The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has commended Deltans for supporting his administration and their peaceful conduct during the recent local government elections held in the state.
Oqborevwori made the commendation on Friday when he presented Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Elder John Arimoro Alika, Ibili cum Okpara-Uku of Idumuesah Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Governor Oborevwori represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, said that the huge support and all round victory candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP enjoyed at the election was a clear affirmation of the confidence and trust the people have on his administration and the PDP.
He promised to justify the confidence reposed on his administration by doing more for Deltans.
He said, “I will like to use this occasion to express my sincere gratitude to all Deltans for their peaceful disposition during the last local government election; the outcome of the election is an affirmation of the confidence and trust you have on this administration and our great party, the PDP.
“On our part, we will continue to justify your faith and belief in this administration; surely, we shall not fail you.”
The deputy governor added, “I am happy to be at this auspicious occasion of the presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Elder John Arimoro Alika the Ibili Okpara-Uku of Idumuesah.
‘I congratulate His Royal Majesty, the people of Idumuesa, their friends and well wishers on this occasion.
“Permit me to use this occasion to enjoin our royal fathers to remain the rallying point for peace and development in our communities. I urge you and other royal fathers to continue to mobilize your people towards well-being.
“At a time like this, communities should not only look up to government for all the solutions to the myriad of challenges of sustainable development, because the resources of government are limited as other pressing needs and demands from various sectors also require the attention and action of government.”
Oborevwori emphasized that his administration has high regards and respect for the traditional institution in the state, as the traditional institution was not only the custodian of the age-long customs and traditions but the only unreserved link with the past.
He thanked the people of Idumuesa Kingdom for their gerontocratic practice, since it does not not lead to needless controversies, bitterness and unhealthy competition, which tears communities apart.
“The ceremony today demonstrates the respect that this government has for the traditional institution in the State.
“This is because royal fathers are not only the custodian of our age-long customs and tradition but the only unsevered link with our past.
“Our royal fathers remain the link between the government and the grassroots in the mobilization towards understanding and supporting government policies and programmes.
“It is this realization that informs our avowed commitment to the enhancement of the status of the traditional institution in the State.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have not relented in our efforts in this regard and we will continue to give the institution all the honour it rightly deserves.
“Your Royal Majesty, it is important to consult your people in every decision that affects your community; please allow the overall interest of the community to inform your actions. I also implore this community, to accord the Okpara-Uku, the respect and honour that befit his status.
“I have listened to the address presented by His Royal Majesty and the community.
“This administration has zero tolerance for uncompleted projects.
“Surely, your complaint on this subject matter among others, will be given attention as they will be channeled to the appropriate quarters for necessary advice and action,” Oborevwori added.
The Chairman of the local government area, Hon. Monday Odigwe commended the governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, for the unreserved support and assistance in tackling challenges facing the people of Ika North East Local Government Area.
Hon. Odigwe pledged to support the king, saying he would work tirelessly to promote the welfare, prosperity and the development of Idumuesa kingdom.
Earlier, the President-General of Idumuesah Progressive Union, Dr Raphael Dibie had said in his address that the Idumuesah Kingdom was face with insecurity from kidnapping and Fulani herdsmen attack.
He acknowledged the impact of successive administration in the area of infrastructural development that the people have enjoyed over the years and appealed for more infrastructure in the area.
