Democracy Day: Oborevwori expresses hope for greater Nigeria

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State says a greater future awaits Nigerians if they eschew bitterness and embrace peace and unity for the development of the Country.

Oborevwori stated this on Monday while speaking to Journalists in Asaba on the celebration of June 12 as "Democracy Day".

He said that Nigeria had weathered the storm in the past 24 years of civil rule and prayed for greater development and improvement in the standard of living of the people.

Oborevwori said: "We have survived 24 years of uninterrupted civil rule. Democracy has come to stay even though we have our challenges. We will continue to do more for the people to build on the achievements of our past leaders.

"It is my prayer that we will continue to achieve more for the people because any body in position of leadership is expected to do his best for nation-building.

"As leaders, what we want for Nigeria is more unity, more cooperation, peace, progress and that is my wish for our dear nation.

"I know that with peace and unity in our nation, more development will come to our people," he stated.

NWFL: Oborevwori congratulates Delta Queens

The Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated Delta Queens for winning the Nigeria Women’s Football League, (NWFL) tournament dubbed Super 6.

Delta Queens defeated Bayelsa Queens 2-1 to emerge winners of the Super 6 Competition on Sunday, inside the main bowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

By emerging champions of the Super 6 tournament, the Delta State girls have qualified to represent Nigeria in the forthcoming West African Football Union (WAFU) B Women’s CAF Champions League qualifiers.

Oborevwori, who received the trophy from the victorious team on Sunday night, congratulated them for a hard fought victory.

He said that Delta was renowned for sports and urged the team to prepare adequately for the continental tournament.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Festus Ahon, the Governor described their brilliant performance at the championship as a manifestation of their super outing during the regular season where they topped group B with 26 points.

Oborevwori attributed the team's victory to hardwork, commitment and focus on the part of the management, the coaches and the players.

He assured that the State Government will continue to support the team to win more laurels for the State and the Country, especially now that it has qualified to represent Nigeria at the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B play-off for the second CAF African Women’s Champions League.

Oborevwori said: "I congratulate the organisers for putting up such a quality tournament, where our darling team Delta Queens emerged worthy champions.

"This victory is particularly sweet for me because we are winning it after 11 years. Therefore, on behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I congratulate our dear Delta Queens for making us proud again.

"As a State Government, we will continue to do everything possible to support the team to win more laurels for the State and Country as they represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League via a WAFU qualifying window in August," the Governor said.

AUTO CRASH: Oborevwori Condoles Diri, Bayelsans

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has sent a condolence message to his Bayelsa counterpart, Senator Douye Diri on the death of some members of the State’s contingent to the Nigerian Women Football League final.

The Women FA Championship Final is scheduled to take place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba and the Bayelsa supporters' team were on transit to Asaba when a bus in the entourage was involved in a fatal crash after Kwale, leading to the death of 4 members of the supporters club with 7 others sustaining injuries.

Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Festus Ahon, condoled with the families of the deceased, the Government and people of Bayelsa on the unfortunate incident and prayed for quick healing and recovery of the injured.

He said that the unfortunate incident was regrettable and had caused great pain to the bereaved families. He also, prayed for the souls of the departed.

"A few hours ago, I was informed of the unfortunate accident involving members of the Bayelsa State supporters' club on their way to Asaba for the 2022/2023 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Final taking place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

“It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with the families of those that lost their lives in the fatal motor accident of Sunday, June 11, 2023, along Kwale Asaba Road.

“Indeed, their deaths have caused a dark cloud and great sorrow for their families and Bayelsa State.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I extend my heartfelt condolences to my brother Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the bereaved families and people of Bayelsa State on this sad incident.

“Their untimely deaths have undoubtedly caused great pain and sorrow to their families. I pray for quick healing to the injured and that such tragedy will never occur again.

“May God grant the families and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and may the souls of the departed rest in peace,” Oborevwori prayed.

Oborevwori salutes Deltans, Nigerians on Democracy Day

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has felicitated with Deltans and Nigerians on this year's Democracy Day today June 12.

Oborevwori, in a goodwill message through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Festus Ahon in Asaba, said Deltans and Nigerians should celebrate this year's democracy day in view of the smooth, peaceful, and successful transition from one civil administration to another.

He stated that Nigeria's democracy was waxing stronger, especially with improvements in the nation's electoral laws, and urged citizens to take advantage of these reforms to choose leaders of their choice for the good governance of the nation.

Oborevwori, said: "On behalf of my family, the government, and good people of Delta State, I congratulate Deltans and Nigerians on the commemoration of the 2023 Democracy Day, today June 12.

"As we mark this year's Democracy Day, it is important that we pay tribute to all those who risked their lives in the struggle to end military dictatorship and enthrone democracy in the country. They are the heroes of our democracy, and it is my prayer that their labour of sacrifice shall not be in vain.

"We thank God that since the return of democracy in 1999 we have had 24 years of unbroken civil rule; Nigerians have enjoyed the opportunity to elect leaders of their choice for the purpose of good governance.

"Here in Delta, we have been fortunate and privileged as a political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to be given the mandate to administer the affairs of the state since 1999.

"Successive administrations in the state have continued to improve on the infrastructural and human capital developments of our dear state and my administration will not be an exception because we have promised to do more to advance the state through our MORE Agenda.

"I, therefore, urge all Deltans and Nigerians to keep hope alive because whatever challenges the nation is grappling with would be surmounted in no distant time through constant prayer, cooperation, mutual understanding, and unity of purpose among the leaders and the led.

"I pray that God will continue to bless our beloved state and country, as we continue to march forward in our Democratic journey."

Oborevwori: One week in the saddle

By Nelson Egware

On May 29, 2023, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori was sworn in as 5th elected Governor of Delta State. In keeping with his M.O.R.E agenda which means Meaningful Development; Opportunity for all; Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security, Oborevwori has demonstrated that he was amply prepared to advance Delta state by hitting the ground running.

So far, he has taken the gauntlet and immediately after the swearing-in ceremony, his predecessor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa came calling for the official handover which was preceded by the former praying for the incumbent to succeed in his new assignment.

Immediately after his inauguration, Oborevwori named veteran Journalist and Vanguard Newspaper's Delta Correspondent, Mr Festus Ahon as his Chief Press Secretary.


Few days later, the Governor also approved the appointment of Dr Kingsley Emu, a Harvard trained economist and banker as Secretary to the State Government while a former Deputy Majority Leader of the State House Assembly, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo as Chief of Staff and former Senator Representing Delta Central Senatorial District and erstwhile Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo was announced as Senior Political Adviser.

While swearing-in the SSG and Senior Political Adviser, Oborevwori, restated his firm belief in the unity of the state and determination to resist all forms of sectionalism and nepotism in the discharge of his statutory responsibilities.


Congratulating the appointees on their “well-deserved appointments”, the governor urged them to key into the M.O.R.E Agenda of his administration towards sustained infrastructural renewal, human capital development and social investment programmes.

He reassured on his promise to run an all-inclusive government but stressed that “capacity and merit” would form the basis of political appointments under his watch. The governor warned political appointees in his administration against ethnic politics and sectionalism but to regard the entire state as their constituency by being fair and just to all citizens of the state.

The following day he appointed son of late Senator Patrick Osakwe, Hon. Christopher Osakwe a former Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government Council as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme. Oborevwori an apostle and crusader for equity and fairness has so far balanced his appointments as all the appointees cut across the three Senatorial Districts in the state.

On his first official working day, the Governor met with the State Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra Ministerial Departments and Agencies in the state where he unfolded his vision to the bureaucrats. The meeting which was held at the Exco Chambers, Government House, Asaba, was attended by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme.

Addressing Government House correspondents shortly after the meeting, the state Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Reginald Bayoko said the meeting provided a veritable platform for the governor to formally outline his vision to the bureaucrats.

He said the Governor charged the entire civil servants in the state to be diligent in the discharge of their duties. Bayoko said that as civil servants who are at the front line of delivering services and implementing the government's agenda they should be up and doing in the discharge of their services to the state.

Bayoko further said Governor Oborevwori recounted his promise to the electorate and told them the state needs to feel his impact as his "four-year first term had started counting, and on our part, we promised to give him the full support to deliver on his mandate to the citizens".

Oborevwori also attended a grand reception in honour of immediate past Governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa on Saturday where he assured that his administration would be fair, Just and equitable to all parts of the state in terms of projects and appointments.


He commended the Ika nation for organising the reception in honour of the former Governor and pledged to carry out his task as Governor with the fear of God.

Oborevwori at the ceremony approved the naming of the Old Lagos-Asaba Road cutting across Ika North East and Ika South LGAs after Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as requested by the Council Chairmen, Hon. Victor Ebonka and Hon. Sunny Tatabuzuogu.

The Governor who returned home for the first time since becoming Governor, on Sunday, attended a church service at the Living Faith Church, Effurun where he thanked the Church for their prayers and support and promised to be a servant-leader with the fear of God in living up to the expectations of the electorates who trusted him with their votes.

On his way back to Asaba on Monday morning, Governor Oborevwori seized the opportunity to carry out inspection works on the ongoing construction of the Sector 'A' and Sector 'C' of the Ughelli-Asaba dualisation project where he promised to continue funding ongoing projects to ensure their early completion.

He said the road was very important to all Deltans because it leads to Asaba the state capital and the South East and urged the contractors to show more commitment as government was willing to meet their obligations as they fall due.

The first one week of Governor Oborevwori has been remarkable and we look forward to greater days and years ahead of him as he soldiers on to deliver on his M.O.R.E Agenda aimed at Advancing Delta.

NANS congratulates Ahon on appointment as Chief Press Secretary

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) South-South Zone, on Wednesday, congratulated Comrade Festus Ahon on his appointment as Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.

The student's umbrella body in the zone led by the National Assistant Secretary, Comrade Chika Kessy Ossai, Deputy Coordinator of NANS Zone B Comrade Dio Oghale and NANS Presidential aspirant, Comrade Pedro Obi, expressed delight with Ahon's appointment describing it as well deserved.

Speaking during a congratulatory visit to the Governor's spokesman at Government House Asaba, Comrade Ossai described Ahon as a home grown journalist who over the years supported the activities of NANS in the zone.

According to Ossai, we are here to congratulate you on your well deserved appointment as the Chief Press Secretary to our dear Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

"Over the years, you have been a great pillar of support to students in the state and we appreciate our amiable Governor for finding you worthy of this appointment.

"As students' leaders we pledge to support the state government as long as they continue taking care of the welfare of students especially as it relates to bursary payment.

"We believe in the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the Oborevwori administration and we urge the state government to continue to champion programmes that would uplift the common man," Ossai stated.

Responding, Comrade Ahon expressed appreciation to the NANS leaders for the visit and assured of the state government’s investments in education and provision of welfare for students.

"I want to thank you for this visit and let me assure you that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is youth friendly and will put the interest of students in the front burner.

"We will advance Delta with our M.O.R.E. Agenda and we will not compromise the welfare of our students, so we urge you to continue to support the government within the limits of your powers.

"If there are issues don't be quick to hit the streets to protest, come to us if its what we can do we will handle it as quick as possible.

"Our Governor has been with us, so he understands your challenges and will do everything within his powers to make students comfortable during their studies," Ahon stated.

Oborevwori rejoices with Benjamin Elue at 83

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated a former Deputy Governor of the State, Chief Benjamin Elue, on his 83rd birth anniversary on June 6.

He described Chief Elue, who was Deputy Governor to Chief James Ibori from 1999-2007, as a renowned teacher and politician, whose humility, dedication and loyalty had continued to inspire younger generation of politicians and leaders.

He said that Chief Elue had remained loyal and committed to the unity and growth of the State and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the Governor joined family members, friends and associates in celebrating his remarkable life of service to the State and Country.

He remarked that Elue was a loyal patriot and administrator, whose invaluable service, particularly to Delta and its citizens, would remain green.

According to Oborevwori: "It is with great joy that I bring very warm felicitations to you on behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta as you clock 83 eventful and remarkable years on earth.

“As an octogenarian and elder statesman par excellence, you have continued to live an exemplary life of great impact with many outstanding accomplishments, especially as a former Deputy Governor of our dear State.

"As a State, we have been blessed with very loyal and dedicated Deputy Governors of which you are one.

"As a role model and outstanding patriot, you served our State and Country very passionately and contributed immensely to our party’s winning streak in your home local government area of Aniocha North and Delta North in general.

“As you deservedly celebrate your 83rd birth anniversary, I join your family to thank Almighty God for His guidance, protection and provision for you and wish you many more fruitful years in the service of God and mankind."

Oborevwori felicitates with Amos Utuama at 76

Governor of Delta, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated former Deputy Governor of the State, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN) as he clocks 76.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the Governor joined Utuama’s family, friends and political associates in celebrating his remarkable life of service to the State, the academia and the Country.

He described Utuama as a "dedicated and committed patriot, astute administrator, teachers' teacher, legal icon and leader of amiable disposition’’, whose impeccable service, particularly to Delta and its citizens, will remain unforgettable.

Oborevwori said: "It is with profound joy, that on behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I bring very warm felicitations to you as you celebrate 76 wonderful years on earth today.

“Over the years, you served our State and nation passionately and you impacted knowledge as a law teacher, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and later as Deputy Governor of our dear State.

"We salute your humility and sagacity and pray that the good Lord will perfect your health and grant you many more years in the service of our State and Country.

“I join your family, friends, political associates and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past 76 years of a life of forthrightness and amazing patriotism," Oborevwori stated.

Ukodhiko not involved in criminal act

The Jonathan Ukodhiko Media Office has been inundated with malicious reports published in a section of the online media particularly SaharaReporters.

In the said publications which has since gone viral on the Social Media, our principal’s properties in PortHarcourt and his Erawha-Owhe country home were said to have been sealed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the purported order of a Federal High Court.

The authors were involved in mere propaganda and mischief when they claimed that an Abuja property allegedly belonging to him was also sealed.

Again the EFCC that were joined as party to the suit couldn't have been the one to seal the said properties.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Isoko Federal Constituency Member-elect Hon. Engr Jonathan Ukodhiko is a successful businessman whose antecedents in the Nigeria's oil and gas industry have been well acknowledged.

He has never been involved in any illicit financial transaction and would never indulge in such especially now that he overwhelmingly got the mandate of his beloved Isoko people to represent them in the National Assembly.

The Honourable Member-elect is currently out of the country to attend his daughter's graduation and prior to his oversea trip he attended several public functions including the inauguration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as Delta State Governor.

It is not true that he has gone into hiding to evade arrest. His lawyers are already handling the issue of the court order and is very hopeful it will be vacated in no distant time.

We have been reliably informed that the action of the EFCC was largely orchestrated by political opponents who are bent on getting the mandate of the people through the back door.

Our lawyers are already working hard to vacate the said order from our properties because the Honourable member elect or any company related to him has never been involved in any form of illegality.

Hon. Ukodhiko is going about in his preparations to serve the good people of Isoko that have given him the mandate to serve them.

By the grace of God, we know the responsibility entrusted in our hands and will not do anything that will betray that trust. We are more determined than ever to serve our people and we won't succumb to blackmail and intimidation, we will not and can never be involved in any form of fraud or illegality.

Jonathan Ukodhiko Media Office
June 4, 2023

I'll be your servant-leader, Oborevwori assures Deltans

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state has promised to live up to the expectations of the electorates who trusted him him with their votes.

Oborevwori who made the promise at the Living Faith Church, (Winners Chapel) Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state, said that he would serve Deltans as a servant leader in humility and with the fear of God.

The governor thanked the Church and people of the state for their support and prayers, which according to him, led to his emergence as Governor.

While assuring that he would do more for the people as promised, he enjoined the people to continue to pray for him to enable him succeed in his new assignment.

Oborevwori said: "Am happy to be here today in your midst. This is your own and having been sworn in as the 5th Governor of Deta State, I said must come here to worship with you.

"Please continue to put me in prayer for me to succeed because I have promised Deltans that am going to do more and am very sure that Warri will have a new face.

"I thank you (Pastor Triumphant Obamoh) for all you have done for us. This is happening during your time and we are proud of you. Papa (Bishop David Oyedepo) is happy with us in this state.

"When I received my certificate of return I went to Canaanland and Papa and Mama prayed for me and my dear wife. I will go back there to receive the unction to perform.

"I will be Governor for all Deltans. I want to serve you and be a servant leader in humility and with the fear of God".

The Resident Pastor, Living Faith Church, Water Resources, Effurun, Pastor Triumphant Obamoh, in a sermon titled "Understanding the Blessedness of a Revival" said Delta State would rise again as great things would begin to happen, adding that "God's presence is the only thing that can sustain a man and decorate him."

He said: "Revival is a platform for divine visitation as it makes a man to seek after God and the interest of His kingdom as well as walk in the fear of God".

Pastor Obamoh said Delta would begin to experience revival in terms of practical development, stressing that old approaches cannot be used to solve new challenges and prayed for God's wisdom for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to enable him do mighty developmental works that would change the face of Delta State for good.

Delta'll be great again under your watch, Okpe monarch tells Oborevwori

The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (retd) CFR, has predicted that Delta would experience greater development under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The Orodje gave the prediction on Saturday when the Governor paid him a condolence visit on the passing of his elder brother, Pa Nelson Mujakperuo at Opuraja community, Okpe Local Government Area of the state.

The Royal father who thanked God for answering prayers, said that he prayed about six years ago for an Okpe son to become Governor and told Oborevwori, "you will rule for 8 years".

According to him, "about six years ago I prayed at Owa and after praying I told the Obi of Owa, Obi Dr Emmanuel Efeizomor II, "as you have your son as Governor, the next Governor I will have him as my son.

"At that time I didn't know who is going to be the Governor and everybody were laughing at me but I have been very consistent on that prayer and God answers prayers and I thank God that He has answered my prayers.

"I also told him that as your son the Governor is taking care of your kingdom my son will also take care of my kingdom and am very sure that Oborevwori (Ukodo Okpe) will also take care of Okpe Kingdom and the entire Delta State.

"Okpe Kingdom will never be the same again so Your Excellency I am welcoming you and your entourage back home.

"It is our prayer that God will bless you and bless your administration because we are expecting more from you just as you said to move Delta to the next level," the monarch said.

Responding, Oborevwori said he was in Opuraja to commiserate with the Mujakperuo family on the passing of their patriarch and oldest man in the community.

The governor also congratulated daughter of the deceased and her husband, Mr and Mrs Theophilus Uwanogho who got married Saturday.

"I have come here to commiserate with Opuraja people and the family of the deceased. I commiserate with all of you and I know that we can't question God.

"God is the one that gives and takes life so may the soul of the departed rest in perfect peace.

"I will find time to come but I must thank you all for the prayers and support you have given to me. God will bless you, bless the Okpe Kingdom and Delta State," the governor said.

Oborevwori felicitates Edith Okowa at 62

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has congratulated the wife of the immediate past Governor of the state, Dame Edith Okowa, on her 62nd birth anniversary.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Festus Ahon, in Asaba, Oborevwori commended Dame Okowa for her philanthropic works, especially in making life more meaningful for the less-privileged in the society.

He noted that Dame Okowa is a selfless woman of integrity who supported her husband throughout his tenure as Governor of the state.

He said that Dame Okowa’s 05-Initiative contributed immensely to making life meaningful for the less privileged and sustained the husband's drive towards bequeathing a Stronger Delta to the people.

Oborevwori remarked that the successes recorded by the immediate past administration in the state cannot be mentioned without attributing the remarkable contributions of the Dame Okowa through her 05-Initiative.

According to him, "Dame Okowa is celebrating 62 years of great accomplishments today and I urge her not to relent in her mission of giving succour and hope to the less-privileged in the society.

"The activities of the 05-Initiative have continued to attract positive narratives beyond Delta and Nigeria, particularly from well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and agencies.

"Worthy of note is the establishment of over 20 Sickle-Cell clinics across the state with a referral centre at the Asaba Specialist Hospital to cater for patients with the disorder.

"As a government we remain grateful to you for these marvelous contributions to health care in the state.

"On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate our loving mother and outstanding philanthropist, Dame Edith Okowa on her 62nd birth anniversary.

“Your Excellency, you have shown immense passion to provide care for the sick, Nigeria Correctional Services inmates, orphans and other less-privileged persons in the society.

"As a preacher of the word of God, you stand out as a great woman of compassion and mother of inestimable value.

"You have impacted hugely on your family and the State and it is our prayer that God will continue to grant you good health, wisdom and grace in your commitment to the well-being of women and children.

"I join your family, friends and associates in celebrating and praying for you, a worthy woman of God, on this joyful day of your 62nd birth anniversary," Oborevwori stated.

Oborevwori unfolds vision to HOS, Perm Secs

As Deltans await the composition of a new State Executive Council, the governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, held a meeting with the state Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra Ministerial Departments and Agencies in the state.

The meeting which was held at the Exco Chambers, Government House, Asaba, was attended by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme.

Addressing Government House correspondents shortly after the meeting, the state Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Reginald Bayoko said the meeting provided a veritable platform for the governor to formally outline his vision to them.

Mr. Bayoko disclosed that the Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Extra Ministerial Departments and Agencies and the entire civil servants in the state were charged by the governor to be diligent in the discharge of their duties.

According to him, Gov. Oborevwori said we should be up and doing as civil servants who are at the front line of delivering services and implementing the government's agenda.

"It is my pleasure to speak with you briefly this morning. We just came out of a meeting between the Governor, his Deputy, the Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies.

"The whole essence of the meeting is that the Governor outlined his vision to us and gave us a charge as civil servants who are at the front line of delivering services and implementing the government's agenda. He said we should be up and doing.

"The Governor recounted his promise to the electorate to us and told us that he has already started counting days that he has spent in office; saying that the state needs to feel his impact.

"On our own part, we are ready to give him the full support to deliver his mandate to the citizens," Bayoko said.

Oborevwori congratulates Esther Uduehi at 76

Delta Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated former Presidential Liasion Adviser, Dr Esther Uduehi, as she clocks 76 years.

Uduehi, an illustrious Deltan from Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state is an educationist, administrator and retired Permanent Secretary.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the governor lauded Uduehi for her tremendous contributions to nation building.

He said that Uduehi had made remarkable contributions to the development of Nigeria, especially as a one time Local Government Council Chairman, retired permanent secretary in the defunct Bendel State Civil Service and Presidential Liasion Adviser House of Representatives during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Oborevwori described Uduehi, a Rhodes scholar as a role model and women advocate who participated in various world conferences seeking to make life better for women across the world.

"As a member of the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council and leader of Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Ukwuani Local Government Area, you have continued to render indelible service to our state and country.

"It is on record that you distinguished yourself as an astute public administrator and leader of immense repute and we remain very proud of your sterling accomplishments in life.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you, Dr Esther Uduehi on the occasion of your 76th birth anniversary.

"I join your family, political associates, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for your life which has been marked by robustly sterling accomplishments and abounding fulfillment.

“As you celebrate this anniversary, it is my prayer that Almighty God continue to bless you with good health and more years of happiness and contributions to nation-building,” Oborevwori added.

My tenure'll witness great things in Delta - Oborevwori

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has assured the people of the state of God's abiding love and provisions throughout his administration.

Oborevwori who disclosed this at the State's Thanksgiving and Praise Night held on Monday night in Asaba, said that under his administration, great things would begin to happen to reposition it in the comity of states.

He commended immediate past Governor of the state, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for initiating the "Thanksgiving and Praise Night" every May 29, saying that his administration would continue to observe the annual prayer and praise night.

He said, "It is my joy and pleasure to commence my tenure with this praise night. I commend His Excellency, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for the wisdom to institute this annual praise programme in celebration of God's majesty and power.

"I will tell you that I was very happy when we received the Bill establishing this praise night and that of the creative industry.

"People are happy and Delta state is happy. We have lifted our hands and voices in prayer and praises this night to God Almighty on behalf of Delta state.

"By so doing, we have dedicated this administration into the throne of grace; God is in charge, hence, I expect great things to unfold in the coming months and years in accordance with the divine declaration.

"God says what he means and means what he says. He is not a man that he should lie. His hands shall be upon us and the people of Delta state will have cause to always thank God in the live of this administration."

The Governor said God's hand shall continually be upon Deltans and the people would always have cause to thank God throught his tenure.

"God will cause us to reap abundantly from our farmlands, oil wells, fishing waters and bless the works of our hands.

"It is my prayer that the manifold blessings of God shall overflow in our families, homes and offices; and all the glory will go to Him who is able to do much more than we can ever ask," Oborevwori stated.

Immediate past Governor of the state, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa said he was delighted with the continuation of the annual thanksgiving and praise day.

"I am a happy man and I must thank God for the Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for this thanksgiving and praise day.

"The vision that we saw when we came in 2015, he has kept to it and because you have done this, the grace of God will be with you and your administration.

"It is not easy to govern Delta but God will give you grace to succeed," Okowa prayed.

In his exhortation, Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi who applauded the state government for initiating the Delta State Thanksgiving and Praise Night, underscored the importance of giving thanks and praise to God.

Bishop Enakirerhi said it was God who made it possible for us to be alive, adding that He deserves from us, praise and thanksgiving in appreciation for all that He has been doing in our lives.

"God deserves everything from us, He deserves our time, money and talent because he is the source of all we have and are," he said.

Bishop Enakirerhi who is the state Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), disclosed that whatever position a man attains in life was given to him by God, stressing that nobody should use his or her position in life to oppress others.

"Whatever position a man attains in life is given to him by God. Therefore, let no man oppress anybody with his position or office," the Bishop added.

The thanksgiving and praise night was attended by wife of the Governor Mrs Tobore Oborevwori; his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme and wife Catherine Onyeme, wife of the immediate past Governor, Mrs Edith Okowa and immediate past Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro among others.

6years in the saddle: Hurray to the Speakers' Speaker

Deltans, let us today celebrate a chain record breaker and a pacesetter of a zillion novel aspirations.

Let us celebrate a man of manifolds of first. First speaker to spend a record 6years in office. First Speaker to head 2 Assemblies. First community leader to rise to the position of speaker and later governor. First Delta Speaker to be Governor. First Urhobo governor of Okpe extraction.

Today let us celebrate a man of first tarlent who defiled his limitations to become towering great. A man who rose from the dust of the streets to the hall of fame of nobles. A man who has dedicated all of his life to the service of Delta and Deltans.

As Deltans celebrate today the 6th concurrent year in office as Speaker and head of the Legislative arm of Government of Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori JP FICMC, it is our prayers that our state continue to sit on the tripod of uncommon progress, peace and tranquility. Come May 29th, we will usher-in a Government voted into power by MORE votes of Deltans signalling an new order of MORE and ADVANCED prosperity for all.

Palmer Ogheneyole Nathaniel
DG The Sheriffication Movement (TSM)

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Your Labour Will Not Be In Vain, Delta State Governor-Elect, Sheriff Oborevwori, Assures Deltans

"I have just been presented with the Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), arising from my emergence as the Governor-Elect of Delta State on March 20, 2023. With the issuance of the Certificate of Return, we must now turn our attention to ensuring a seamless and stable transition in pursuant of my Advancing Delta agenda.

"On a day like this, it is important that I acknowledge and thank all those who worked tirelessly to bring us to where we are today. First, I wish to, once again, appreciate the leader of our great party, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa under whose able and wise leadership the PDP in Delta State has remained strong and formidable. Our massive victory may have come to some as a surprise but not to us because we know Deltans are happy with the excellent performance of Governor Okowa.

"Our victory is a testament to this fact. It was as comprehensive as it was decisive; the PDP won in all the 17 Local Government Areas in the North and South senatorial districts. In the Delta Central senatorial district, we won in four out of the eight Local Government Areas. But even more significant was our victory in Ethiope East Local Government Area which had eluded the PDP since the current democratic dispensation began in 1999.

"Let me also thank our former Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, for his exemplary courage and statesmanship. Dr Uduaghan was in the trenches with us, he went out of his way to reconcile aggrieved persons in order to ensure that the party was united going into this battle. Thank you, sir, for your leadership and commitment.

"I thank the Chairman of our party, Barrister Kingsley Esiso for his doggedness. I doff my hat to the elders/founding fathers of our party, all the members of the campaign council, party leaders at various levels and the various support groups that stood solidly behind me.

"My gratitude also goes to civil servants, retirees, organized labour, youths, professionals, student groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, artisans, market women and all those who laboured in one way or the other for this victory. Thank you all for staying the course. I assure you that your labour shall not be in vain.

"Let me specially appreciate my wife, my children and family members for their prayers, support, encouragement and steadfastness all through the electioneering process . May God bless you for this show of love and care. In the final analysis, the glory belongs to God, maker of the heaven and the earth, and from whom all power flows.

"In due course, the Government shall be unfolding a Transition Committee that will midwife my inauguration on May 29, 2023. Until then, I implore all Deltans and residents to remain prayerful, peaceful, and law abiding."

* Appreciating The Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa Essence In Delta State*

By Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza

An interesting slogan associated with the people of Ndokwa nation in Nigeria, is the short catchy phrase that says: “Ife manma ka kugide, ife manma ka kugide.” It can be translated to mean “it’s pleasant to acknowledge sAppreciatingomething good.”

It is against this background and borrowing from the Ndokwa nation’s distinctive phrase that identifies and acknowledges worth in something that one wishes to acknowledge the substance that the Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa’s trajectory as Governor of Delta State has brought to the State. His eight years sojourn as Delta State Governor is the narrative of a mission of high-quality essence imbued with the skills suitable for the delivery of the electioneering campaign promises he made to the people. Of course, the man fondly called 'Ekwueme gburugburu' by admirers has fully delivered on his promises and in some instances with icing on the cake.

Okowa’s belief in Delta as a State of limitless possibilities is without equal. He once said: “No one doubts my deep knowledge and commitment to my people of Delta State, to all the communities, the aspirations of the people, and the tremendous challenges facing us. My faith in Delta State is limitless, unwavering, and bountiful.” This mindset made him primed for service, leading him to enunciate his vision as Governor, to consolidate and advance the peace, progress, and prosperity of Delta State. This vision he encapsulated in his Five-point SMART Agenda of Strategic wealth creation projects and provision of jobs for all Deltans; Meaningful peace building platforms aimed at political/social stability; Agricultural Reforms and Accelerated Industrialization; Relevant Health and Education Policies and A transformed environment through urban renewal.

That Governor Okowa has carefully and painstakingly committed himself and his administration to fulfilling the SMART Agenda is to say the obvious reality. For instance, the cornerstone of the SMART Agenda is the Job Creation Scheme, which was conceptualised as a more enduring way of achieving this goal was designed to specifically tackle youth unemployment by producing a critical mass of skilled and knowledgeable small business owners that will drive the economic diversification and business competitiveness of the State. The success of the scheme is wonderful as thousands of unemployed graduates under the Skill Training and Acquisition Programme, STEP has been trained successfully, while youths in their multitudes have passed through the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme, YAGEP. Significantly, the STEP and YAGEP schemes also have persons with disabilities benefiting. The point must be made that the idea of the scheme is to redirect the focus of youths away from non-existent paid employment and channeling their creative energies towards job and wealth creation. Testimonies of beneficiaries tell the success story of the scheme.

It is also a superb and excellent story in all the other aspects of Okowa’s policy and programmes, especially in the area of meaningful peace-building platforms towards political and social stability. That Delta State is politically and socially stable is no gainsaying. The prevailing atmosphere of serenity, calmness, and peace across the State all speak about the skill, adroitness, political sagacity, and a high sense of equity, fairness, and justice that destiny has imbued Okowa with.

One is not surprised that Governor Okowa committed himself with diligence to realizing such a disposition because, in the build-up to his contesting the Governorship primary as an aspirant, he made it clear, when he said: “I believe in the unity of Delta State. Unity is fundamental and it shall be driven under my leadership with equity and justice, with peace and security, and through thoughtful policies that will deepen inter-communal relationships and the unique features and characters of the State.”

Certainly, Deltans will forever take cognizance of his dedication to the cause of enthroning the factor of equity, fairness, and justice in the political affairs of Delta State. That devotion made it possible for the Okpe, Sapele, and Uvwie in the Delta Central axis to produce the Governor-elect of Delta State in Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who hails from Okpe. It thus put to an end the marginalization of that area in the political scheme of things, now giving the people a sense of belonging. This tendency speaks highly of the Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa phenomenon and its glowing essence.

Of course, this is one among other features that Deltans cherish in their outgoing Governor. Among such other features is the streak of infrastructure development he has brought to bear in the eight years of his administration. For Okowa, a good economy is built on the ability of the government to improve the welfare of the people by providing basic infrastructure, public amenities, and social services. The landmark ultra-modern Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien Secretariat is a testimony of a feat that is second to none. The sheer serene ambiance provided civil servants to work in will not only enhance their worth as a people providing critical service, but will motivate them to go the extra mile in giving their best in the service to the government and the people.

Besides, the Okowa footprints which will surely remain indelible in the sands of time in Delta State dot every nook and cranny of the State in the provision and upgrade of relevant health and educational facilities and policies. There are over 2,000 kilometres of road constructed across the State, and several are not commissioned. With the Koka interchange, another landmark project, in Asaba, the impact of the flyover bridge is being felt. This is besides many other bridges built across the State. There’s also the storm drainage that has eased Asaba residents, especially those living along and around the Okpanam Road axis of the menace of flood. The same type of storm drainage is being carried out in the Warri-Uvwie axis of the State

Four new Universities have become operational in Delta State admitting students that may ordinarily not have access to tertiary education. In addition, the Okowa administration has revived technical education with the provision of facilities to enhance such education. So far, no fewer than five technical colleges have been put in place at Agbor, Sapele, Ofagbe, Ogor, and Utagba-Ogbe. And Governor Okowa believes so much that we need to grow our children to learn to use their hands productively when they are out instead of waiting or looking out for white-collar jobs that don’t exist.

It is not possible to detail all the achievements of the Ifeanyi Okowa administration in his eight years in Delta State, including sports where the State established its dominance and transformed the environment through urban renewal and commitment to peace and security, the point also is that the Governor has been able to bring the whole of Delta State together with each local area having a sense of belonging. It is this ability and commitment to establishing a united and formidable Delta State that underscores the fact that the administration is on the pedestal and high way to finishing strong and bequeathing a Stronger Delta.

Like the Ndokwa Nation’s phrase, I declare that the Okowa-led administration has performed excellently well and it behooves us all to acknowledge this high standard of government and governance as the administration establishes its winding down process.

© *Ifeanyi Osuoza, Ph.D., is the State Publicity Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party, Delta State, and Deputy Director, Media/Publicity, Delta PDP Campaign Council.*

We’ll leave lasting legacy in education sector – Okowa

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Monday said his administration would leave no stone unturned to give the state a legacy of desirable learning environment in its7 tertiary institutions.

The governor stated this while speaking with newsmen shortly after inspecting the Faculty of Agriculture buildings, lecture theatres and Halls of Residence at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.

He noted that his administration had done so much in upgrading facilities in the three new universities since they were established by the state government over a year ago.

Okowa explained that the upgrade of facilities in the institutions was in line with his administration’s commitment to the development of education in the state, especially by bridging the hitherto admission gap for students of the state.

"We have inspected the Agriculture faculty and the auditoriums at the Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba. The 500-seater and the twin 250-seater auditoriums are having a great work done.

"We have been informed that by the end of April, the contractor would be off site, along with the furnishing; so we hope that we should be able to inaugurate the project in May, this year.

"We found there that they are already painting and soon the furnishings will begin. We also inspected the hostels in the university; the external work is being done, and from what I was told, the hostel is about 95 per cent completed.

"There are lots of projects going on within the Dennis Osadebay University and I think it's beginning to wear the look of a university now.

"The only one that is slow is one of the faculty buildings that we just saw along the road now and we have asked that the project be determined, so that another contractor can take it over.

"Within the last one year that we started putting up the infrastructure in the university, I think we have done something almost magical," he said.

The governor remarked that Dennis Osadebay University was in a more critical state due to the dearth of infrastructure on the campus, and assured that his administration would do everything possible to change the narrative.

"If you truly look through the Dennis Osadebay University, you will see that it was in more critical need of new projects because what was on ground was not just sufficient.

"That was why they have less courses accredited than the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro; and University of Delta, Agbor. This is because those ones have more facilities on ground.

"But as to whether we are achieving what we intended, yes we are. The universities have gone through their first academic session and the second one has also started.

"The purpose was to bridge the gap of the number of students who usually don't find a space at the end of the year in our university. First year, I am told that they have admitted no fewer than 650 students.

"The University of Agbor had 2000 and that of Ozoro is 1,800. And, I am sure that this second set will likely have the same number and in another two to three years, they would have upscaled the numbers," he added.

Okowa, who also inspected ongoing work at the International Conference Centre, Asaba, said on completion the project would provide conferencing facilities for the state.

"I am glad with what I see here at the international conference center. This is my first time to be here, I just drive pass all the while and because it is walled, you can't anticipate the level of work here within a short while that the project started.

"I believe that the next administration will complete the project because it is a worthy project. We started this because what we normally call event center, is doubling as conference centre.

"What we have at Dome is only good enough as event center as it is called. But here is actually built to provide facility for a conference centre.

"What we have here is a 1,500-seater auditorium; we have another one that can take 1,000 people; I am told that we have 11 conference rooms of various capacities.

"That's how a conference centre can truly run and I am sure that the next administration will complete it; more so, when it is a friendly administration," he stated.

Okowa congratulates Adeleke on Appeal Court victory

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated his Osun counterpart, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, on his victory at the Appeal Court on Friday.

Welcoming the appellate court's verdict as a healthy development, Okowa said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, that the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which nullified Adeleke’s election earlier, did not do justice to the case.

He commended the three-man panel of the Appellate Court for rightfully setting aside the erroneous judgement of the Election Tribunal, adding that the judgement of the court was a victory for the nation’s democracy and a reaffirmation of the responsibility of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to act as an unbiased umpire.

"I welcome the judgement of the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on the Osun Governorship Election Petition with immense joy and appreciation to the judiciary for doing justice on the matter.

"This ruling has once again reaffirmed the powers and responsibility of INEC to act as an unbiased umpire, especially in dealing with the issues of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) in checking over-voting and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

"I must commend the courage and sagacity exhibited by the three-man panel of the Appeal Court, which ruled that the petitioners failed to prove their allegation of over-voting and substantial non-compliance.

"On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate my brother Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on this reassuring victory.

"This victory is coming at a time when the Osun people have embraced the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as their party which they rightly voted for in all the National and State Assembly elections in the just-concluded General Elections.

"This victory is for all Osun people as indeed light has come to outshine the forces of darkness," he said.

Oborevwori's victory'll enhance sustainable development in Delta - Aniagwu

Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu Charles on Tuesday said that the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate, Rt. Hon. Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori would further sustain the development trajectory in the state.

Speaking at a news conference in Asaba, Aniagwu said the party and the state government were grateful to Deltans for their overwhelming support which culminated in Oborevwori's victory.

According to him, Oborevwori would continue with ongoing programmes and policy of the Okowa administration while also introducing its own programmes.

"The Governor and the Governor-Elect and indeed the PDP are all grateful to Deltans for this show of love and for the appreciation of the sterling performance of the administration of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the street credibility of Sheriff Oborevwori and the fact that PDP is in the DNA of Deltans.

"What has happened in this election is that Deltans have been able to repel surgically the incursion into our political DNA. As an administration and the incoming administration will not take this for granted.

"We are happy that we won fair and square in all the Senatorial Districts and that we got overwhelming support of Deltans and those who live here with us in the Northern, Southern and Central Senatorial Districts.

"This victory will spur the PDP to not only sustain the development trajectory that has characterised the Okowa led administration but to embark on a process that will indeed bring more development just like the Agenda of Sheriff Oborevwori.

"A good number of the programmes that the Okowa led administration pursued will be sustained even as new programmes and policies will also be brought on board for the purpose of reaching out to our people," he said.

He said the administration and the party have learnt lessons in the course of the electioneering campaign and the election proper and promised to make amends for the good of the people.

"We have learnt lessons in the course of this electioneering period, we have seen the need to further connect with our people in the rural communities, to further empower our youths, and by providing more laudable projects for the people and pursuing a more united Delta agenda.

"We congratulate our opponents for putting up a strong fight and we urge them to join hands with Sheriff Oborevwori and Monday Onyeme to leave a Delta that is more developed and united than it is now.

"We have as an administration done quite some laudable projects across the state and we can beat our chest that we will be leaving the state on May 29 far far better than we met it.

"We are quite convinced that Sheriff Oborevwori is capable of sustaining these development trajectory and pushing forward a Delta that is far more developed in the nearest future,"

The Information Commissioner further said "the electioneering period have come and gone, although a victor has emerged but for us there is no vanquished.

"We believe that with the support of our brothers who contested with us we can put behind us the bitter experiences that characterised the campaign, the mudslinging that came majorly from the opposition APC and let's move together in unity to develop our state.

"As an administration we have forgiven those who cast aspersions at us and those who lied by way of propaganda by projecting stories that were at variance with reality.

"Those we may have also offended in the course of the campaign we also plead with them to forgive us and take it as part of the election campaign.

"We appreciate all Deltans for the way they came out to vote and we also appreciate INEC for a better outing than we had in the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections."

On the visit of the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA, Chief Great Ogboru to Government House, Aniagwu described it as laudable and worthy trait from a committee democrat.

"Chief Great Ogboru is a democrat and what he demonstrated yesterday is what was expected of democrats globally.

"Yesterday he was in the Government House because they told him Sheriff Oborevwori was in the Government House. So he came there to congratulate him and wish him well.

"We must commend Ogboru for displaying this very rare trait of a democrat and we are also calling on Senator Ovie Omo-Agege to do same by congratulating Oborevwori so that the state can move forward," Aniagwu added.

PRESS RELEASE

My Dear Good People of Delta State,

To the glory of God, today, I was declared the winner of the 2023 Governorship election in Delta State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). What an enormous privilege and honour it is to be entrusted with the government of this great State. Indeed, words are not enough to describe my joy and gratitude at being massively elected by you to serve as your Governor in the next four years. I am deeply humbled by your faith and vote of confidence in me.

2. First, I would like to dedicate this victory to the Almighty God because power, as we know, belongs to God. The Holy Bible declares that “He removes kings and raises up kings” (Daniel 2:21). Indeed, “it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy” (Romans 9:16).

3. This victory is a remarkable mandate for my party because it affirms that you believe and understand that the right foundations have been laid by the current administration to build a Stronger and more prosperous Delta State. I celebrate His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his groundbreaking strides in human capital development, infrastructural renewal, and peacebuilding. Mine is a mandate for consolidation and growth, for investment and economic reform, and for making the youth the centrepiece of our policies and programmes.

4. I have learned many things in the last six and a half years as Speaker of the State House of Assembly. One of them is that I have learned the importance of setting the priorities of government, communicating the goals and outcomes of policies and programmes, and pursuing them with relentless zeal. I certainly believe that my rich experiences in the Executive and Legislative arms of government put me in good stead to provide good governance to our people. My goal remains to make life richer, better, and more fulfilling for all.

5. I congratulate those who have been elected to the State House of Assembly. Irrespective of your political affiliation. I look forward to partnering with you to Advance Delta State to the next level of growth and development.

6. Let me also appreciate my opponents in the election for a very robust campaign and hard-fought electoral battle. I think I speak the minds of many Nigerians when I say that this electioneering process has been the most tasking, demanding, and draining so far in the current democratic dispensation. But it was worth it all. Candidates now know that they must be creative, resourceful, and credible to win the confidence and support of the electorate. With the election over, I look forward to whatever ideas and advice my former opponents may have in helping to move our State forward.

7. Finally, to all of you Deltans, I celebrate you as the heroes of this campaign. I invite you to join me to work together for the greater good of the State that we all love and want to see become the standard of excellence. I believe our differences are nothing compared to what we can achieve together.

8. Let's do M.O.R.E.

9. God bless Delta State.

10. God bless us all.

Signed:

Rt. Hon.( Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori JP FICMC FNIM
Governor-Elect
Delta State

20th March, 2023

PRESS STATEMENT

17TH MARCH, 2023

STOP HARASSMENT OF OUR LEADERS IN ETHIOPE WEST LGA, PDP TELLS POLICE; APPEALS FOR NEUTRALITY DURING GOVERNORSHIP/STATE ASSEMBLY ELECTION

Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has been informed of a deliberate plot by the Nigerian Police to invite our top leaders, especially in Oghara and Jesse, Ethiope West LGA, and subsequently, detain them over the weekend, thus removing them physically from participating in the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections, scheduled for Saturday, March 18th, 2023.

Our leaders who have been subjected to this unprovoked intimidation and harassment include: BARR. JOHN NANI,
RT. HON. BEN IGBAKPA, ISAAC OMOMEDIA, JOKPA OYOKOSE, HENRY EGHWUBARE, BENJAMIN OBOH, DUNCAN EGWERE, MRS. HAPPY OTOJARERI, PATRICK ATUMAH, FESTUS MADUKU, NICHOLAS OMOKO, PHILIP OKE, and others.

We unequivocally declare that this is a calculated plot, not only to disenfranchise our leaders and prevent them from exercising their constitutional right to fully participate in the elections, it is also a wicked strategy to remove them from circulation, place them incommunicado and deny our teeming supporters of the critical presence of their leaders at this crucial election.

We hereby caution in strong terms, that we will not take this obvious harassment, intimidation, and suspected temporary incarceration and incapacitation of our leaders during this crucial election weekend, lying low.

PDP is a responsible, law-abiding political party and we therefore humbly urge the respected Inspector General of Police to advise the AIG Zone 5 and his officers and men, to maintain professional neutrality and remain apolitical during the election, not only by deferring their invitation to our leaders, if at all necessary, until after the election, but to also desist forthwith from implementing any other ill-intentioned, anti-democratic ploy to surreptitiously clamp down on our leaders on the eve of an election.

Deltans are convinced that the Nigerian Police would not want to blemish its hard-earned impressive reputation, by engaging in acts of sabotage that can potentially truncate the electoral process and subsequently provoke and unleash a backlash of visible unrest by an aggrieved electorate.

They should allow restraint and wise counsel to prevail in the above regard, please.

The world is keenly watching Delta State and Nigeria.


Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza,
Deputy Director, Media & Publicity,
Delta PDP Campaign Council/ State Publicity Secretary,
Delta State PDP.

2023 Guber: Owhe Ward 6 Unite For Oborevwori, Odior

.......As Ukodhiko, Ogorugba, Isagba, Ogwah Continue To Galvanize The People

By Ikodudu Kingsley

Ahead of the Saturday, March 18th, 2023 Gubernatorial and State House of Assembly election, the PDP HOR Member-Elect for Isoko North and South federal constituency, Hon. Pst. Engr. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, PDP Chairman Isoko North, Hon. Richard Richie Isagba, Campaign Council Coordinator for Owhe ward 6, and Hon. Mike Ogwah have continued to galvanize the Owhe people in a bid to garner more votes for the PDP.

Today at the Owhe Ward 6 enlarged meeting, comprising of Otor-Owhe and Akiewhe communities, Pastor Ukodhiko while addressing the people, thanked the people for their support in the presidential and National Assembly election that led to his victory.

He also charged the people to come out en-masse and vote for the PDP on Saturday, March 18th, to consolidate the gains of the February 25th electoral victory of the PDP.

"I am here today to thank the Otor-Owhe and Akiewhe people for the overwhelming support and votes they gave to me and the PDP in the last election. Frankly speaking, you people surprised me and showed me that Owhe is one indivisible clan that cannot be divided by a few individuals with divergent interests.

"I will not disappoint the Owhe people because they have reposed so much confidence in me by massively supporting and voting for me. I want to appeal to you people to replicate the same support this Saturday by coming out en masse to vote for Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, and Barr. Bernard Odior, the PDP House of Assembly Candidate for Isoko North State Constituency", Ukodhiko added.

On his part, the Isoko North party chairman Prince Godwin Ogorugba also thanked the people for believing in the PDP over the years and stated that their support in the 2023 general election will not go unrewarded with Pastor Ukodhiko at the federal, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and Barr. Bernard Odior at the state, Owhe people will get their own fair share of the dividends of democracy.

"I want to enjoin all Owhe ward 6 people to vote PDP in the coming election, as PDP is the only viable party in Delta State and Isoko", Ogorugba.

Responding on behalf of the ward, Hon. Richard Isagba noted that Owhe ward 6 is fully for PDP, and they are ready to triple the votes they had in the last election in the coming election as most of the aggrieved party members have returned to the party and are working assiduously to ensure resounding victory at the poll for the PDP, come Saturday, March 18th, 2023.

Guber Poll: Okowa Urges PDP Leaders To Work For Party's Victory

Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Wednesday, urged the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in across the state to carry all members along to ensure a resounding victory for the party in the March 18 gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections.

Okowa gave the advice at a stakeholders meeting with members of the party at the residence of Chief Solomon Ogba in Aviara, Isoko South Local Government Area of the state.

He urged the party faithful to collaborate by putting the past behind them and work collectively to enable the PDP record overwhelming success for all its candidates in the forthcoming elections.

According to him, members of the party should draw a lesson from what happened in the presidential and national assembly elections held on February 25 so as to avoid a repeat of what happened during that election.

The governor appealed to aggrieved persons to bury the hatchet and work for the electoral success of the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the party's candidates for the House of Assembly.

He also implored leaders and members of the PDP to work assiduously to enable them deliver their units and wards, adding that they should protect their votes at all the levels.

"When l was listening to the PDP Chairman in Isoko South, he said that they will deliver massive votes for the party and to deliver such votes, everybody must work together.

"I thank you all very well. Those who are aggrieved should bury the hatchet and work together because if the party goes down, every member of the party will collectively go down and if the party goes up, every member will rise collectively.

"We must realise that together, we must fight this battle and therefore, everybody has to be on track with the same plan to enable us emerge victorious in the March 18 polls.

"The past presidential and national assembly elections should teach us a lesson so that we can plan ahead and work together for the victory of the PDP.

"We must carry everybody, including the youths and women, along in the scheme of things. It is very important that we carry everybody along. The youth must not be ignored.

"We should realise that with the BVAS technology, it is one man, one vote. So, we should learn that everyone has one vote," Okowa said, and urged members of the party to woo eligible voters in their areas to vote on Saturday.

Earlier in their separate speeches, the PDP Chairman in Isoko South Local Government Area, Chief Godspower Obaro and Chief Solomon Ogba, had assured that they would mobilise eligible voters in the area to vote massively for the party's governorship and House of Assembly candidates.

PRESS RELEASE

14TH MARCH, 2023

DELTA PDP CONDEMNS ATTACK ON RT. HON. SHERIFF OBOREVWORI'S CONVOY, CALLS ON POLICE TO FISH OUT PERPETRATORS

Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Campaign Council, is absolutely staggered and horrified by the reported attack on the convoy of our Governorship flag bearer Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, by unknown gunmen, between Elume Junction and Okuabude, in Okpe Local Government Area of the State, on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

The heavy attack, which was confirmed in a Press Statement by Mr. Dennis Otu, Chief Press Secretary to our Governorship Candidate and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, left many vehicles, including the one conveying our candidate and several security vehicles attached to the convoy, riddled with the hail of bullets sprayed on the convoy, by the unknown gunmen.

Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori only survived the ambush by the special Grace of God, the fortuitous protection of his bulletproof vehicle, and the gallantry of his brave security men, who rose to the occasion by engaging the gunmen in a fierce gun exchange duel which lasted over ten minutes, before the assailants took to their heels and disappeared into the thick darkness of the night.

Delta State PDP is unequivocally declaring this heavy attack as a deliberate, well-planned, and clinically executed assassination attempt on the life of our Governorship Candidate and leading contender in the Delta State Gubernatorial race.

We have repeatedly raised alarm and highlighted the penchant of violence synonymous with some political parties in the State, especially at election time and this recent incident is one attack too many on our Governorship Candidate, so close to election day. We are therefore strongly calling on the Security Agencies to quickly swing into action and bring the suspected assassins to book immediately.

We are also calling on our teeming supporters to remain calm and peaceful in the face of this horrible manifestation of deliberate violence, targeted at eliminating the next Governor of Delta State, by the grace of God.

Delta State PDP will neither be intimidated nor distracted by this cowardly act of known purveyors of violence, and while reiterating our clarion call on the Security Agencies to apprehend the perpetrators, urge our members to always be vigilant and prepared for any eventualities as election day approaches.

PDP! Power to the People!!

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza.
Deputy Director, Media & Publicity,
Delta PDP Campaign Council/ State Publicity Secretary,
Delta State PDP.

PRESS RELEASE

14TH MARCH, 2023

CHIEF JOE OMENE ENDORSES SHERIFF OBOREVWORI AS GOVERNOR, CONFIRMS OUR DECISION TO MAINTAIN EQUITY, FAIRNESS, JUSTICE IN DELTA STATE

The Delta State PDP Campaign Council, most sincerely and with a deep sense of respect and gratitude, extend our heartfelt appreciation and satisfaction to our cerebral and highly articulate elder statesman and leader, Chief Joe Omene, former President General of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, for his forthright and faultless endorsement of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, as the next Governor of Delta State.

We have watched and listened with great awe and admiration, the video excerpt of an interview with Chief Omene, released by RERO TV, and we were totally fascinated by the clear, simple, incontrovertible facts and logic with which the former leader of the umbrella body of Urhobo ethnic nation, x-rayed our present political situation and espoused, in his usual courageous, uncensored and charismatic style, the singular reason, above every other consideration, why Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, should become the next Governor of Delta State.

As a responsible political party, we have always strived to maintain fairness, equity, and justice in the delicate balance and equilibrium to sustain the rotational power-sharing arrangement that defines us as a party of the people, across all positions in our party at the State and Local Government levels, while ensuring that the principles and tenets of internal democracy and representational recognition are maintained in the distribution of offices and responsibilities, as much as possible.

We, therefore agree completely with the position of Chief Joe Omene, which he presented so succinctly and unequivocally, that having first of all established that the rotational power-sharing balance in Delta State has rightly and equitably been delivered to Delta Central, the definitive and absolutely fair and just decision, is to ensure that the OSU, (Okpe, Sapele, Uvwie), the only axis in the Delta Central Senatorial zone composition yet to have produced a Governor in the State, is given its rightful due and recognition.

This is the point which Chief Joe Omene concisely and effortlessly delivered with his symbolic candour, embellished with an admirable dose of pointed innuendo with which he expressed his disappointment over the deliberate efforts by respected and revered leaders and statesmen of our party, to disintegrate the house which they collectively built, with their unstatesmanly manoeuvres.

We could not agree more with Chief Joe Omene in this position, even as we admit that his clarification is an endorsement and justification of the pragmatic, progressive, and collectively encompassing vision of sustaining the equity and unity of Delta State which defined and guided the conduct of our party primaries, several months ago.

We are grateful to Chief Omene for setting the records straight and clearing the air on a unanimously accepted matter, which so many discerning leaders of our party, who should be defending the brave and courageous decision, have unfortunately manipulated it for selfish political purposes.

Deltans are now wiser and more informed on why Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is the right choice as our Governorship flag bearer and the next Governor of Delta State. We therefore urge all eligible voters to come out en masse on March 18, 2023 and vote for PDP and the UMBRELLA all the way to victory.

PDP! Power to the People!!

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza.
Deputy Director, Media & Publicity,
Delta PDP Campaign Council/ State Publicity Secretary,
Delta State PDP.

Delta APC's desperation and penchant for unbridled propaganda

We have been inundated by series of mendacious propaganda and barefaced lies churned out on daily basis by the opposition All Progressives Congress APC in Delta State.

Recall that we did informed the general public about the agenda of the APC and its Governorship Candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege's plots to engage in campaign of calumny and massive deployment of propaganda attacks on the Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa led administration even when the Governor is not in the ballot with him.

As a government and as a political party, we have refrained from engaging in likewise manner because we believe that we are not just decent people but because we have enormous achievements in the state to campaign with.

However, the Deputy President of the Senate and APC's Guber candidate should be reminded that we are not unaware of his trial for fraud in the United States of America and how he desecrated the hallowed chambers of the Senate with the mace saga.

We are not also uninformed of how he hijacked surveillance contracts meant for the people of the state especially the Urhobos and the Isoko people while paying them pittance.

Because we are decent people, we need not emphasise the fact that the few things he brought into Delta are largely warehoused in his Orogun community, hence he is not just tribal but clannish.

As a party in the state, we pride ourselves with the massive infrastructural development of the PDP administration over the years and we are running our campaigns based on Sheriff Oborevwori's M.O.R.E Agenda which is structured to ensure smooth and progressive continuity in governance, anchored on Meaningful Development, Opportunity for all Deltans, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security in the state.

On the alleged N850 billion loan or debt as alleged by the APC, we can only but describe it as a lie from the pit of hell and we challenge them to provide the names of the banks that lent us the money and when they were borrowed.

The Asaba Airport concessioning remains one of the best decisions of the Okowa administration because the airport is doing better than what it was before the concession. The uninformed APC would have wanted us to run the airport with state funds with no expertise.

In line with global best practices, experts in aviation field who are not in any way related to the Governor are running the airport and they also confirmed that they never met the Governor throughout the negotiations.

We therefore urge Deltans to ignore the calculated attempts by the APC to demonise our party even as we remain ever committed to ensure that our Governorship Candidate, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and candidates of our party in the State House of Assembly emerge victorious in the March 11 Governorship and House of Assembly polls.

Aniagwu Charles
Hon. Commissioner for Information
Delta State
March 5, 2023.

2023 Poll: Ukodhiko's maternal family in Oleh, says we can't abandon our son

By Ikodudu Kingsley

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the popular House of Representatives Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for Isoko Federal Constituency, and foremost businessman, Pastor Engr. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, today, visited his maternal Etojezi family and Oghae Street in Oleh, to thank them for all their efforts in promoting his candidacy in Oleh and to seek their blessings as we draw closer to the date of the election.

The visitation which could be likened to a mini-carnival saw Oleh women come out in droves to welcome Pastor Ukodhiko who is their son, and members of his entourage.

The event took place at the Oghae Street ancestral building known as 'Ogwah' and was presided over by Chief Paul Obi who is the Odio of Oghae street.

Pastor Ukodhiko in his brief opening speech stated, "I want to appreciate all members of my maternal family and members of Oghae street for their support since this vision of representing my people was birthed, for not abandoning me despite the opposition from some persons.

"As we all know, the first stage of the general election will be held on the 25th of this month which is less than two weeks from now, I am here today to seek the traditional blessing and the continuous backing of my maternal family members as customs demand, and to reassure my family members of my resolved to give Isoko the Isoko quality representation", Ukodhiko added.

Speaking on behalf of the Etojezi family and Oghae Street, the Odio of Oghae street, Chief Paul Obi, said, "all the members of Oghae street, your maternal street and members of Etojezi family, are aware of your ambition and we will not abandon you at all, you are our son because your mother is from here. In the morning, you are blessed, in the afternoon and evening, you are blessed.

"You have our support, we will vote for you, and also we will canvass others to vote for you", Chief Obi stated.

The women of Oghae street also led a special prayer session for Pastor Ukodhiko.

Some of the members of Oghae street who were present at the event are Chief Victor Oveh, the Osogba of Oghae street, Comr. Obiebi Humphrey, Secretary of Oghae street, Dr. Eniforo Malam-Obi, Rev. Paul. Ilolo, Elder James Agwor, elder Oki, Hon Chief Benjamin Efekodo, Comrd. Mike Evivie, Hon Jerry Obi. Chief James Obeuwou, Mrs. Roseline Ubara, Paris Ubara, and Mrs. Joy Egbo, among others.

Some of the dignitaries who accompanied Pastor Ukodhiko are; Hon. Christian Iteire, Chairman Isoko LGA, Dr. Barr. Paul Oweh, Commissioner representing Isoko Ethnic Nationality on the Board of DESOPADEC, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, PDP Chairman, Isoko North Chapter, Hon. Frank Ozue, Vice Chairman, Isoko North LGA, Hon. Peter Emaziye, Ph.D.

Others are Hon. Richard Isagba, SSA to the Governor on Legislative Matters, Hon. Mike Ogwah, Deputy Director of Special Duties, Delta State Campaign Council, Chief John Araka, the 20th editor of Daily Times, Chief Emmanuel Edevor, Hon. Jahswil Asaba.

PRESS RELEASE

22ND DECEMBER, 2022

DELTA PDP MOURNS JOE UNUAME

Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed sadness over the sudden demise of Chief Joe Unuame, a prominent chieftain and beloved stalwart of the party, who was involved with his driver, in a ghastly motor accident, on their way to a campaign rally of the party in Patani Local Government Area of the State.

Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, State Publicity Secretary Delta State PDP and Deputy Director, Media and Publicity, Delta State PDP Campaign Council, conveyed the sad mood of the party, in a statement that reads:

"It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we received the wrenching news of the sudden passing of our friend, brother, and one of the solid pillars of the PDP in Delta State, Chief Joe Unuame, who was involved in a fatal motor accident in which he and his driver lost their precious lives, on their way to our campaign rally in Patani, Delta State.

"Chief Unuame, who hails from Akpere-Olomu community, Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, was a beloved party stalwart in Delta Central and a renowned grassroots mobilizer who threw his full weight behind the Vice-Presidential bid of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governorship ticket of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori and Sir Monday Onyeme, as well as all the PDP Candidates for the 2023 general elections.

"This sudden, untimely, unexpected tragedy has not only thrown us into grief and mourning, but it has also shocked us beyond words and left a gaping vacuum in our ranks, especially at this auspicious time when his ebullient presence and boisterous good nature, would have been so critical to our efforts, as we move into the last lap of our comprehensive campaigns to secure the ultimate victory in the 2023 elections.

"Our heart goes out to the families of the deceased and we pray that God almighty give them the strength and fortitude to bear the monumental departures, even as we pray that such afflictions will not visit us again in the collective political family of Delta State.

May the gentle soul of Chief Joe Unuame and those of the dearly departed, rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord, Amen.

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza,
Deputy Director,
Media/Publicity Committee,
Delta PDP Campaign Council and
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.

2023: Atiku will defeat Obi in South-East - Aniagwu

Spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Charles Aniagwu says the turn out for the party’s presidential rally in Anambra and Imo states shows that the party had what it takes to win in the South East geopolitical zone.

Speaking on Arise Television on Saturday, Aniagwu said that the PDP was still very popular in the South East and urged Nigerians to support the party’s Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to rescue the nation from destruction.

Aniagwu said contrary to claims that Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi may win because he was from the South East, popular politicians had defeated their opponents in the past even in their strong holds.

According to him, the same way you have Peter Obi in the South East, same way you have Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso in the North and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the South-West, so individuals will naturally come from somewhere.

"That a man comes from somewhere does not mean that he may not be defeated and I may need to take you back to 1992 and if you could recall Bashir Tofa and Moshood Abiola. Tofa from Kano and Abiola from Ogun State in the South-West but Abiola defeated him in Kano.

"So that a man is from a place does not mean that the place will automatically be for him. And so I would not want us to be intimidated with the fact that somebody is from somewhere.

"Atiku is not just speaking and making promises, his chances both in the South-East and elsewhere in the country is far brighter than even the northern star and that is on the basis of his pedigree in time past.

"You will recall that between 1999 and 2007, Atiku and Obasanjo held sway in this country and their records are there for everyone to see," he said.

The campaign spokesman further remarked that Atiku had the ability to search for talents to develop the country as he did while he was Vice president.

"Atiku is not just talking because he has the ability to search for talents irrespective of where they are from.

"Dr Okonjo Iweala and Professor Chukwuma Soludo who served as Minister of Finance and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, were discovered by Atiku and they made great impact during their tenure."

On bringing peace back to the South-East, Aniagwu said Atiku had already enshrined peace and unity in his policy document "My Covenant With Nigerians"

"Atiku has made it very clear that he is going to discuss with both state and non-state actors and the crisis in the South-East is basically from non-state actors.

"Some people see them as agitators while others see them as militants but Atiku is not going to be involved in labeling. He will discuss the issues with them and good enough some of the issues are already known to him.

"Issues of under development and marginalization and he says he is going to address them to ensure that every Nigerian irrespective of where you are from is going to be brought on the decision table and once those issues are dealt with, the people agitating would have been assuaged to embrace peace," he said.

Aniagwu who is also Delta State Commissioner for Information, said the party's Vice-Presidential Candidate and Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa had addressed similar issues in the state to the extent that the creeks where there used to be agitations is now as peaceful as the upland.

"Atiku besides his pan Nigerian disposition also believed that that formula worked and will be adopted to bring lasting peace across the country, so we are quite convinced that Atiku will take decisions that will make everybody comfortable by forming a government of national unity," Aniagwu added.