By NORBERT CHIAZOR
Remember Tom and Jerry? The troublesome cartoon characters of Metro Golden Meyer.Fighters of fury. The mischievous duo best dramatizes the clash of personalities. Nigerian Governors and their Deputies.
Delta is lucky. Rt.Hon.Sheriff Oborevwori and Sir Monday Onyeme are “paddies” in power. Tag team trending in tandem.
The governor is on leave. Delta is still lively, working
winning. That is what a society gets when the leader is accommodating.
Oborevwori came to duty in 2023, vowing to give his office a human face. Beyond hip service, the Governor has proved his liberalism.
In Nigeria, governors hardly go on leave. They leave their seats in the shadows of dusk and return in secrecy. This vice grip on power is endemic in Africa generally where political leaders stick rigidly to power like bees to honey.
Not Oborevwori on the saddle. After working for one year and five months advancing Delta with social infrastructure and empowerment dividends, he willingly took a break to bask in better steam.
The governor, it must be pointed out never went on vacation in fatigue, but a robust retreat for rejuvenation.
Oborevwori seems mellow in a country where holders of political fortunes are too desperate and emotionally dependent on the infectiousness of power.
Deltans who know Sheriff are invariably persuaded by his free spirit, given his much-advertised moniker-UKODO.A selfish man can never have a pet name which means sharing. Ukodo metaphor, a cultural symbolism of selfless fellowship fits Oborevwori ‘s regard for brotherhood.
Today, humble Onyeme is happy as acting governor of Delta, inspecting projects, superintending crucial meetings, and taking decisions because a caring boss gave him a chance. His cool nature coalesces fittingly with the easy-going demeanor of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
While it can be argued that deputy governors in Nigeria are powerless decorative figures, idle on governance corridors, Onyeme’s fate stands more symbolic than honorific. He is deputizing in peace. His boss, Sheriff, has so far created plausible airs for him to breathe. Mindful governor and a meek deputy.
Compare the calm in Delta with the storm in Edo, then the unpalatable events of the past between governors and their deputies in Abia, Lagos, Ebonyi,
Kano and so on.
Commendably, the relationship among successive governors and their deputies in Delta has been an enchanting story of love in oneness since 1999.
Good, a sensible Sheriff continued with the tradition in warmer mood.
Delta wins.
– Chiazor is Executive Assistant, EA (Media) to the Governor.
