By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe
He won 21 local government areas out of 25, to become governor of Delta State. He encountered several electioneering legal battles from within and outside the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and apparently survived the entire 38 Court Cases, never lost any. To God be the Glory.
His choice was apt, received with loud ovation except for a handful of his political detractors and rivals. His candidacy under the PDP rocked the three senatorial districts of Delta State, and shocked her Political foundation.
The SHERRIFICATION OF DELTA 23, came in yellow, and the people painted Delta Yellow. The colour yellow brought good luck, synergy and victory through the unwavering finger of God.
The captain of the flight was the immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON. He mobilized, supervised the political structure and ensured that all turbulence during the flight were skillfully manipulated, cruised at safe altitude and landed safely on May 29, 2023, and then took a bow after handing over to the new captain, His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, JP, the UKODO of Okpe Kingdom.
From May 2023 up and until now, governor Oborevwori has been working round the clock to fulfil his electioneering campaign promises as encapsulated in his MORE Agenda; Meaningful development, Opportunity for all Deltans, Realistic reforms, Enhanced peace and security (M.O.R.E).
Upon assumption of office, he declared: “Elections are over, am governor for all Deltans irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic nationality or religious background.” This declaration corroborated his street credibility and excessive local content nature that spiced his landslide victory at the polls.
He immediately rolled out plans for the overall development of Delta State, and awarded a N78billion contract to construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, for the three mega projects of flyovers, road expansions, and pedestrian bridges at DSC Roundabout, PTI junction, Effurun Roundabout and Enerhen junction up to Marine Gate, as well as Storm Water Tunnel projects in Delta Central, Delta North and Delta South Senatorial Districts.
Julius Berger got 25 percent upfront payment and immediately mobilized to site. The construction of the three gigantic flyovers is ongoing, and Governor Oborevwori recently paid an unscheduled visit to the JB yard in Osubi, to view the HITECH equipment and materials on ground for a solid job. He was impressed and commended JB for a job well done, so far.
The Ughelli via Ozoro to Asaba dualization road project was his next port of call. He inspected the project and gave the contractors a firm marching order backed by resources to speed up work and complete the project. As of Sunday, May 5, the project is at its climax and shall be completed within a reasonable time.
The stormwater tunnels in Ika North East and environ, some roads and bridges in and around Delta North Senatorial Districts, road construction projects in riverine communities, as well as the transformation of Warri Township Stadium to a world-class sports facility, are in progress.
Governor Oborevwori personally went round to see things for himself and gave specific instructions to contractors. They must deliver as at when due and the job must be top quality to ensure durability.
The Effurun, Uvwie, Warri and environs are also receiving attention with underground rainwater tunnels in place, and the next phase is ongoing within Ogberikoko, Bendel Estate axis, deliberately planned by Governor Oborevwori to ensure that the erosion problem becomes a thing of the past in those communities and Warri city centre.
Street lights are back in full gear, and Governor Oborevwori will stop at nothing to light up Delta. Transformers are back to light up areas that have been in darkness for over a decade. Of a truth, the governor is Advancing Delta.
The Independent Power Project and Electric Vehicles to drastically reduce the hazards of fossil fuels is receiving attention, and very soon, Delta State will be climate-friendly, while the IPP will power the state via Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The governor is determined to see Delta rated number one in terms of socioeconomic and infrastructure development, and as the first investment destination in Nigeria, especially Foreign Direct Investments, FDI, and local investments in the state by Deltans and Nigerians.
The gigantic High Court Complex is almost ready for commissioning. The government recently inspected the project and gave contractors the marching order to perfect all that was needed to perfect, get the project ready for inauguration as part of his first year in office activities.
Secretary to Delta State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, accompanied by the Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Ekundeyen, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Barr (Mrs) Lyna Ochulor, Director General – Direct Labour Agency, Engr Chief Emmanuel Ighomena, Executive Assistant on Communications to the Governor and Head of Delta State Orientation Bureau, Dr (Barr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, and other senior government officials, again inspected the High Court Project on Friday May 3, wherein Dr Emu, emphasized the need for the contractors to get the High Court Project ready for commissioning.
The First Anniversary Committee will soon release the projects ready for inauguration by the governor, and it would enable Deltans and Nigerians to reflect on Governor Oborevwori’s enviable performances within 12 months and to imagine the shape of better things to come.
The visionary leadership of Governor Oborevwori is no longer in doubt. His detractors and political rivals are already amazed, and wondering how he has been able to execute so many projects, paid salaries as at when due, paid contractors and yet did not borrow a penny from any financial institution in Nigeria or anywhere in the world.
Love or hate Governor Oborevwori, he stands out as a pragmatic leader with a clear vision, foresight and political willpower to achieve and surpass his electioneering campaign promises. His social contract with Deltans is sacred and sacrosanct, and he will sure deliver.
