ASABA/Nigeria: In a landmark declaration on Thursday, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, proudly announced that the state has clinched the top position in Criminal Justice Reforms among all states in Nigeria, according to the prestigious Abuja-based Centre for Socio-Legal Studies.
Governor Oborevwori attributed this significant achievement to the successful passage of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2022 and Administration of Civil Justice Law 2022 by the State House of Assembly during his tenure as Speaker. He made these remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of three newly appointed commissioners in Asaba, the state capital.
The newly appointed Commissioners include Mr. Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, as Commissioner for Information; and Prince Kelly Kalanama Penawou, as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Governor Oborevwori commended Mr. Ohwovoriole, describing him as a brilliant and dedicated lawyer with nearly 30 years of distinguished service at the Bar. He urged the new Attorney-General to maintain the state’s leading role in Criminal Justice Reforms, emphasizing that Delta State’s criminal justice laws are considered 21st-century compliant, especially with the integration of technology.
Highlighting the operationalization of both laws in Delta State courts since December 22, 2023, Governor Oborevwori stressed the importance of rigorous and successful implementation for the state to uphold its leadership position.
The Governor also lauded Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, the new Commissioner for Information, as a tested and effective communicator in the realm of political communication and information management. He expressed high expectations for Osuoza to elevate the government’s information management machinery to new heights through creativity and innovation.
Governor Oborevwori envisioned a shift in the Information Ministry’s role, extending beyond information dissemination to actively engage in positive citizen engagement and mobilization. He emphasized the need for stakeholder perception audits to be integral to the ministry’s operations, acting as a sensor to gather citizen input for shaping government policies.
Turning his attention to Prince Kelly Kalanama Penawou, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Governor Oborevwori highlighted his extensive experience in grassroots politics and local government administration. The Governor expressed confidence in Penawou’s ability to deliver excellence, citing his past role as Special Adviser on Local Government Affairs.
Addressing all commissioners, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of leading by example and urged them to be role models in punctuality, discipline, hard work, excellence, honesty, transparency, and accountability. He underscored the need for fairness, equity, and justice in their actions, urging them to maintain an open-door policy in their ministries.
Assuring the people of Delta State, Governor Oborevwori stated that the distraction of court cases was behind them, and the administration is now fully focused on advancing the state through accelerated infrastructural development, job creation, improved education, and enhanced working conditions for public service workers.
He called on all political appointees to redouble their efforts in contributing to the effective implementation of the MORE agenda, promising a commitment to making life richer, better, and more fulfilling for all Deltans.
In response, Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, expressed gratitude to God and Governor Oborevwori for the opportunity to serve as commissioners. He reassured Deltans of their dedication to the MORE agenda and pledged to give their best in serving the state.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by dignitaries including the Deputy Governor, former Deputy Governors, legislators, and party leaders, all gathered to witness the induction of the new commissioners into their respective roles.
