Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has issued a stern warning to local government council chairmen and traditional rulers across the state over their perceived complacency in the fight against insecurity.
Speaking during a high-level security meeting in Asaba that brought together members of the State Security Council, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, lawmakers, and selected members of the State Executive Council, Thursday, the governor warned that any official found to be negligent in discharging their duties will be held accountable.
“Any traditional ruler that has been invited and is not here, it means that traditional ruler does not love Delta State and does not like peace,” Oborevwori said pointedly, adding that the traditional institutions remain vital to the peace architecture of the state.
The governor lamented the rising spate of criminal activities, particularly kidnapping, cult clashes, and drug abuse, calling on all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and local vigilantes. He said the state government had done much behind the scenes to dismantle kidnapping rings and other criminal syndicates but warned against using social media to spread inciting narratives that undermine security efforts.
“Security is a shared responsibility. As council chairmen and traditional rulers, you know your terrain. You were elected or appointed to serve your people. It is unacceptable for some of you to neglect your duties,” he said, citing his personal experience tackling insecurity in Abraka as a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
Oborevwori expressed disappointment over some local council chairmen’s failure to convene statutory Security Council meetings despite receiving funds to that effect, warning that non-performing officials will be removed.
“If you are weak, we will remove you. If you don’t hold your Security Council meetings and prefer to just wait for allocations, nobody will save you,” the governor declared. “I will use one or two as an example to show we are serious.”
He also criticized the breakdown in communication between some council leaders and traditional institutions, stressing that effective governance requires close cooperation and mutual respect.
“There are traditional rulers that are difficult to manage, but you must manage them. They have experience and access to grassroots intelligence that is vital to security efforts,” he said.
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The governor further revealed that the insecurity in the state is being worsened by the activities of criminal elements from neighboring states, but assured that technology would soon be deployed to monitor and neutralize such threats.
Oborevwori charged local government leaders to provide necessary logistics and support to community vigilantes who, due to their familiarity with the terrain, remain crucial in maintaining grassroots security.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace and development, urging continuous prayers and support from traditional institutions.
“We don’t have another state. This is our only home. I will continue to listen to you and do more. But you must also play your part,” the governor said.
The meeting resolved to increase synergy among all tiers of governance and the security architecture to tackle the rising wave of insecurity across the state.
