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March 11: Why Deltans Should Vote For Sheriff Oborevwori As Governor.
By Geo Edesiri
With the Governorship and House of Assembly elections around the corner, it has become necessary to examine factors that voters ought to consider in reaching the final decision to cast their votes for candidates. This interrogation is specially for the benefit of the voters in Delta State.
Therefore, one believes that voters in Delta State necessarily need to consider the factors of identifying the virtues of competence, integrity, character, ability to deliver on electoral promises, soundness of mind, and physical ability. But also very important is the need to consider the issue of experience of a candidate vis-a-vis the knowledge or skill that one has acquired from doing a job or activity.
Therefore, the people of Delta State as they prepare to vote, one expects that they will examine each candidate and make their decisions based on the above factors as well as factors that a candidate possesses like being a grassroots person, one who understands the yearnings of the people and can relate with them at their levels. In other words, Deltans should examine candidates who have the ability to relate with the high and the low in society. In other words, the local content quality of candidates must be an essential desideratum because such a candidate is better placed to identify with the needs and desires of the people. Such a candidate is not an elitist person; this feature is an uncommon endowment that makes such a candidate better placed in relating with people of the grassroots.
Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) possesses these factors in abundance, including being a certified and tested Christian and a notable philanthropist. These are rare factors that distinguish him as a man that should fit the bill of a Governor that is endowed with the milk of human kindness.
It is also necessary to let Deltans not to be carried away by sentiments that are the products of petty grudges and anger that have degenerated into misplaced aggression coming from a segment of disenchanted politicians formally in the PDP fold who have now pitched tent and are working for the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Deltans must in making their choice to cast votes take note of why APC must never be considered because of the sufferings that the Federal Government administration of the party has brought Nigerians into.
Deltans and other voters must examine how the APC has brought insecurity, especially with the menace of Fulani herdsmen who have made life unbearable for our farmers, whose crops and source of livelihood have been adversely affected. What did Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the one seeking votes to be Governor do when Deltans were faced with the challenge of the rampaging activities of the AK-47-wielding herdsmen? How many of the herdsmen did he help to arrest and bring to book? As Deputy Senate President, what did he do to prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari to bring the plight of the suffering Deltans to the notice of the President?
Truth is that Omo-Agege and cohorts looked away while Deltans faced torture inflicted on them by the herdsmen. He lost the discipline of a patriotic Deltan to make a case for them just because he wanted to be in the good books of President Buhari. This is why voters must reject Omo-Agege as Governor because his record of service fell short of the expectations of Deltans. He does not deserve their votes.
But Oborevwori as Speaker, worked assiduously with the executive arm to nip the situation in the bud. The efforts culminated in the passing of the anti-open grazing law passed by the House of Assembly, as well as a law creating the Delta Hawk security outfit that has helped to go after daredevil agents of insecurity. This has to a large extent eased the insecurity situation in the State, so much so that persons running away from the scourge of insecurity in their States have now found Delta State as a safe and secure haven to live in.
This consideration, in my view, stands Rt. Hon. Oborevwori in good stead to deserve the votes of Deltans on March 11. This stands him better to continue and improve on what Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has done so far. This he has encapsulated in his vision ‘to keep Delta State ahead in all aspects of social and economic wellbeing,” with the mission “To run an open, responsive Government that meets the needs and aspirations of our people through infrastructural development, growth in human capital and improved social harmony.”
Oborevwori as Governor will hit the ground running by building on the legacies and foundation already built by Governor Okowa. He does not need to begin to learn afresh, which will take time. The features of Governors are already in place, he will only need minor but meaningful adjustments that will not need any time wasting to accomplish and get to work.
Delta State should consider the above issues as very germane for continuity and Sheriff Oborevwori is the man that fits the bill along with his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme. You don’t go to University to acquire experience. It was acquired on the job and for eight solid years Oborevwori has been in the saddle as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. He has the experience to deliver M.O.R.E to Deltans.
Deltans must be careful to vote in the right person and not those who seek to undermine the oneness and unity of the people of the State. Let’s not give room for the unity in Delta State to be compromised. Sheriff Oborevwori is the man that will build on this important legacy.
Sheriff Oborevwori is it. Vote Sheriff Oborevwori come March 11, 2023.
© Edesiri wrote in from Asaba.
By Favour Bibaikefie
At Enekorogha Grammar School in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria-an oil-rich state known for federal wealth-the condition education paints a deeply disturbing picture.
Students at school secondary school were recently captured writing their second-term exams while seated on the bare floor. Some leaned against broken concrete blocks-no desks, no chairs, and no proper classrooms in sight. Teachers also struggle without offices or basic teaching tools, working unde appalling conditions.
Founded in the early 1980s, the school has barely received any attention from the government since it’s establishment. Instead of being maintained or upgraded, most of its current structures were either community-built or donated by concerned individuals. The school lacks perimeter fencing, which leaves students and teachers vulnerable, while reptiles roam freely around the premises.
When journalists sought a reaction from the Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, she refused to comment-even when approached in her office-raising serious concerns about the state government’s accountability.
According to Mr. Peter Ganagana, the Chairman of the Enekorogha Education committee, the Delta State government has never contributed a single building to the school. “The only six-classroom bock was built by a private individual,” he explained. “Other parts were put together by the community with little resources. Yet, over 80% of our students don’t have desks to sit on.”
Despite now having a students population of over 350, the school one has six government appointed teachers and one principal. To make up for the shortfall, local residents pay stipends to volunteer teachers who are helping to keep Education going in the face of government abandonment.
“The students are writing their second-term exams now” Mr. Ganagana noted, “and many are doing so sitting on the floor. The only desks in the school were donated by a kind old student-just 50 in total. That’s all we have.”
Multiple appeals and complaints have been sent to both the Post-primary Education Board and the Ministry of Education, but so far, there has been no meaningful response. Officials have visited for inspection, but their words have led to no real change.
The buildings themselves are in a dangerous state-ceilings are falling in, roofs have been blown off, windows and doors are missing, and some classrooms can no longer be used at all. That such a learning environment exists in a state with massive federal allocations and oil revenue is nothing short of disgraceful.
Attempts to contact the principal were unsuccessful, as his phone remained switched off. Teachers also declined to comment, citing restrictions on speaking to the press.
This situation is a devastating indictment of the Delta State Governor and government’s priorities. In a state blessed with immense natural wealth, children who eager to learn are being denied even the most basic conditions for education. It is not only a betrayal of their rights- it is a failure of leadership.
The silence from the officials, especially from those tasked with overseeing Education, is both telling and unacceptable. The government must act urgently. The lives and future of these students should not continue to be disregarded because of negligence and bureaucratic indifference.
Source: Golden Nation Multimedia
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28,000bpd Ogidigben Oilfield Shutdown by Itsekiri Youth, Under PINL Not Tantita’s Coverage – Tompolo
By Divine Perezide
High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has disassociated his company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, from the recent protest and shutdown of an oil facility in Warri, Delta State.
Speaking through his media aide, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo PhD., Tompolo clarified that the affected oil field, located in Ugborodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area, does not fall within Tantita’s jurisdiction. He stressed that the facility is under the protection of another security firm, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), which is owned by the Olu of Warri.
“It is not only Tantita that is doing the security job. The Olu of Itsekiri’s company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, is also covering that area,” Bebenimibo explained. He further stated, “The Ogidigben oil field is not under our watch but under Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), a firm linked to the Olu of Itsekiri.”
The facility, currently operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings following its acquisition from Shell, reportedly produces around 28,000 barrels of oil per day. It was shut down on Wednesday by aggrieved members of the Itsekiri community. The protesters, who carried placards, voiced their dissatisfaction over alleged marginalisation in ward delineation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In response to the incident, Bebenimibo emphasized that the protest and the shutdown had no connection to Tompolo or Tantita. “Nobody dares Tantita. The issue has nothing to do with Tantita and Tompolo,” he stated firmly.
The protest remained peaceful, but it successfully brought operations at the facility to a standstill, underlining ongoing tensions related to political representation in the region.
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“Peace is the Panacea for Development” Dr. Takeme Said as He Inaugurates Burutu Peace and Advocacy Committee
By Favour Bibaikefie
In a bid to strengthen harmony and peaceful coexistence within Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Council Chairman Dr. Julius Takeme on Tuesday formally inaugurated a 23-member Peace Building and Advocacy Committee.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the council secretariat in Burutu, marked a significant step toward fulfilling the chairman’s campaign promises, particularly on conflict resolution and community engagement. The committee, chaired by retired Justice J.F. Daubry, comprises individuals described by Dr. Takeme as “men and women of integrity,” selected for their reputation and dedication to peaceful service.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Takeme outlined the committee’s core responsibilities, which include mediating disputes among individuals, groups, and communities to maintain the prevailing peace in the area. “Your responsibility includes the amicable settlement of disputes between individuals, groups and communities. Please, do your very best to meditate diligently,” he said.
Chief Fidelis Tubotu was appointed Secretary of the committee, while members include Apostle Godsflag Agboun, Chief October Kuro-Ogu, Gen. Brodrick Demeyeibo, Chief Elimina Namah Eselemo, Chief James Nicketen, Barr. B.D. Ekpese, Barr. Torugbene Oloye, Chief Patrick Fufeyin, Chief Gabriel Benede, Chief Lucky Yoweibo, and Dr. (Mrs.) Jennet Abdullahi.
Additional members are Chief Dauyeibo Kitua, Chief Apiakise Apiakise Coleman, Barr. Isa Clark, Hon. Gift Gomeromo, Prince Peter Numa, Chief Torololo Love, Chief Clement Kęmetimibibo, Chief (Mrs.) Ter Okpe, Chief Pukon Samson Eles, Chief Douglas T.M.O, and Chief Fidelis Tubotu.
Dr. Takeme reiterated his administration’s intention to mirror Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s “More Agenda” through proactive peace initiatives and conflict resolution efforts. “We promised to replicate Gov. Oborevwori’s More Agenda in Burutu, and one of our targets is to resolve as many lingering inter and intra-communal disputes. We believe in your individual and collective capabilities to help this government deliver on this promise,” he said.
He further noted, “We want to make Burutu a reflection of Oborevwori’s good governance that has rendered even the main opposition parties speechless.”
The council chairman encouraged committee members to remain upright and committed, emphasizing the importance of including the local chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in their peacebuilding activities. According to him, “CAN is pivotal to peace building.”
In his response on behalf of the committee, Justice Daubry expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them and pledged their unwavering commitment. “We will not disappoint the council,” he assured.
The event was attended by council executive members including Vice Chairman Chief (Mrs.) Georgina Evah; Supervisor for Education, Hon. Okpako Doctor; Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon. Immaculate Birialade; Supervisor for Environment, Hon. Godwin Oro; and Supervisor for Works, Hon. Pudigha Biakpara. Traditional rulers from various communities across the local government were also present, further highlighting the importance of the initiative.