By Kasarachi Azuka, Asaba
Most Nigerians like their governors to hit the ground running, probably because of the three months preparation they get from their election to inauguration (March to May).
In Delta State, however, the new governor who had harrowing time at the courts till the Supreme Court, has admitted he has not actually hit the ground running. He has thus pleaded with his people to be patient.
Details:
Delta State has witnessed lull in social and economic activities since May 29 2023 when a new administration birthed in the state.
Many citizens have attributed the lull partly to the federal government unfavourable policies while Gov Sheriff Oborevwori is also blamed due to his perceived slow pace in constituting his cabinet.
This is despite that in Oborevwori’s first week in the saddle, he appointed his chief press secretary (CPS) and principal officers including the Senior Political Adviser (SPOLAD) to the Governor, the Secretary to the State Governor (SSG) and the Govt House’ Chief of Staff (COS).
His dissolving heads and political appointees of ministries, agencies and parastatals last week seemed to have raised people’s hope that the lull was about to be over.
However, his approaching the state House of Assembly to grant his request to nominate 20 special advisers this week raised dust among the people as they wondered why he was paying more attention to special advisers rather than commissioners. He got the house’ approval.
Both the formal and informal sectors of the economy have complained about the lull and how they are adjusting to survive.
Said Charles Abraham, a businessman resident in Asaba, “Though we blame the lull partly on the state of the nation’s economy, the inability of Gov Sheriff Oborevwori to constitute his cabinet has seriously affected governance in the state. Both families and businesses are negatively impacted.
“By now, we expected him to have put up a formidable state executive council (SEC) that would help him deliver on his ‘More Agenda’ to take Delta State to greater heights as he promised during his campaigns.
The federal government implementation of fuel subsidy removal and epileptic power supply seemed to have crippled businesses all over the country, Delta State inclusive, but if there were serious actions embarked upon by the state government, things wouldn’t be the way they are, he lamented.
Tile dealer and resident of Asaba who wouldn’t want her name in print said, “I’m not expecting anything from the government because they have failed me in the past. I’m only just hustling and telling my children to do so.
“I’m only looking up to God who helps me. Our leaders have taught me how to be industrious. If they like, let them do the right thing or forget about it. God is alive”, she said.
Some people at the corridors of power have also blamed the lull on non-availability of funds as they alleged that the governor lacked funds to work with because his predecessor left no money for him to operate with.
Workers in the state civil service who spoke with newsmen have however expressed happiness that they were not being owed salaries.
“Both May and June Salaries of state workers have been paid. The Accountant-General of the state is there and we are not owed but we want more of events to be taking place so that everywhere would be lively”, said a worker who pleaded anonymity.
Many Deltans believe that Gov Oborevwori would be tied to the apron strings of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, his predecessor and political godfather.
Thus, the governor has been accused of depending much on Dr Ifeanyi Okowa even in consideration of political appointments.
The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to say that the governor is a stooge to Okowa and that his tenure means Okowa ruling the state for the third time.
They say that since Okowa exited office on May 29, his resident in Owa-Alero has become a mecca of sort as those seeking for political appointments throng the place for lobby as he is believed to be the final authority despite Oborevwori being in power.
It is believed in some circles that the recent appointments of the principal officers to the administration were influenced by Okowa. Those who said so pointed at the SPOLAD, the SSG, the chief of staff, as well as two other appointments.
Others claim that Oborevwori has been under pressure by Okowa on choice of cabinet members.
In defence of Gov Oborevwori, Festus Ahon, his CPS, said the governor was taking his time to pick suitable and competent hands to be appointed into the SEC.
The governor is not under pressure from anyone, not even his predecessor, on choice of cabinet members as was wrongly reported, Ahon said in a press statement.
“First, the State House of Assembly was constituted on June 13 and thereafter went on recess for two weeks and only reconvened on Tuesday June 27.
“The governor will pick credible and capable persons devoid of sentiments that will help him deliver on his M.O.R.E Agenda for Deltans.
He enjoined Deltans to be patient with the State Government as it was poised to deliver more for the people.
It would be recalled that the governor recently promised to consolidate on Okowa’s legacies and never to execute and inaugurate poor quality projects.
While some people were happy about that some are now considering that they would be affected negatively especially those who built on waterways.
The governor’s recent declaration that illegal structures would be demolished has raised tension in the major cities including Warri the once commercial hub of the state.
Residents of the commercial city want it’s glory restored just as the governor has promised but the pains associated with the development they seem not to desire.
Already, some street traders in Asaba the state capital are crying foul over the demolition of their structures and those who spoke to newsmen urged the governor to concentrate on reactivating the economy and not to be attacking street traders through taskforce.
The economy is very harsh and there are scarcity of funds to enable people run their families and businesses, lamented one of the street traders whose makeshift structure was destroyed in Asaba.
On other trade said: “What he should do is to start work and put smiles on our faces and not make us shed tears”.
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