By: Emmanuel Abi Couson
Youths in Delta State on Monday endorsed the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, saying that they will stand by him till 2031.
A coalition of Delta State Community Youth Forum, declared its unalloyed support for the governor during a solidarity visit by the youth.
Members of the coalition who were in Government House, Asaba, in large numbers on a solidarity visit to the governor, said they would continue to support the policies and programmes of the Governor Oborevwori- led administration in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the President of the National Association of Delta State Students, NADESSTU, Comrade Monday Wiiska, said they were in Government House to celebrate the governor’s victory in the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial poll in the state and his subsequent legal victories at the various courts up to the Supreme Court.
Comrade Whiska disclosed that 80 critical youth groups, representing the diverse ethnic nationalities in the three senatorial districts of the state which constitute the coalition, had decided to unite in a harmonious declaration of support to celebrate the victory of the governor.
He said: “We stand here today, as leaders of various ethnic nationalities; PDP youth leaders (male and female); the Critical Youth Group in Delta State under the umbrella of Delta State community youth who are representing the vast interest of majority of youths, to declare our support for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori till 2031.
“We stand with you till 2031 where you will have ample time to deliver on your passionate mandate of the MORE Agenda just as it is written in the holy book of Job Chapter 22 verse 28 that ‘as we decree on Earth, so shall it be established in heaven.
“Your victory is a reverberating echo of the peoples resolute mandate bestowed upon you at the gubernatorial election held on 18 of March, 2023.
“During the election, the vibrant youths of Delta State chose you because we believed in you and your MORE Agenda for Deltans.
“The choice of the youths and other Deltans resonated powerfully in your victory in 21 out of the 25 local government areas across the state during the election.
“As we express our felicitation for your triumph at the Supreme Court, we are overwhelmed with joy over your distinctive vision for Delta State which is now yielding tremendous dividends.
“You have recorded remarkable progress since the birth of your administration. We can boast of the contract awarded to Julius Berger PLC, employment of teaching and non-teaching staff in primary schools across the state and payment of pensions to retirees in the state, among others.
“Your compassionate care for Deltans through timely distribution of palliatives was top-notch. Within your first six months of stewardship, your legacy in the state is growing impressively.”
Responding, Governor Oborevwori thanked the youths for their support and pledged to continue working for the peace and development of the state.
The Governor said: “It is my pleasure to receive you all here today. Thank you for thinking it worthwhile to come and express your solidarity with me on the affirmation of my electoral victory at the Supreme Court.
“Let me sincerely thank all of you because I am aware that throughout the trials, all of you were there for me. Some of you went to Lagos and Abuja several times during the court cases.
“God will bless you all for your sacrifices. And, like I have promised Deltans, I am going to be a Governor for all Deltans.
“This love that you have shown me and this government, it’s only God that will show you your own love. When I stepped into this hall, I saw the youth standing shoulder to stakeholder for my cause and I am impressed with the turnout.
“I want to sincerely commend the Commissioner for Youths and the Special Adviser for this outing. The Commissioner approached me that the youths are coming on a solidarity visit and here you are today.
“My victory at the Supreme Court was celebrated all over Delta state; in the 270 wards, in all the 25 local government areas of the state and the three senatorial districts were all agog in celebration of this victory.”
Governor Oborevwori assured the youths of his continued partnership, saying; “I have lived with you people here and I know your pains. All I want to assure you is that I will not disappoint you with my street wisdom and street credibility.
“All of you worked very hard to deliver PDP and for us to win 21 local government areas with a margin of over 120,000 votes in a BVAS- based election, it was just God who touched you all to come out enmasse to give me your mandate. Let me assure you that I will not disappoint you with this mandate you have given to me.
“When I was campaigning, I said I will include youths into the government; today, I have over 10 of them that are below 40 years and they have good content to serve the people of Delta State. I am a promise keeper and they are doing well in the positions given to them.
“In less than eight months, I have employed over 3,000 teaching and non-teaching staff. I have also approved the bursary payment for students, awaiting Exco ratification and the money is already available.
“I have also been running this administration for the past eight months without borrowing. So far, we have ran the government without borrowing, and we are paying workers and contractors without failing. I assure you once again that under our administration, there is going to be more unity and peace in this state.”
