ASABA/Nigeria: The Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Communications and Orientation, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori deployed uncommon wisdom and superior intelligence to skillfully manage the ward delineation crisis between the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities by refusing to make unguided statements or take sides in the dispute.
Dr. Oghenesivbe, in a statement issued on Saturday while responding to allegations by social media commentator Chief Zik Gbemre, explained that the governor’s silence during the Warri crisis was not driven by political calculations ahead of 2027 but was a deliberate effort to sustain peaceful coexistence among the ethnic groups.
It will be recalled that Governor Oborevwori, during a Church Service on Friday, said he refrained from making public statements on the matter but took positive steps behind the scenes to maintain peace among the parties involved. The governor also appealed to all Deltans to sustain peace and continue to support his administration.
The Bureau Chief described Oborevwori as a leader with strong cognitive abilities who has consistently demonstrated problem-solving skills, which is why Delta State is enjoying relative peace and making steady progress across sectors of the economy.
He stressed that Chief Gbemre’s allegations were unfounded, pointing out that as Chief Security Officer of the state, the governor is obligated to carefully weigh his actions and adopt a result-oriented approach to resolving sensitive matters such as the Warri ward delineation dispute, already adjudicated by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Dr. Oghenesivbe cautioned the social media commentator against making inflammatory remarks that could violate sections of the Cybercrimes Act and other laws, warning that politically charged statements capable of sparking unrest or communal conflict must be avoided.
He further emphasized that freedom of speech, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, comes with certain limitations and does not permit cyber bullying, falsehoods, or provocative attacks on citizens.
The DG advised Chief Gbemre to conduct himself as an elder statesman rather than a cyber bully or agent of disunity, noting that the state government welcomes constructive criticism that enhances good governance and delivery of democracy dividends.
“The State Bureau for Orientation and Communications urges citizens to disregard Chief Zik Gbemre’s unwarranted cyber attacks on our amiable governor, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Sheriff Oborevwori. Deltans are happy with the good governance strides of our governor. As the father of the state, it is incumbent on him not to make divisive statements that could ignite ethnic conflicts. Our governor is a grassroots politician with uncommon humility and God-given wisdom,” Oghenesivbe said.
He noted that although Governor Oborevwori did not make public statements on the Warri ward delineation crisis, which had already received finality at the Supreme Court, he took proactive steps to avert possible escalation. “That was what he meant during his remarks on Friday at a Church Service,” he added.
According to Oghenesivbe, Governor Oborevwori’s leadership style is inclusive, results-oriented, and widely accepted by Deltans. He described the governor’s pedigree as flawless and his public support as unprecedented.
He said Gbemre’s cyber attacks were regrettable, adding that as an elder, he must not allow his actions to erode public confidence in his integrity or sincerity of purpose.
“Gbemre is strongly advised to embrace peace, avoid cyber bullying, insults, and abuses in his public commentary. There are laws in place to address the exceptions to freedom of speech as guaranteed in the Constitution. Come 2027, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Tinubu will sweep the polls in Delta State due to their visionary and detribalized leadership style,” Oghenesivbe assured.
