By Norbert Chiazor
Former Governor, Senator Dr.Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa must be one of the happiest men on earth. He consummated his destiny as first Anioma to govern Delta in history and bowed out, installing a solid successor.
Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, followed Okowa’s favoured fate, emerging as the first speaker of Delta state House of Assembly to become governor. Sheriff also holds the enviable record of being the longest serving speaker of the state’s house of assembly.
Giving the unfolding scenario,, it is safe to state boldly that there is no “cold war” in the room of the victory party. No one expects the vivacity would diminish anytime soon.
Oborevwori’s treasure is Okowa‘s takeaway. Joy, celebration and fulfillment can never inspire acrimonious face-off. There can never be any atom of friction between father and son.
Reports that both statesmen are brooding over issues of governance amounts to a wild goose chase. Overly untrue. Sorely speculative.
Okowa, a fulfilled man has nothing to prove; just prayers for his successor. On the saddle, Oborevwori is being hailed, full of grace, managing Delta with confidence and the brightest of prospects.
The present atmosphere in Delta is too inclusive to be confrontational. Great expectations are bathing the state, with the people in a gay mood across the three senatorial districts. Who will want to fight in a lively climate of good news?
Governor Oborevwori has just led the Delta State Government to sign a ₦78 billion contract with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the construction of three flyover bridges, cloverleaf interchange, pedestrian bridges and roads in the twin cities of Warri and Effurun.
The partnership between Delta State and Julius Berger signals a significant step towards infrastructural revolution in the state. A dream that has suddenly become a reality.
Oborevwori prides himself with a pet name “Ukodo”, a spicy ethnic delicacy, relished across Niger Delta, invariably symbolizing sharing of democracy dividends in the community. He has come to share hope and happiness in the management of our common patrimony.
The governor’s gift, bringing world famous construction giant, Julius Berger to transform Delta stands awesome in his honour. Newspaper headlines are screaming applauses from various quarters in the state, even as Oborevwori’s much celebrated street credibility gains minty freshness.
Who will fight when civil servants are rejoicing with #5 billion Naira promotion arrears windfall released by a humane Sheriff?
The finest state secretariat in Nigeria, the abode of thousands of public workers, is agog as Delta employees savour financial succour, coming at a period of harsh economic regime in a difficult country.
The Oborevwori administration has since given a nod for employment of about two thousand teaching and non -teaching staff across the local government areas in the state. This is apart from hundreds of medical personnel that have been engaged. Definitely, a good signature writing off to a reasonable degree, the high rate of joblessness in the society. It’s a season of blessing not bickering.
Who will fight when Oborevwori is maching forward with M.O.R.E Agenda? Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security?
Barely six months in Government House, the administration has done much completing and commissioning roads and schools’ projects, while laying visible foundations on other critical sectors.
The governor has assured Deltans of more impactful projects and programmes across senatorial districts,as he remains resolute in enhancing the quality of life for all residents, in the years ahead.
“People may say a lot of things but one thing I know is that Oborevwori is a man with a good heart. He is a man with the heart of the people. He’s not one that would look down at anybody; and that is the kind of governor that we want in Delta State”, Okowa, speaking at a grand reception held in his honour at Boji-Boji,Owa, Ika North East LGA, to mark his home-coming after a successful eight years in office as governor.
Conversely, Sheriff stated: “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta, I congratulate a gentleman politician, a consummate political leader and my dear boss”while paying tribute to Okowa on his 64th birthday anniversary.
The principal and his protege are at peace on their smooth lanes, doing well, running tight; not torn apart at all. While Okowa, ever refined, does not have the commanding temparerment of a bully, Oborevwori is an easy – going administrator even in the high office of governor.
It’s a win – win relationship between an amiable Arthur and a sensible Sheriff.
CHIAZOR, is Executive Assistant, (Media) to Governor Oborevwori.
