By Wilson Macaulay
The Urhobo Observers for Good Governance have expressed their support for the Ijaw PDP Support Groups' planned protest on July 16, 2024, against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration. This announcement was made in a statement signed by Comr. Ogbe F. Odia, Chairman, and Engr. Efe Mike Ogbaide, Secretary General.
The statement highlights concerns over alleged mismanagement and inadequate response to issues raised by the Ijaw PDP support groups and ex-agitators. The Urhobo Observers criticized the lack of transparency and responsiveness from key figures within Governor Oborevwori's administration.
The group raised alarms about internal scheming among the governor's aides, accusing them of forming a self-serving cabal instead of addressing critical governance challenges. They specifically called out Chief Sunday Onoriode, Director of Protocol, and Sen. Emmanuel Agwariavwodo, among others, for allegedly neglecting to implement resolutions reached in meetings with the Ijaw PDP Support Groups.
Furthermore, the statement condemned the Delta Integrity Group, allegedly sponsored by elements within the Delta State government to frustrate their efforts. The Urhobo Observers expressed disappointment with the governor's administration, stating that it has not done enough for the Ijaw support groups despite the governor's significant achievements in his first year in office.
The group criticized those around the governor for not telling him the truth and forming their own cabal with personal agendas. They accused some aides of already scheming to be the next deputy governor after Sheriff Oborevwori's eight years in office, thereby undermining the governor's efforts.
In their firm statement of support, the Urhobo Observers declared: "We the leaders of Urhobo Observers for Good Governance hereby issue a firm statement of our total support for the Ijaw PDP Support Groups' protest against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration. They have plausible reasons to stage the protest based on the various points highlighted in their demand notices widely published in social and mainstream media."
The Urhobo group added: "We have observed and reached out to some of the leaders in the Ijaw group, and they told us how they have been making countless efforts to reach the Delta State Governor since August 2023 through Chief Sunday Onoriode, Director of Protocol, Sen. Emmanuel Edesiri Agwariavwodo, Senior Political Adviser, and Chief Solomon Ighrakpata, Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue. However, all efforts to see the governor did not yield any favorable results."
They further remarked that the mentioned personalities, all illustrious sons of the Urhobo nation and key figures to the governor, are aware of the plight of the Ijaw groups but have not addressed their concerns.
The statement continued: "Chief Sunday Onoriode, your actions are very bad. Work genuinely to first help the governor succeed before thinking of your selfish agenda. Why have you not implemented the outcome of the meeting you held with the Ijaw group at Wellington Hotel, Effurun? Sen. Emmanuel Agwariavwodo, you have met with this Ijaw group on two separate occasions on behalf of the governor. Why have you not implemented the outcome of those meetings?"
The Urhobo Observers concluded by urging all mentioned individuals to make concerted efforts to consult with His Excellency, Governor RT Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, to broker a truce with the aggrieved Ijaw PDP Support Groups in the overall interest of the government and the people of Delta State.
