ASABA — Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has issued a fresh mandate to the State Advisory Council, calling for a more proactive and solution-oriented approach to governance as his administration nears the three-year mark. Speaking during a high-level meeting at Unity Hall, Government House on Thursday, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive leadership while demanding that the state’s elder statesmen provide more frequent and critical assessments of government policy to ensure "tangible impact" on the lives of citizens.
The meeting, presided over by Council Chairman Professor Samuel Oyovbaire, served as a strategic platform for the Governor to articulate his vision for the remainder of his term. Oborevwori, who recently returned from delivering a lecture in Lagos on national unity, positioned Delta State as a premier model of multi-ethnic inclusiveness. He emphasized that the state’s ability to accommodate diverse nationalities and non-indigenes without discrimination remains its greatest strength, but cautioned that this harmony requires constant maintenance through collective responsibility.
A significant portion of the Governor’s address was dedicated to the quality of feedback reaching the executive arm. He urged the council to increase the frequency of their reports and move beyond broad policy discussions to capture the "grassroots realities" of Delta's various communities. "At this stage of our governance journey, your reports are not just necessary—they are critical," Oborevwori stated. "They help us understand where we are doing well and, more importantly, where we need to improve. I want recommendations that are concise, practical, and solution-oriented."
The Governor also directed the council to play a stabilizing role in the state's political climate as various parties conduct their primaries. He charged the elder statesmen to advocate for "competence, integrity, and capacity" over sectional interests, arguing that the long-term prosperity of Delta depends on the quality of leadership selected during these internal party processes. This call for meritocracy comes at a time when political tensions often peak, and the Governor’s appeal suggests a desire for a more refined and less divisive political culture within the state.
During the session, the Governor paused to lead the council in mourning the late former Deputy Governor, Sir Benjamin Elue. Describing Elue as a "dedicated public servant," Oborevwori noted that his legacy of service remains a benchmark for current administrators. The Governor linked this spirit of service to his own leadership philosophy, which he described as being rooted in "humility and wisdom." Managing a state as demographically complex as Delta, he argued, requires a leader who can listen to dissenting voices and unite disparate interests toward a common goal.
Reflecting on his administration's performance since 2023, the Governor called for an "honest assessment" based on public perception and hard data rather than political sentiment. He challenged the council to be fearless in their evaluations, noting that governance must be measured by its physical and social impact on the streets of Asaba, Warri, and the riverine communities. This call for self-scrutiny is seen by analysts as an attempt to pivot the administration toward a more data-driven and accountable second half of its tenure.
The Governor’s address also touched upon the broader concept of "national consciousness." He urged the council members to be mindful of how they project the image of Delta and Nigeria to the world. While acknowledging the existence of systemic challenges, he argued that leaders have a responsibility to project a balanced and constructive image that inspires confidence among investors and the citizenry alike.
As the meeting concluded, the Governor expressed his deep gratitude to the council members for their unwavering support. He assured them that their inputs would directly shape the administration’s upcoming policy adjustments. By demanding a more rigorous advisory role from the state’s senior leaders, Oborevwori is signaling a shift toward a more scrutinized and transparent governance model, aimed at ensuring the "M.O.R.E. Agenda" translates into a more prosperous and inclusive reality for all Deltans.
