Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has issued a stern warning to members of his State Executive Council, stressing that their continuation in office will be based strictly on performance, not rumours or gossip.
Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of eight newly constructed four-bedroom duplexes at the Commissioners’ Quarters in Asaba, Oborevwori clarified there is no plan to dissolve the entire Executive Council. However, commissioners who fail to meet expectations will be removed.
“If you are not performing, we will drop you, and that will not affect others. If you are performing, you will stay,” the governor said, adding that two or three commissioners are currently underperforming.
Addressing circulating rumours of a wholesale dissolution, Oborevwori remarked, “These people haven’t even heard from me; it just shows that people like to talk too much.”
The governor emphasized the need for commissioners to show initiative and be visible in their ministries, warning against a passive approach. “As a commissioner, we don’t see you. You come with your memo and look for the Governor, but the Governor will not come looking for you. You must bring energy and initiative to your ministry,” he said.
Oborevwori further underlined that the success or failure of ministries directly reflects on their commissioners. “If there is a problem in any ministry, hold the commissioner responsible. Any ministry that is performing well reflects well on its commissioner.”
The governor also highlighted the administration’s ongoing commitment to project delivery despite challenges, revealing plans to emulate President Bola Tinubu’s commissioning style by unveiling multiple projects at once. “We have many projects to commission. We may not complete them all by year-end, but we will do our best,” he said, noting a major commissioning event planned for Warri on Wednesday.
On the new residential units for commissioners, Oborevwori explained, “When we took office, there were only 22 buildings at the Commissioners’ Quarters, but the number of commissioners exceeds that, so we had to build more accommodation. This demonstrates our commitment to the welfare of senior government officials.”
The Dean of Commissioners and Finance Commissioner, Chief Fidelis Tilije, expressed appreciation for the new quarters and requested renovations for the existing buildings. Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Housing, Mr Godknows Angele, praised the governor’s support in completing the housing project, which includes duplexes with attached boys’ quarters and lounges.
Governor Oborevwori’s directive reinforces his administration’s focus on accountability, performance, and improved welfare for officials to drive effective governance in Delta State.