The governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed his support for the re-election bid of his Bayelsa State counterpart, Senator Douye Diri, in the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for November 11, 2023.
Oborevwori, who paid a courtesy visit to Diri at the Bayelsa Creek Haven, seat of Bayelsa State Government, on Saturday, October 14, 2023, praised the achievements of the incumbent governor in various sectors of the state’s economy.
He said Diri had demonstrated his commitment to the welfare and development of Bayelsans through his people-oriented and impactful policies and projects.
He cited the inauguration of Etegwe Bridge and upgrade of Etegwe-Edepie-Tombia Roundabout and Agilobi Road, Yenagoa, as examples of Diri’s infrastructural development agenda.
He also commended Diri for ensuring the security and peace of the state, as well as creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Oborevwori urged Bayelsans to come out en masse and vote massively for Diri to continue his good work for another four years.
He also appealed to Deltans living in Bayelsa to support Diri’s re-election bid, saying that both states share a common bond of friendship and brotherhood.
“Governor Diri is the perfect picture of a servant-leader. He is humble, straightforward, caring, loyal, dependable and passionate about improving the lot of Bayelsans,” Oborevwori said.
“Since assuming office, Governor Diri has prioritized the security of the state, infrastructural development and the creation of an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“Indeed, virtually every sector of the Bayelsa economy has felt the positive impact of Governor Diri’s pace-setting administration.
“Under his stewardship, Yenagoa, the state capital, is now wearing the look that is befitting of its status as a state capital.
“Just last month, Phase 2 of Glory Drive Carriageway was commissioned by the Sultan of Sokoto.”¹
In his response, Diri thanked Oborevwori for his solidarity and friendship, saying that he was honoured by his visit and endorsement.
He also appreciated his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, for initiating the dualisation project that he inherited and completed.
He said the Tombia Roundabout had been a hideout for criminals and expressed joy that his administration had transformed it into a modern and beautiful edifice.
He said Yenagoa used to be a single road state capital but added that successive administrations in the state had contributed immensely towards bringing Yenagoa at par with developed state capitals in Nigeria and even better than some.²
Diri also expressed gratitude to the people of Bayelsa for their support and cooperation, assuring them that he would not disappoint them if given another mandate.
He solicited their votes and prayers for his re-election, promising to consolidate on his achievements and take Bayelsa to greater heights.
“I want to thank you for your support and cooperation. I want to assure you that I will not let you down. I will continue to work hard to make Bayelsa a better place for all of us,” Diri said.³
Meanwhile, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has also commended Oborevwori for his exemplary leadership in Delta State.
Otti stated this when he received the Delta governor and his entourage at his Umuru country home in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State on Friday, October 13, 2023.
Oborevwori and his delegation were in Abia for the funeral of the late Ezinne Gold Egege, mother of Catherine Onyeme, wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme.⁴
Otti lauded Oborevwori for his people-oriented and impactful governance, especially in caring for the welfare of workers and the downtrodden in the society.
He said: “I want to thank you for the important things you are doing for Deltans, especially your care and love for human beings.
“It has come to my knowledge that you have set aside so much money in paying salary and pension arrears and even supporting struggling families.
“That is what governance is all about because each time governance moves from human beings to some other things, you have failed as a leader.
“This is not about stomach infrastructure but a structured system to move people out of poverty and a system where people will have money in their hands to buy whatever they want.”
On his part, Oborevwori appreciated his host for receiving the delegation, assuring that he would invite Otti to Delta to inaugurate some projects in the nearest future.
Back in Delta, Oborevwori, penultimate Sunday, said his administration would continue to invest in the judiciary to enable it meet its obligations of speedily dispensing justice.
Speaking at a special thanksgiving Mass to mark the beginning of the 2023/2024 Legal Year held at Emmanuel the Saviour Catholic Church, Asaba, Oborevwori frowned at delays in Nigeria’s justice system and urged stakeholders to work assiduously to ensure speedy justice delivery in the courts.
He said the Bar and the Bench were co-workers with God to ensure that truth and justice prevailed in the society.
According to him, work was at advanced stage at the State High Court Complex, assuring that it would be completed and furnished within the shortest possible time to provide a very conducive working environment for the judiciary.
In line with his belief that workers should not be owed any arrears due them, Oborevwori, on Monday, directed that workers be promoted as and when due, with payment of necessary financial obligations, to avoid piling up promotion arrears.
