Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, swore-in his first set of political appointees, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, while restating his firm belief in the unity of the state and determination to resist all forms of sectionalism and nepotism in the discharge of his statutory responsibilities.
Oborevwori also swore-in former managing director of NDDC, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, as Senior Political Adviser (SPOLAD).
While congratulating the appointees on what he called their “well-deserved appointments”, the governor urged them to key into the M.O.R.E Agenda of his administration towards sustained infrastructural renewal, human capital development and social investment programmes.
He reassured on his promise to run an all-inclusive government but stressed that “capacity and merit” would form the basis of political appointments under his watch.
The governor warned political appointees in his administration against ethnic politics and sectionalism but to regard the entire state as their constituency by being fair and just to all citizens of the state.
Oborevwori said, “Let me sound it loud and clear that this administration has zero tolerance for sectionalism or nepotism. I am an unrepentant believer in the unity of Delta State.
“Therefore, both of you must always strive for unity by ensuring that there is fairness, equity, and justice in all your actions and utterances.
“This administration is set to build on the legacies of the previous government and break new grounds in infrastructure renewal, human capital development, and social investment programmes.
“In this regard, Dr. Emu’s broad experience in government will be very useful in the implementation of our M.O.R.E. agenda. He has a firm grasp of our policy direction and, therefore, is in a position to properly integrate it into the operations and activities of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government.
“A major requirement for success in this office is the ability to marry policy and politics. Policy generally points the direction of the government but good political skills enable their seamless execution.
“As the engine room of government, the SSG interfaces with and coordinates the operations of all the MDAs. Hence the SSG must be a consensus builder with the wisdom to marry policy with politics.
“Indeed, how the SSG carries out this function is very critical to the success of this administration. With his vast experience in corporate governance and the public sector, Dr. Emu is well equipped to handle this responsibility.
“I advise Dr. Emu to ensure that he is accessible to all. This office will certainly task your patience and resourcefulness because you will be confronted with all manners of issues from all manners of persons. But you must never lose your cool.
“Ask God for the grace and enablement to always remain calm while maintaining the highest standards of discipline, firmness, and decorum.”
Oborevwori assured Deltans that he would be faithful in implementing the administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, adding that appointments would be based on capacity and merit.
“I wish to reassure the good people of Delta State that this administration will be faithful to its M.O.R.E. agenda. In formulating our manifesto, we were very mindful of the needs and aspirations of our people at this time.
“Deltans should expect M.O.R.E. policies and programmes that will touch their lives positively because ours is a home-grown approach to governance and development.
“As I have always said, this will be an all-inclusive government whether in terms of projects distribution or appointments.
“With the appointment of the SSG, the process of constituting the State Executive Council has commenced. However, I wish to state that appointments into this administration will be based on capacity and merit.
“We need capable, tested, and competent hands who can hold their own and be worthy ambassadors of the government. Rest assured, it will be a good mix of youth and experience but they must be deserving,” Oborevwori stated.
Responding, the new SSG thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them, assuring that they would serve with loyalty to the administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda aimed at advancing the state.
The Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, former governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Senator James Manager, former deputy governor Benjamin Elue and many former political appointees in the previous administration as well as top-ranking government functionaries, attended the event.
