Gov Oborevwori
No doubts, one knows that it is not yet total ‘freedom’ for the newly sworn -in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.This is so, given the fact that he still needs,like his many other colleagues, to be ‘discharged’ and ‘acquitted’ by the election tribunal,and possibly,the Supreme Court, of any electoral wrong doing before he can assuredly become the sitting governor of the oil- rich state.
However, one is still tempted to pose the above question despite the cases before the election tribunal challenging Oborevwori’s victory, simply because the new governor seems like the proverbial cat with nine lives.
One affirms this claim, because Governor Oborevwori is not new in this kind of legal brickbats since his recent political journey to the Government House,Asaba began.
For instance,he was in the judicial trenches before and after his nomination as the PDP Governorship candidate,and in all cases,he emerged victorious.
And Oborevwori’s victory at the courts kept many wondering what stuff this 60 years old former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly is made up of.
Even the same uncertainties trailed the new governor’s electioneering campaign, as his unobtrusive and publicity -shy nature easily gave him away as another ‘inconsequential rival’
And the main opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress(APC) and its governorship candidate,Senator Ovie Omo-Agege latched on Oborevwori’s not-too boisterous mien by deploying propaganda tactics and rhetoric to create the impression that their victory at the polls was a fait accompli
However,at the end of the electoral race,Oborevwori overwhelmingly defeated the smooth-talking and upbeat Omo-Agege in 20 out of 25 councils in the state.What a resounding thrashing of the Delta’s political poster boy by a socalled faceless and colourless rival!
And as Oborevwori took his Oath of Office at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on May 29,2023, he exuded the confidence and sure-footedness of an all- conquering war general ready for battles.
Even his enthusiastic disposition,aura and carriage during the inauguration ceremony, rekindled hope of a new beginning and the crystallisation of the developmental gains of his predecessors.
The new governor echoed glowingly about consolidating on the M.O.R.E agenda initiated by his immediate predecessor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.
Oborevwori said the M.O.R.E policy -Meaningful development; Opportunities for all; Realistic reforms;and Enhanced peace and security-will be intensified.
He added:”we will foster sustainable economic growth and private sector jobs;boost human capital;build an enabling infrastructure ; enhance governance and accountability systems for improved service delivery;and strengthen public finance management.”
However,beyond the rhetoric of a better Delta as encapsulated in the M.O.R.E agenda;aside the pomp, banters and the clinking of glasses at the inaugural gathering,one hopes that those promises of the new governor will not,sooner or later, become mere ‘sweet’ talks of the ever dicey politicians?
Is Oborevwori willing and ready to take Delta State to a higher pedestal and etch his name in gold.?
However, it is not in contest that governing a multi -ethnic and diverse state like Delta is certainly a herculean task.
Such a huge task requires a person of steel determination and will power to navigate the landmines and booty traps associated with leadership in the state.
Delta State,as it is today, urgently needs a paradigm shift in its leadership template aimed at reclaiming its prime place in the comity of the Nigeria’s states.
The new governor needs to hit the ground running by consolidating on the gains of the Okowa- led administration in terms of human capital development and infrastructure.
He also needs to deepen the Okowa initiative on road network, power, job creation,youth and women empowerment in order to stem the ugly trend of rural- urban migration with its associated socio- economic woes.
Other areas of priorities should be the provision of affordable healthcare, quality education at all levels, availability of clean water,industrialisation, via public- private sector partnership,among others.
Also, as a former Speaker,Governor Oborevwori should leverage on his experience by building beneficial executive and legislature synergy to ensure a better, united and stronger Delta State.
While wishing Governor Oborevwori a seamless anchor in the Government House, Asaba, he should be reminded that history beckons on him to replicate the goodwill of Deltans who overwhelmingly voted for him at the polls.
Nwagboniwe l. Emmanuel, a media practitioner,wrote in from Lagos.
