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Tag: Sheriff Oborevwori

  • Oborevwori tasks Civil Service Commission on ghost worker syndrome

    Oborevwori tasks Civil Service Commission on ghost worker syndrome

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, charged the State Civil Service Commission to tackle the ghost worker syndrome leading to absenteeism and abandonment of duty posts.

    Governor Oborevwori, who gave the charge at the swearing-in and inauguration of the Chairman and member of the Civil Service Commission as well as Auditor General (Local Government) at Government House, Asaba, said some civil servants feigned study leave with pay, and had used the opportunity to permanently relocate overseas.

    Those sworn-in are; Chief Roseline Amioku as Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Barr. Ikechukwu Maduemezia member, Civil Service Commission, and Mr. Ukpaka Ikenna as Auditor General – Local Government.

    The Governor also inaugurated the boards of Governing Councils of institutions and parastatals, including Delta State Investment Development Agency,(DIDA), Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, Governing Council of Delta State University, Abraka, Governing Council of Delta State College of Education, Mosogar, Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Burutu, Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited, and Universal Investment and Development Company Limited.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori said the Civil Service remained the major vehicle for the implementation of government’s policies and programmes, adding that an efficient and effective civil service must provide the necessary feedback mechanism for the development of the service and the state.

    He said: “It is, therefore, imperative that the civil service Commission puts the necessary structures and processes in place that will enhance productivity, promote professional work ethic, boost staff morale and enable optimal resource utilization to satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of our people.

    “In view of the foregoing, it is my earnest expectation that the Commission will immediately; ensure the recruitment of the best hands to drive the bureaucracy through a very competitive recruitment process devoid of nepotism, favouritism, bias, prejudice or political considerations.

    “Entrench a culture of discipline of erring officers as a deterrent to others, without fear or favour, and embark on values re-orientation exercise, as a matter of urgency, to combat the perennial problems of absenteeism, godfatherism, nepotism, eye service, waste and inefficiency that are often seen in the Civil Service.”

    He urged the new Auditor-General (Local Government) of the state, Mr. Ukpaka Ikenna to uphold the values of integrity, independence, objectivity, impartiality, neutrality, confidentiality, and professionalism that are expected of the office, adding that he must do his job, “no matter whose ox is gored”.

    Responding on behalf of the appointees, the Chairman Governing Council of Delta State University, Abraka, Gen. Alexander Ogomudia (retd), thanked Governor Oborevwori for finding them worthy to serve, assuring that they would bring their wealth of experience to bear on their jobs.

    He said all the appointees would work hard to meet the expectations of the Governor for the overall development of the state.

    Wife of the Governor, Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, the Deputy Governor of the State, Sir Monday Onyeme, and the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, attended the ceremony, among other top government dignitaries.

  • 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!

  • BREAKING: Army withdraws troops from Okuama

    BREAKING: Army withdraws troops from Okuama

    The Nigerian Army has agreed with the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to withdraw military personnel from the troubled Okuama community in Ughelli South local government area of the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) gathers that the Nigerian Army agreed to withdraw its troops from Okuama following discussions between Governor Oborevwori and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    Oborevwori disclosed in a press release on Wednesday that the Army has agreed to withdraw its officers and men from Okuama with effect from today.

    The community in Ewu kingdom had been under military siege following the March 14 killing of 17 soldiers, including a Lieutenant-Colonel, two Majors and a Captain, from  the 181 Amphibious Battalion.

    Governor Oborevwori disclosed that in his engagements, the Nigerian military demonstrated the highest level of concern and care for the plight of the displaced persons and a peaceful resolution has been achieved.

    The press release reads in full: “My dear good people of Delta State, I have the pleasure to announce to you that we have achieved a breakthrough in the deadlock at Okuama.

    “After my discussions with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Monday the 6th May, the Nigerian Army has agreed to withdraw it’s officers and men from Okuama with effect from today.

    “With this development, the people of Okuama can now safely return to their homes and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

    “I want to express my deep and profound gratitude to Mr President, the COAS, and the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army for their understanding and cooperation.

    “In my engagements with them, they demonstrated the highest level of concern and care for the plight of the displaced persons. To God be the glory that we have achieved a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

    “I also extend my gratitude to members of the National Assembly, distinguished Nigerians, our traditional rulers, and other leaders of thought who stood with us in our travails. Your words of encouragement and prayers are greatly appreciated.

    “Let me assure all Deltans and residents in the state that this administration is irrevocably committed to enhanced peace and security in the state as contained in our MORE agenda.

    “It is also pertinent to point out that matters of security are better handled with tact, wisdom, and patience; it is not meant to be a subject of daily media polemics as some misguided elements and mischief makers are won’t to suggest.

    “As the people of Okuama start the process of returning to their homes, I pledge the commitment of the Delta State Government to make that process smooth and seamless. We shall render all the necessary assistance they need to enable them settle down quickly and joyfully.

    “It is my prayer and belief that NEVER AGAIN would Delta experience the kind of tragedy that happened in Okuama. Security, as we all know, is a shared responsibility.

    “So, we will continue to count on the support and cooperation of every citizen to ensure that our state remains safe and peaceful.

    “God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless Delta State. God bless us all”.

  • Gov Oborevwori mourns ex-Minister Gbagi

    Gov Oborevwori mourns ex-Minister Gbagi

    Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has expressed his heart-felt condolences to the family of former Minister of Education (State), Chief Kenneth Gbagi, who died on May 4.

    The Governor’s condolence is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, on Sunday in Asaba.

    He recalled that Gbagi was a senior lawyer, businessman, governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the 2023 general election and industrialist.

    “He (Gbagi), passed on at 62, after a brief illness.”

    Oborevwori described the passing of Gbagi as tragic, unfortunate and heart-wrenching.

    He commiserated with the people of Ughelli South Local Government Area and Oginibo community, in particular, over the demise of the renowned politician and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain.

    He noted that the departed Gbagi, a Criminologist, entrepreneur and lawyer, was Chairman, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, and, later, Minister of Education (State) during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of a renowned politician and astute businessman, Chief Kenneth Gbagi, who passed on in Lagos on Saturday.

    “The news of his death came to me as a terrible shock and my heart-felt condolences go to his family, the people of Oginibo and the members of the Social Democratic Party,” Oborevwori said.

    He prayed God to accept Gbagi’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left to bear the loss.

  • What Gov Oborevwori said about tragic tanker explosion along Warri-Sapele road

    What Gov Oborevwori said about tragic tanker explosion along Warri-Sapele road

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has commiserated with Ometan community in Okpe Local Government Area of the State on the death of seven indigenes of the community to a tanker fire accident on Friday morning.

    According eye witnesses, the fire accident occurred around 10 am when the tanker laden with fuel fell on the road, after the tanker head detached while on motion in Ometan community along the Warri-Sapele road.

    Speaking at the accident scene, Governor Oborevwori flanked by Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor and former Chairman of Okpe Local Government Council, Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa, empathised with the community on the unfortunate incident.

    “I was just coming from the creeks where I went to inspect projects and there was no network. So, immediately I arrived the Navy jetty, I received a message from the Head of Personnel Management of Okpe Local Government Council informing me of the sad incident.

    “On getting here I saw dead bodies and those who witnessed the unfortunate incident,  said the tanker had an accident and exploded which led to the fire explosion.

    “It is a very sad situation and I commiserate with the people of Ometan community and families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident,” Oborevwori said.

    A breastfeeding mother and her three-month-old baby were among the eight persons confirmed dead in a petroleum tanker explosion.

    The breastfeeding mother was roasted to death while trying to rescue her three-month-old baby who was trapped in the inferno.

    Sources at the scene of the incident confirmed to NDT that a 16-year-old secondary schoolgirl and her mother who were trapped in their apartment were among the deceased.

    Some witnesses blamed the incident on the tanker driver whom they accused of overspending and called on the Delta State Government to come to the rescue of property owners who lost their houses and other means of livelihood to the unfortunate incident.

    A total of seven residential buildings, an oil and gas company complex and chains of makeshift buildings were razed by the explosion. Also destroyed were three vehicles and heavy duty truck.

  • BREAKING: Mother, child, 3 others die in Warri-Sapele road tanker explosion

    BREAKING: Mother, child, 3 others die in Warri-Sapele road tanker explosion

    No fewer than five people have reportedly died after a fuel tanker fell and exploded along the dilapidated Warri-Sapele road in Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the fuel tanker fell and exploded on Friday morning near Ometan junction, along the ever-busy Warri-Sapele road.

    It was gathered that a mother and a child were among those who died when the fuel-laden tanker lost control and fell, spilling its content on the road, before exploding.

    Houses and businesses were burnt as a result of the fuel tanker explosion.

    Meanwhile, the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has visited the scene of the incident.

     

    Details shortly…

  • Workers’ Day: Delta Govt to set up committee for wage review

    Workers’ Day: Delta Govt to set up committee for wage review

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, says his administration would set up a committee to look into workers’ demand for salary increase in view of the current hardship in the country.

    Governor Oborevwori stated this in his address at the 2024 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Cenotaph, Asaba, on Wednesday.

    He commended workers in the state for their support for the emergence of his administration and for the prevailing industrial harmony across the state.

    He said his administration had always prioritised the welfare of workers in the state and promised to look into the issue of workers who were inadvertently omitted in the payment of promotion arrears.

    Governor Oborevwori said: “I have listened attentively to your requests and I have taken note of same; they are, no doubt, legitimate demands and as a responsible government, I will deliberate with my team on how best to address them within the limits of resources available to us.

    “As a government, we have prioritised the welfare of our workforce because it is my belief that a happy and well motivated workforce is not only a catalyst for the growth and industrial development of any society but also the bedrock for extended family setting and communal cohesion.

    “This administration has already demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of serving and retired civil servants and we will continue to do so through our policies and actions.

    “This, we have exemplified by the payment of salary arrears to the state civil servants and facilitation of N40 billion facility to assist the local governments to pay the backlog of pensions and gratuity to local government workers and primary school teachers.

    “However, I have taken note that some persons were omitted in the payment of promotion arrears; it wasn’t the fault of government because I was given the full list and I was told that the amount is N5.6bn and said let it be paid in four tranches and it was paid, but since the NLC Chairman has mentioned it in his speech, I will look into it.

    “We are determined to deliver meaningful projects through aggressive infrastructural development as can be seen from the numerous bridges, flyovers and road construction and reconstruction, building and renovation of schools, healthcare facilities and retooling and capacity building of the workforce and human capital development in general, across board.

    “My administration is determined to deliver economic prosperity and an improved standard of living to all Deltans through collaborative effort and constructive engagement with organised labour.

    “Therefore, we solicit your unflinching support and cooperation to get us to this promised land and to the Delta State of our dreams.”

    Earlier, in a joint address delivered by the State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku , on behalf of his Trade Union Congress counterpart, TUC, Comrade Martin Bolum, the labour leaders commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for honouring workers in the state by attending the Workers’ Day in person.

    He commended Governor Oborevwori for his commitment to the welfare of workers and pensioners in the state and pledged their continued support for his administration’s MORE Agenda.

    The labour leader also lauded the governor for the payment of promotion arrears owed workers to the tune of N5.6 billion, but appealed to him to consider those omitted whose entitlements, they said, tallied at N800 million.

    The NLC boss, while appreciating the governor for keeping to his campaign promises to workers, said, “we want promise keeper’s politicians because, as workers, we keep records of promises”.

    The 2024 May Day celebration, with theme, “PEOPLE FIRST,” was a carnival- like celebration in the State and featured march past by the various affiliate unions in the state.

  • Gov Oborevwori gives update on conduct of LG polls in Delta

    Gov Oborevwori gives update on conduct of LG polls in Delta

    Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Sunday, ruled out imposition of candidates in the forthcoming local government council elections in the state.

    Governor Oborevwori who disclosed this at the PDP Delta Central Stakeholders meeting held at his Osubi country home, said Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, would soon come out with a timetable for the conduct of the election.

    He said: “Delta State is one of the most solid states in Nigeria. Very very soon we will have our local government elections. Like what the State Chairman of our party said, it is DSIEC that is in charge. They will come out with a timetable after their meeting with the parties.

    “Only popular candidates that the people love and generally accepted by all stakeholders, will emerge as candidates of the party.

    “We will not accept any candidate through the back door. For anybody to emerge, it must be a collective decision from the wards and must be a popular candidate. Collectively we must agree on candidates so that the primary election can be smooth.”

    The Governor had earlier thanked the party leaders for their support and for the vote of confidence passed on him and his administration.

    “I appreciate our leaders for standing by me since after my swearing-in. This is the first time that we are holding a meeting like this.

    “You have been praying for me and supporting me, God will continue to bless you all. It is good for us to be united as it is in other Senatorial districts.

    “I will not disappoint Deltans. Delta State is PDP and PDP is Delta State and what is happening in other states is not happening here. There is no power tussle or fight in Delta. Everything is going on well and our people are happy.

    High point of the meeting was the passing of vote of confidence on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his enormous performance in nearly one year in office.

    The vote of confidence was moved former Secretary to the State Government, Rt. Hon. Festus Agas and seconded by former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Ighomena.

    In moving the motion, Agas said Governor Oborevwori has continued to steer the ship of state by faithfully implementing the MORE Agenda through the execution of life changing projects across the three senatorial districts of the state.

    On his part, State Chairman of the party, Dr Kingsley Esiso said it was the responsibility of leaders from the district to continue to support the Oborevwori led administration in the state.

    He said following the expiration of the tenure of the outgone executives at the Wards and Local Governments, Caretaker Committees have been set up to function for three months.

    He said the National Executive Committee of the party had put machinery in motion to elect substantive executives through congresses.

    Earlier in his remarks, Chairman,  Delta Central PDP, Chief Patrick Fovie said the meeting was called to deliberate on issues that would move the party forward in the district and the entire state.

  • Okuama: Oborevwori inaugurates IDP management committee

    Okuama: Oborevwori inaugurates IDP management committee

    Succour will soon come the way of the displaced people of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, inaugurated Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Management Committee.

    The Committee has veteran journalist and former Editor of The Guardian Newspaper, Mr Abraham Ogbodo as Chairman and Director of Personnel Management, DPM, Ughelli South Local Government Council, Chief Austin Emaduku as Secretary.

    Other members include; Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Hon. Festus Utuama, Hon. Reuben Izeze, Dr Richard Kofi, Chief Oviri Uto, Hon. Josephine Oduaran, Obukohwo Henry Ediyo, Karo Ovemeso and Austin Ohwofaria who will serve as Camp Commandant.

    Inaugurating the Committee at Government House Asaba, Governor Oborevwori charged the Committee to carefully plan the resettlement and rehabilitation of the innocent citizens of Okuama community.

    Oborevwori said: “I welcome all of you to the inauguration of a Committee charged with the duty of planning and coordinating the settlement and rehabilitation of our people at Okuama.

    “Much as we condemned in strong terms the dastardly act that took the lives of our gallant officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.

    “We will do everything we can to reduce to the barest minimum the attendant effects on the common man in Okuama community.

    “Innocent people have been displaced, their homes and properties destroyed, this was, and still is, an unfortunate and most unexpected development.

    “Like I said when I visited Okuama the other day, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, and the military agreed that innocent people in Okuama should not be made to suffer needlessly.

    “This is why we sincerely believe that sooner than later, the innocent ones will be allowed to return to their homes.

    “It is now right for goverment to set up a committee to plan their resettlement and rehabilitation ahead of their return. This is the minimum we owe our people, we have to reassure them to have a sense of belonging as we make adequate arrangements for their settlement and rehabilitation.

    “Note that you have been carefully chosen based on your previous antecedents, we are therefore confident that you will do a transparent, thorough and selfless job that not only the people of Okuama but every Deltan will be proud of you as you make adequate arrangements of receiving them and lessening their pains.

    “I urge you to attach a sense of urgency to this assignment. We must demonstrate the highest degree of love and responsibility towards our people. That is the least we can do for them.”

    Responding on behalf of members of the committee, the Chairman, Abraham Ogbodo, expressed appreciation to the governor for finding them worthy to serve in the committee.

    He said their appointment into the committee was a call for service and assured the governor and Deltans that, by the grace of God, they would live up to expectation by delivering the needed services to the people.

    According to him, members of the committee would work with the sense of urgency that the state assignment requires, assuring that they would be transparent, thorough and selfless in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Okuama.

  • Delta Assembly confirms appointment of Oborevwori’s 3 nominees

    Delta Assembly confirms appointment of Oborevwori’s 3 nominees

    The Delta House of Assembly on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Mr Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, as the Chairman of the State  Bureau for Pensions.

    The House presided over by the Speaker Mr Dennis Guwor, also confirmed the appointment of Mr Ifeanyi Egwuyenga, as the Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer for the State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau, as well as Mr Jude Emurotu as member of the State Independent Electoral Commission.

    In his remarks, the speaker commended the lawmakers for their contributions for the successful screening of the nominees.

    ”At the Committee of the Whole, we screened the nominees and it was  thoroughly and successfully done.

    ”And I want to use this opportunity to commend members for their contributions towards the successful screening and confirmation of the nominees, ” he said.

    Guwor congratulated the nominees and urged them to discharge their duties creditably.

    One of the nominees Mr Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, a retired Permanent Secretary from the State Civil Service, pledged to discharge his duties with all sense of responsibility.

    ”I want to pledge with my honour, I will be fair and just in carrying out my service, just as what I did when I was in service.

    ”I will do my utmost best in ensuring that pensioners receive their payment in due time,” he said.