In response to rising insecurity in Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has issued a strong warning to all local government council chairmen, stating that those who fail in their responsibilities may be removed from office. The governor made this known during a meeting held in Asaba, where he addressed the growing concerns over safety in several parts of the state.
Oborevwori expressed dissatisfaction with the way some chairmen have handled security in their areas. He said many were not taking their roles seriously, especially when it comes to regular attendance and involvement in security meetings. The governor stressed that local council heads are the chief security officers of their areas and must not neglect this duty.
“If you are weak as a council Chairman, we will remove you – Delta Governor Tells Council Chairmen,” he said during the meeting.
The governor noted that reports of kidnappings and other crimes are still being received regularly and that this situation cannot be ignored. He urged youths in the state not to turn to social media to make provocative statements but instead to support security agencies and local vigilantes in fighting criminal activities.
According to him, “Security is a shared responsibility, and as council chairmen, you campaigned to win the election, and you should know your environment very well…”
He pointed out that some of the current insecurity is due to the arrival of criminal elements from neighboring states, especially those crossing the River Niger. Oborevwori said the government is making plans to use technology to track and deal with such criminals. He added that the chairmen must regularly hold security council meetings and report progress through the Commissioner for Local Government or directly to him.
The governor also warned that the leadership of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) would be held responsible if chairmen fail to carry out their security duties. He called on the council chairmen to work closely with traditional rulers in their regions to improve the situation.
“As a governor, I manage all the traditional rulers in the state. So if I can manage all of them, you can also manage the traditional rulers in your respective local government areas,” he said.
Oborevwori also raised concerns about the rising number of young people involved in drugs and other harmful behaviors. He urged council leaders to pay closer attention to what is happening in their communities and take quick action where needed.
“We will not take any form of laxity from any Chairman. By the time we use one or two persons as examples, others will sit up,” he said firmly.
