Oborevwori Tasks Newly Elected Council Chairmen on Infrastructure and Fiscal Discipline
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on the newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the state’s 25 local governments to focus on viable infrastructural projects and ensure modesty, fiscal discipline, prudent resource management, and excellent service delivery.
Governor Oborevwori made this charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the local government leaders in Asaba, the state capital. He emphasized the importance of avoiding wasteful spending and extravagant lifestyles, urging the leaders to address issues such as insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and environmental decay.
“You must discharge your duties with sincerity of purpose, impartiality, compassion, fairness, and justice,” Governor Oborevwori stated. “I expect you to work assiduously for the actualization of the MORE Agenda.”
He also urged the chairmen to improve environmental sanitation, highlighting the poor waste disposal practices in urban centers. He called for proper waste disposal measures and aggressive public enlightenment campaigns to educate the populace on good sanitation habits.
Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed the state government’s stance on local government funds, welcoming the Supreme Court’s ruling on Local Government autonomy. He stressed that the state government has never tampered with local government funds and has often augmented allocations to enable local governments to meet their financial obligations.
“As Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, we advocated for financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary. The House also voted YES to Local Government autonomy during the Fifth Alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The governor also cautioned the chairmen against overtaxing the populace, acknowledging the economic hardships faced by residents. He advised them to work collaboratively with their Vice Chairmen, the legislative arm, and other critical stakeholders to ensure peace, stability, and cohesion in their domains.
Governor Oborevwori expressed gratitude to the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) for conducting free, fair, and credible elections, and to security agencies for maintaining peace and security during the electoral process.
The newly elected chairmen include Emmanuel Bazim Chinye (Aniocha North), Jude Chukwunkwike (Aniocha South), Dagidi Andaye (Bomadi), Julius Takeme (Burutu), Augustine Ogedegbe (Ethiope East), Christian Onogba (Ethiope West), Monday Odigwe (Ika North East), Jerry Ehiwarior (Ika South), Godwin Ogorugba (Isoko North), Warri Ovoke Friday (Isoko South), Vincent Osilonya (Ndokwa East), Obi Nzete (Ndokwa West), and Isaiah Esiovwa (Okpe).
Others are Innocent Esewezie (Oshimili North), Obi Kelvin Ezenyili (Oshimili South), Isaac Aguanah (Patani), Bright Abeke (Sapele), Vincent Oyibode (Udu), Jaro Egbo (Ughelli North), Lucky Avweromre (Ughelli South), Possible Ajede (Ukwuani), Anthony Ofoni (Uvwie), Festus Ashima (Warri North), Weyinmi Agbateyiniro (Warri South), and Sylvester Oromoni (Warri South West).
Hon. Innocent Esewezie, Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Council, responded on behalf of the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, expressing appreciation to the governor and PDP leaders for the opportunity to serve. He assured that they would adhere to the MORE Agenda and uphold the confidence placed in them by the electorate.
The ceremony, attended by notable figures including the governor’s wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and PDP State Chairman Dr. Kingsley Esiso, concluded with the administration of the oath of office to the chairmen and their deputies by Governor Oborevwori.
