ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday declared that he remains governor for every Deltan irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliation, stressing that inclusiveness remains the cornerstone of his administration amid recent tensions surrounding the Warri Federal Constituency delineation issue.
The governor disclosed that he had already convened meetings involving leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities to prevent a breakdown of law and order, emphasizing that peace and coexistence remain critical to the continued development of the state.
Oborevwori spoke while receiving a delegation of Catholic priests from the Warri, Issele-Uku and Bomadi dioceses, led by Rev. Monsignor John Ike Aduba, at Government House, Asaba.
“We have witnessed crises in Warri in the past, and we do not want a return to those difficult days. There is no reason for conflict. We must continue to embrace peaceful coexistence, and I am glad that all parties have shown understanding,” the governor said.
Reaffirming his commitment to inclusive governance, Oborevwori maintained that no ethnic nationality would be excluded from the benefits of government.
“Delta State is blessed with diverse ethnic nationalities, and the only way to govern successfully is to ensure that every group has a sense of belonging. If a government is not inclusive, it cannot enjoy the trust and support of the people.
“I am not governor for any particular ethnic group; I am governor for all Deltans. Everything we have done has been guided by the principle of inclusiveness,” he stated.
The governor expressed appreciation to the Catholic Church for its prayers, support and guidance, noting that the clergy had continued to play a vital role in promoting peace, moral values and good governance.
According to him, the prayers of the faithful have contributed significantly to the successes recorded by his administration.
“The Bible enjoins us to pray for those in authority so that they may govern well. If people say today that I am doing well, it is because of the prayers being offered on my behalf. God has given us the strength and wisdom to serve the people of Delta State,” he said.
Oborevwori commended the Catholic Church for what he described as its dignified and constructive approach to public issues, noting that church leaders had consistently provided useful counsel through appropriate channels.
The governor said his administration remained committed to delivering the dividends of democracy through infrastructural development, human capital advancement, empowerment initiatives and enhanced security across the state.
He also highlighted his administration’s record of fiscal discipline, revealing that workers’ salaries and contractors’ payments had been made promptly without borrowing.
“Every project we award has financial backing. From the day I assumed office, I made it clear that any contractor engaged by this administration would be paid for work duly executed. We have been able to pay workers and contractors without borrowing, and that is by the grace of God,” he stated.
The governor assured the delegation that his administration would continue to support mission-owned schools and other faith-based initiatives that contribute to educational and social development in the state.
Responding to requests from the clergy, he pledged to examine the possibility of providing support for the Catholic Pilgrimage Centre at Oleri in Udu Local Government Area, including consideration for the construction of an access road to the facility.
Oborevwori also reflected on his Catholic upbringing, recalling that his late father remained a devoted member of the Church throughout his lifetime.
“I did not become governor to enrich myself. I became governor to serve. I am already comfortable. My passion is the work and improving the lives of our people. By God’s grace, when I leave office in 2031, there will be tangible achievements to point to,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Very Rev. Prof. Jude Obiunu commended the governor for promoting equitable development across the state and ensuring that government projects are spread across different communities.
“The Church desires good governance and the delivery of the dividends of democracy to all people. From what we have seen, you are not a sectional or tribal-minded governor. Your projects and programmes have touched every nook and cranny of Delta State,” Obiunu stated.
He assured the governor of the Church’s continued prayers and support while appealing for sustained assistance to mission schools and intervention on the access road and security lighting leading to the Catholic Pilgrimage Centre at Oleri.
The visit concluded with special prayers offered by the priests for Governor Oborevwori, Delta State and Nigeria.
