Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged the newly-elected Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the state’s 25 local governments to focus on practical projects and maintain modesty and fiscal discipline.
During their swearing-in ceremony in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori stressed the importance of prudent management, careful allocation of resources, and excellent service delivery. He advised the new officials to avoid wasteful spending and extravagant lifestyles and to tackle issues such as insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and environmental decay.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized that chairmen should stay close to their communities by operating from their local headquarters and warned against managing local governments from distant locations like Asaba and Warri. Governor Oborevwori called on the chairmen to respond to the people’s needs and deliver good governance.
He urged them to work with sincerity, fairness, and justice, aligning their efforts with the MORE Agenda. He also highlighted the need to improve environmental sanitation and suggested implementing proper waste disposal measures and public education campaigns on good sanitation habits.
The governor reassured that the state government does not interfere with local government funds and welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy. He noted that Delta State had practised local government autonomy since the previous administration. He revealed that he had already reduced a significant portion of the N56 billion debt in pension arrears inherited from the previous administration, paying off N40 billion.
Governor Oborevwori encouraged the chairmen to enhance their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) without overburdening the populace, especially during tough economic times. He advised them to work cooperatively with their vice-chairmen, legislative arms, and other stakeholders to ensure peace and stability in their areas.
The governor also commended the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) for conducting free, fair, and credible elections and thanked security agencies for maintaining peace during the exercise.
Newly elected chairmen include Emmanuel Bazim Chinye (Aniocha North), Jude Chukwunkwike (Aniocha South), and others from different local government areas. On behalf of the new chairmen, Hon. Innocent Esewezie of Oshimili North expressed gratitude to the governor and the PDP leaders for the opportunity to serve and pledged to adhere to the MORE Agenda.
The event was attended by the governor’s wife, the deputy governor, the state assembly speaker, the state PDP chairman, and other top officials. The ceremony’s highlight was the administration of the oath of office by the governor.
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