By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
GOVERNOR SHERIFF Oborevwori of Delta State has charged the newly elected chairmen and vice-chairmen of the state’s 25 local governments to focus on infrastructure projects and maintain fiscal discipline.
He urged them to avoid wasteful spending and tackle issues such as insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and environmental decay.
While swearing in the officials in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of staying close to the people by operating from their area headquarters.
He warned against managing local governments remotely from cities like Asaba and Warri.
He reminded the chairmen of their responsibility to serve the people sincerely, impartially, and justly.
He expects them to work towards the actualization of the MORE Agenda, focusing on improving environmental sanitation in their communities.
He urged them to implement proper waste disposal measures and conduct public awareness campaigns on good sanitation practices.
Governor Oborevwori affirmed that the state government does not interfere with local government funds.
He welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy and emphasized that statutory allocations for the last three months remain intact.
He recalled his support for local government autonomy during his tenure as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
He encouraged the chairmen to embark on visible infrastructure projects, shun extravagance, and manage resources prudently.
He also advised them to improve internally generated revenue without overtaxing the already burdened populace.
Governor Oborevwori stressed the importance of cooperation among the chairmen, vice-chairmen, the legislative arm, and other stakeholders.
He called for political and administrative skills to ensure peace, stability, and cohesion in their domains.
He thanked the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission for conducting free, fair, and credible elections, and appreciated the security agencies for maintaining peace during the exercise.
The newly elected chairmen are:
- Emmanuel Bazim Chinye (Aniocha North),
- Jude Chukwunkwike (Aniocha South),
- Dagidi Andaye (Bomadi),
- Julius Takeme (Burutu),
- Augustine Ogedegbe (Ethiope East),
- Christian Onogba (Ethiope West),
- Monday Odigwe (Ika North East),
- Jerry Ehiwarior (Ika South),
- Godwin Ogorugba (Isoko North),
- Warri Ovoke Friday (Isoko South),
- Vincent Osilonya (Ndokwa East),
- Obi Nzete (Ndokwa West),
- Isaiah Esiovwa (Okpe),
- Innocent Esewezie (Oshimili North),
- Obi Kelvin Ezenyili (Oshimili South),
- Isaac Aguanah (Patani),
- Bright Abeke (Sapele),
- Vincent Oyibode (Udu),
- Jaro Egbo (Ughelli North),
- Lucky Avweromre (Ughelli South),
- Possible Ajede (Ukwuani),
- Anthony Ofoni (Uvwie),
- Festus Ashima (Warri North),
- Weyinmi Agbateyiniro (Warri South), and
- Sylvester Oromoni (Warri South-West).
In response, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Council, expressed gratitude to the governor and PDP leaders for the opportunity to serve.
He praised the electorate for their support and pledged to adopt the MORE Agenda without betraying the confidence placed in them.
The event, attended by the governor’s wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, State PDP Chairman Dr. Kingsley Esiso, and other top officials, featured the administration of the oath of office by Governor Oborevwori.
