WITH the recent criticism by critics and the opposition of the Gov Sheriff Oborevwori administration’s security agenda, this piece is meant to put the facts straight, and to prove that Gov Oborevwori is irrevocably committed to providing adequate security that would, and has helped to protect lives and properties of citizens and residents of Delta State.
From the onset, the governor hinted that, one of the cardinal policies of his development agenda for the state, as encapsulated in his M.O.R.E Agenda, which is Meaningful Development Opportunities for All, Realistic Reform and Enhanced Peace and Security, was the need to make Delta State safe and secure.
Therefore, in line with his M.O.R.E Agenda of achieving peace and security i+++n the State, the Governor has sustained his provision of necessary support to Security Agencies like the Police and the Army.
That was why, when the new Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr Abamiwonda Olufemi came on board, he was quick to inform him that, “As a government, our goal is to provide sustainable development and opportunities for the people. This can only be achieved successfully when there is peace and security”.
While noting that the synergy between the state government and the Police has built trust and confidence of Deltans in the ability of the Police to serve their interest in making the State a safe and peaceful one, I recall that, in order to make good his promise to support the Police in its operations and make them function more efficiently, Gov Oborevwori pledged to donate some operational vehicles to the State Police Command.
In his words, the Governor said, “This is to demonstrate my administration’s will to strengthen our partnership with the Police in order to assist them to curb crime and ensure rural and urban safety and development “.
It is perhaps important to say here that all over the world, the security of lives and properties in the primary responsibility of government. This is because, where there is no law, anarchy will be the order of the day, and even when there are laws, failure to enforce them could lead to chaos and anarchy.
It is, therefore, for this reason that, in the one year and two months of the Gov Oborevwori’s administration, the Governor has assured that, the lives and property of Deltans are secured and protected from any incursion or attacks from non-state-actors or criminals, the pockets of reported cases of crime in some parts of the State notwithstanding.
One of such acts of criminality in the State was when Nigerians woke up a few months ago to the news of the dastardly killing of 17 Soldiers at Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State. Gov Oborevwori, I recall, did not waste time in issuing a statement condemning in very strong terms, the unprovoked killing of the Soldiers attached to the 63 Brigade at Okuama Community.
Gov Oborevwori did not stop there. After receiving briefings from the Security top brass, he proceeded to Abuja to formerly brief the President, and Commander -In- Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu. That was, indeed a timely move by the Governor to ensure that peace and security returned to Okuama Community within the shortest possible time.
As a proof of his total commitment to the peace and security of Delta State, I recall that, Gov Oborevwori went further to brief the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council, where he urged them to talk to the people on the need to maintain peace across the State, adding that, the State government would not allow trouble makers to dissuade investors from coming to invest in the State. These are bold steps, taken by the Governor in order to sustain the peace and security in the State, for which he should be commended.
On the fight against oil theft, which has been the bane of the Niger Delta States, within the one year and two months of his administration, Gov Oborevwori has, with his M.O.R.E Agenda of peace and security, been able to curtail, if not completely address the challenges.
Recall that, in 2023++, the Governor commended the Nigerian Army and other Security Agencies for their commitment and fight against oil theft and sundry crimes in the State, and the country in general.
This was at the combined year 2023 West Africa Social Activities (WASA) for Headquarters 63 Brigade and 181 Amphibious Battalion at its new Barracks, Alifikede, Agbor, in Ika South Local Government Area of the State.
Gov Oborevwori, who was represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Works (Rural/riverine roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, reaffirmed that, the efforts of the Army and other Security agencies had helped to maintain peace and phenomenal growth of infrastructure as well as unity across the State.
He added, “ The success story of my administration cannot be told without the collaboration of the Army, the Police and other sister agencies. Worthy of note is the gallant performance and sacrifice of the Army personnel towards the fight against oil theft, sundry crimes and the successful conduct of the 2023 general elections, among other operations and assignments”.
For those critics or doubting Thomases of Gov Oborevwori administration’s capacity to address the peace and security challenges of Delta State, let me remind you that, last week, precisely on Wednesday, the Governor assured that his administration was committed to the security of lives and property in the state, insisting that the state was peaceful despite few security challenges in some parts. He re-echoed his belief in the fact that, security of lives and property remains the primary purpose of Government.
The Governor, who made his stand on this known, disclosed this when he received on courtesy visit, the State Executive of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), led by the State Chairman, Bishop Kingsley Enakhireri at Government House in Asaba. He categorically said, “We are doing our best. In section 14(2b) of the 1999 Constitution, it states that, ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government’ and we are doing that”.
It is also on good record that Gov Sheriff Oborevwori recently handed over the Certificate of Occupancy of 66.6 hectares of land to the Nigerian Air Force for the establishment of a barrack in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area.
Gov Oborevwori, who made the presentation when he received a delegation of the Nigerian Air Force, led by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, said “the gesture was in line with our M.O.R.E agenda; to enhance peace and security in the state because that’s the only way we can get development”.
The said: “To collaborate with the Nigerian Air Force, we have provided 66.6 hectares of land in Osubi, and the C of O was issued in January this year.
“We are all aware that it was initially granted by the previous administration but there was no C of O. It was supposed to be an operational base at that time. We know the project is still there; we will also assist in the construction of roads that will lead to the 66.6 hectares of land”.
He assured that, regarding the request for land for a housing scheme for the Navy, his government will make sure that they get the land as soon as possible.
In his remark, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the support the Delta State Government had provided to the Air Force over the years.
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