OSUBI/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has emphasized that the state government has no issues with the Supreme Court’s judgment on Local Government Autonomy, reiterating his administration’s commitment to democratic principles and due process.
Speaking to journalists after casting his vote at Unit 33, Osubi Ward 6 in Okpe Local Government Area, Governor Oborevwori affirmed the state’s belief in Local Government autonomy. He highlighted that his administration did not form Caretaker Committees at the end of the previous chairmen’s tenures, instead allowing Heads of Personnel Management (HPMs) to manage the local governments until elections could be held.
“When I came in, I did not constitute transition committees here in Delta State because I am not in support of transition committees, and the Heads of Personnel Management (HPMs) were in charge for three months to enable us to conduct elections. Today, by the grace of God, we are having our elections, and early next week, those who won would be sworn in,” said Oborevwori.
He added that the Supreme Court judgment had no effect on Delta State because the state government does not interfere with local government funds. “The Supreme Court judgment has no effect here in Delta State because we don’t tamper with local government funds.”
Governor Oborevwori also emphasized his longstanding support for financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary, a stance he upheld during his tenure as Speaker. “As a former Speaker, we were at the forefront of the issue of autonomy for the legislature and the judiciary. So, that judgment does not affect us here in Delta State.”
Reflecting on past financial support, Oborevwori noted, “In the past, the State Government cleared monies owed by Local Governments in the state. JAAC (the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee) is just a monitoring process to ensure transparency.”
Commenting on the local government elections, Governor Oborevwori expressed satisfaction with the transparency and fairness of the process. “When we did the grand finale of our rally in Asaba, I said that we want free and fair elections, and that is what we are doing now. I came through that same process of free and fair elections, and with all the opposition, I won by a very wide margin.”
He added, “I have been up since monitoring the process, and now I am here to cast my vote. Having cast my vote, I am sure that the PDP will be victorious by the grace of God. This election is a litmus test for the 2027 elections, which will show whether we are doing well in line with our MORE Agenda or not. For now, we are not borrowing to execute any project. We are doing our best for Deltans and will continue to do more in the coming years.”
Governor Oborevwori urged the incoming local government chairmen to remain focused and undistracted, emphasizing their role as the closest government to the grassroots.
