Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State in a recent development has issued a significant directive to his state’s executive council members, to give precedence to the welfare and interests of the state, setting aside ethnic factors.
The governor conveyed this directive during the swearing-in ceremony of 26 commissioners held in Asaba on Tuesday. He emphasized the importance of humility and urged them to steer clear of engaging in ethnic-based politics.
According to a report from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the recently sworn-in commissioners in Delta State have not yet been assigned specific portfolios.
The group comprises individuals such as Chief Fidelis Tilije, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, Odinigwe Odigle Daniel, Joan Onyemaechi, Jerry Ehiwario, Michael Ifeanyi Anoka, Princess Pat Ajudua, Darlington Ijeh, Funyei Manager, Godknows Angele, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, Emamusi Obiodeh, Perez Omoun, Orode Uduaghan, Isaac Tosan Wilkie, Agbateyimiro Weyinmi, Samuel Oligida, Prof. Tonukari Johnbull, Etagherure Ejiro Terry, Jamani Tommy Ejiro, Onoriode Agofure, Mr. Izeze Reuben, Vincent Oyibode, and Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen.
Governor Oborevwori highlighted that the commissioners should recognize the privilege of their appointments amid the abundance of qualified candidates in the state. He urged those who were not selected to remain undeterred. Additionally, the governor announced the initiation of a monthly palliative payment of N10,000 to over 50,196 state workers for a span of three years.
This move aims to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal and the weakening of the naira exchange rates in the country.
Furthermore, he granted authorization for the establishment of a committee, which will include representatives from the labor union. This committee’s primary task is to devise a comprehensive plan for delivering aid to widows, individuals living with disabilities, as well as impoverished and elderly individuals residing within the state.
Governor Oborevwori shared that he engaged in discussions with local council chairpersons to ensure that their workers also receive appropriate support.
Governor Oborevwori also unveiled that the approval has been granted for the recruitment of at least 2000 primary school teachers within the state.
Additionally, he shared that the government is in the process of developing plans to procure electric vehicles and establish a tricycle workshop situated in Asaba. The primary objective of this workshop is to facilitate the conversion of tricycles into vehicles that can operate using both petrol and gas engines. This initiative is designed to address the considerable transportation expenses encountered by the state’s residents.
Nevertheless, the governor stressed the need for the newly appointed commissioners to persist in the task of occupying vacant positions across diverse ministries, departments, and agencies. He placed strong emphasis on the crucial requirement that these appointments must be grounded in merit, highlighting the significance of selecting candidates based on their qualifications and capabilities.
Oborevwori said,
“This council is an inspiring blend of youths and experienced hands; the youth represents a breath of fresh air, while the old hands represent experience and mentorship.
“To the commissioners that have been sworn in today, I charge you to be humble, shun pride and arrogance.”
He encouraged them to validate the trust that has been placed in them.
In response, both Sir Tilije and Miss Orode Uduaghan, in their individual statements, assured their commitment to fulfilling their duties as commissioners. Their commitment is focused on delivering effective service to both the government and the citizens of the state.
Distinguished figures graced the occasion, among whom were former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Chief Great Ogboru, a prominent member and gubernatorial contender of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) within the state.