Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, highlighted the state’s ranking as the first among states in the country in Criminal Justice Reforms by the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies based in Abuja.
The Governor made this known during the swearing-in ceremony of three newly appointed Commissioners in Asaba, the state capital on Thursday.
Oborevwori said this achievement was made possible following the passage of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022 and Administration of Civil Justice Law 2022 by the State House of Assembly under his leadership as Speaker.
The Governor described the newly appointed Commissioners as tested hands and expressed his confidence in their competence.
Mr Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, was described as a brilliant and capable lawyer who brings almost 30 years of distinguished service at the Bar to the office. He challenged the new Attorney-General to sustain the state’s pace-setter role in Criminal Justice Reforms and to ensure the rigorous and successful implementation of the state’s criminal justice laws.
Dr Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, the Commissioner for Information, was described as a tested hand and avid communicator with extensive experience in political communication and information management. His appointment as Information Commissioner was thoroughly well-deserved, and his commitment to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and passion for citizen engagement and mobilisation were commended. Governor Oborevwori expects creativity and innovation in government communication that ensures optimal, fact-based projection of the policies, programmes, achievements, and activities of the government.
Prince Kelly Kalanama Penawou, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, was described as a grassroots politician of immense stature with extensive experience in local government administration. The Governor expects nothing but excellence and exemplary performance from him, having served as Special Adviser on Local Government Affairs in the immediate past administration.
Governor Oborevwori charged the Commissioners to lead by example by being role models in their respective ministries. He emphasized that their example is the most powerful leadership tool they possess, and they must be role models in punctuality, discipline, hard work, excellence, honesty, transparency, and accountability. He further urged them to let fairness, equity, and justice guide their actions, give every citizen equal opportunity to benefit from the government’s programmes and services, maintain an open-door policy in their ministries, and be accessible to all and sundry.
The Governor reassured Deltans that this administration is poised to fully focus on advancing Delta State through accelerated infrastructural development, more job opportunities, improved learning climate in schools, and better working conditions for workers in the public service. He charged all political appointees to roll up their sleeves and redouble their efforts.
