Warri crisis: Gov Oborevwori deployed uncommon wisdom – Bureau DG

…Says Zik Gbemre misunderstood H.E. Delta’s remarks on peaceful coexistence

The Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Communications and Orientation, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said that 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 not making unguided statements, not taking sides with any of the parties to the dispute.

Dr Oghenesivbe, who gave further clarification in a statement on Saturday, while responding to unwarranted allegations by a social media commentator, Chief Zik Gbemre, said that the governor’s silence during the Warri crisis was not to protect his reelection in 2027, rather it was a deliberate attempt to sustain peaceful coexistence among ethnic nationalities in the state.

It will be recalled that governor Oborevwori while speaking at a Church Service on Friday, said he decided not to speak publicly on the matter, but made positive efforts to sustain peaceful coexistence amongst the parties involved in the dispute. The governor also appealed to all Deltans to sustain peace, and continue to support his administration.

The Bureau Chief described Governor Oborevwori as a leader with high cognitive abilities, and has demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills, which is why Delta is enjoying peace, and making steady progress in all sectors of the state economy.

He noted that Chief Zik Gbemre’s allegations were grossly unfounded on the grounds that the governor being the Chief Security Officer of the state, must carefully weigh his actions and inactions, and adopt a result oriented strategy to resolve issues or to deal with complex matters, such as the Warri Ward Delineation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), already adjudicated upon by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Dr Oghenesivbe, cautioned the social media commentator to avoid inflammatory statements that could fracture relevant sections of the cybercrimes Act, and other Laws in force, pointing out that politically motivated statements that could spark breach of public peace, ignite communal wars or conflicts must be avoided completely, going forward.

He stated that Freedom of Speech (FoS) as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is with certain exceptions; and that FoS does not include cyber bullying, provocative and inflammatory statements, falsehoods, insults and abuses on any citizen and non-citizen of Nigeria.

Dr Oghenesivbe, advised Chief Gbemre, to always see himself as an elder statesman, not as a cyber bully, political contractor or agent of disunity, assuring that the state government and the Governor welcomes constructive criticism necessary to expand the scope of good governance, and delivery of dividends of democracy to the people.

“The State Bureau for Orientation and Communications urges citizens of Delta State 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, a democrat and governor for all Deltans, it is required of him not to make unguided or divisive statements that could instigate ethnic conflicts. Our governor is a grassroot politician with uncommon humility and God-given wisdom.

“Although, Governor Oborevwori did not make public statements regarding the Warri ward Delineation crisis which had already got finality at the Supreme Court, he proactively made frantic and result oriented efforts, and he successfully timed the foreseeable crisis. That’s what he meant during his remarks on Friday at a Church Service.

“Governor Oborevwori style of leadership is exclusive and personalized, always result oriented for the benefit of all Deltans. His pedigree is flawless, and his public acceptance is unprecedented.

“Chief Zik Gbemre’s unwarranted cyber bullying on Saturday via a social media post is unfortunate. He’s a respected elder statesman, and must never again give room for Deltans to cast aspersions at his person, doubt his sincerity of purpose or question his integrity.

“Gbemre is strongly advised to embrace peace, avoid cyber bullying, insults and abuses in his actions and inactions. There are laws in place to address certain exceptions to freedom of speech enshrined in our country’s federal constitution.

“Come 2027, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Tinubu will sweep the polls in Delta State, as a result of their exceptional and enviable performances, detribalized and visionary leadership style,’ Oghenesivbe assured.