Comrade Chief Sheriff Mulade, a prominent environmental activist and National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), lauded Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his forward-thinking approach to addressing the infrastructure needs of Delta State’s riverine communities.
Speaking to journalists recently, Mulade expressed his gratitude for what he described as a significant and much-needed step by the governor. He said, “I am elated and deeply thankful to the governor for being proactive in addressing the call of the riverine people. The creation of this agency or ministry is a bold move that will help bridge the development deficit in these areas.”
Mulade recalled how, during his tenure as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Oborevwori supported a proposal initiated by CEPEJ for the establishment of the Coastal Area Development Agency (CADA). Unfortunately, the proposal did not receive backing from the previous administration under Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
“He was supportive of the initiative then because he understood the plight of the riverine people. It is no surprise that as governor, he has acted to fulfill this long-awaited need,” Mulade added.
Highlighting the importance of the newly created ministry, Mulade emphasized that the riverine communities, despite being crucial to Delta State’s and Nigeria’s economy, have long been neglected. He attributed Oborevwori’s success in establishing the ministry to his strong community leadership qualities and deep connection with the people.
“Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori has demonstrated true leadership by taking this initiative. He understands the struggles of those in the riverine areas and has taken decisive action to address them,” Mulade noted.
The Ijaw-born environmentalist further urged the governor to ensure that the ministry becomes a statutory body backed by legislation from the Delta State House of Assembly. Mulade warned that without legal backing, future administrations might abolish or alter the ministry, which would undermine the progress made.
“It is crucial that this ministry is enshrined in law, overseen by a commissioner. I urge the governor to send an Executive Bill to the Delta State House of Assembly to establish the ministry as a statutory body. This will ensure that the legacy established by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is protected and continues to serve the riverine people for years to come,” Mulade concluded.
He praised the governor for making a historic impact on the riverine communities, stating that this action has cemented Oborevwori’s name in gold among the people of the region.
