Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, said he is an unrepentant believer in the unity of the state, assuring Deltans of his administration’s zero tolerance for sectionalism and nepotism in the management of government business.
Oborevwori, who stated this in Asaba while swearing in Dr. Kingsley Emu as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo as Senior Political Adviser (SPOLAD), congratulated the duo on their well-deserved appointments, urging them to key into the M.O.R.E agenda of his administration to break new grounds in infrastructural renewal, human capital development and social investment programmes.
He charged political appointees in his administration to shun ethnic politics and sectionalism, regard the entire state as their constituency and be fair and just to all Deltans.
Oborevwori stated: “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, 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, Emu is well equipped to handle this responsibility. I advise him 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.”
The governor assured Deltans of his faithful implementation of the administration’s M.O.R.E. agenda and appointments would be based on capacity and merit, saying his administration would be an all-inclusive, whether in terms of projects distribution or appointments.
Responding, Emu thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve, assuring that they would remain loyal to the administration’s M.O.R.E. agenda.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Monday Onyeme; former governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; a former deputy governor, Chief Benjamin Elue and Senator James Manager, among others.
