Governor Oborevwori said: “The state government will employ when necessary.

“For instance we recently approved employment of over 2,000 teaching and non-teaching staff for Local Government Education Authority.

“I count on your support always; support us because the local government is very key. We are all from a local government.

“If our local governments are doing well then our state will be well. Try as much as possible to go to work and serve the people very well because you are employed to serve.”

Earlier, Emaduku who is the Head of Personnel Management in Ughelli South Local Government Council, congratulated the Governor on his various victories at the polls and tribunals and commended the Governor for his support to local government councils.

He lauded the Governor for the appointment of Deacon Joseph Otirhue as Chairman of Local Government Service Commission and appealed to him to consider consolidation of salaries of HPMs and TLGs in the local government councils like Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil Service.

He recalled dearth of junior staff in the local government service and appealed to the Governor for approval to employ junior staff to fill existing vacancies.