Sheriff Oborevwori: A Man To Beat In State Governance In Nigeria

Do we sincerely need good governance? If we do, who embodies it, and how can we identify such a person? It is through their manifesto, campaign programs, and promises, but more importantly, through their personal achievements within a specific timeframe or short period of governance, and their ability to keep campaign promises.

At 61, H.E. Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has carved a niche for himself that younger generations and even generations unborn would study to model their lives. As Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly for six years, he distinguished himself, earning admiration from me and many Deltans. Most notably, during his tenure as Speaker, he demonstrated thoroughness in handling deliberations and issues on the house floor, especially those concerning good governance, which were given speedy considerations. Additionally, he had a track record of financial integrity and honesty.

His Excellency Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori was sworn in on May 29, 2023, as the 5th democratically elected Governor of Delta State. Within 12 months of his administration, he has defined a public administrative approach that is rare in this part of the world. His administrative style can best be described as citizens-oriented. In his first year as governor, he has commissioned numerous laudable and people-oriented projects, with many more ongoing throughout the state. Notable of such projects include the recently commissioned Emevor/Orogun road in Isoko North LGA and the multi-billion Naira flyover projects at PTI junction and Enerhen junction. The Ughelli/Asaba expressway project has gained about 20 percent to reach approximately 76 percent completion within one year, with a promise to commission it before the end of his first term. Clearly, the governor has declared a war against bad roads in Delta State, as evidenced by his commitment to reducing traffic jams and bad roads to the barest minimum.

Furthermore, the growing food shortage in Nigeria has resulted in a spike in demand and a sharp rise in food prices. It is generally held that no man is whole unless he can feed himself sustainably. This inclination applies to individuals as well as communities and societies. The recently launched N2bn Oborevwori Special Agric Intervention Initiative is a testament to the governor’s commitment to ensuring adequate food supply throughout the state.

In Delta local parlance, it is often said that “the dance wey go sweet, na from the beginning we dey know.” Based on this, there is no doubt that this “Ukodo go sweet.” This connotation explains why His Excellency Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori was the first state governor visited by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR since the inauguration of the current national administration on May 29, 2023. The sweet aroma of the Ukodo attracted our father, a no-nonsense former army general and two-time President of Nigeria.

Following Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s visit on June 3, another former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, visited to commission the magnificent High Court complex in Asaba, completed by Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration. During the commissioning, Dr. Jonathan praised the governor for his focus, honesty, and financial integrity. He commended him for his commitment to the peace and development of Delta State, stating, “I believe that if you go across the country today, this is one of the best judiciary headquarters in the country, and I congratulate the governor and the judiciary of Delta state for this exemplary project.” The commendations by the two former Presidents of Nigeria unequivocally underscore that Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is a man to beat in state governance in Nigeria.

Before concluding, it is essential to note that, according to Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” The administration of His Excellency Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is no different. In Delta State, insecurity has been effectively tackled and significantly reduced within the last year. This has revived nightlife in many cities, particularly in Warri and Effurun, where it had been lost. The administration aims to provide and promote an enduring peaceful environment where businesses can thrive, thereby increasing employment rates and improving the welfare of Delta’s citizens.

With this remarkable pace in public service delivery and the achievements so far in just one year, I wonder what Delta State will become in the next three years or seven years, God willing. On this basis, I fully support the passionate admonition and appeal by Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR to Deltans during his last visit: “I urge you all to support this your governor. There are some people who believe that they must bring a government down for the purpose of politics, but when you are struggling to bring a governor or president down for the purpose of politics, you are bringing the state or country down. This is because the governor or the president is sitting with public resources, and everybody must encourage him to succeed, and that is the only way we, as a nation, can grow.”

Delta is in good hands. Sheriff Oborevwori means well for Delta. Let’s support him.

-Hon Morgan Ogapha is a member of the Delta State PDP EXCO.