By Wealth Oghenemaro
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has issued a stern warning to underperforming cabinet members, stating that only those delivering results will retain their positions in his administration.
The governor made this declaration on Monday during the commissioning of eight new four-bedroom duplexes with attached boys’ quarters at the Commissioners’ Quarters in Asaba.
The project, aimed at addressing the shortage of government residential quarters, was officially unveiled by the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge.
Dispelling recent speculations about a possible cabinet dissolution, Governor Oborevwori clarified that no such decision had been made yet, but warned that poor performance would not be tolerated.
“There’s a lot of rumour — that the governor wants to dissolve EXCO, that he wants to drop commissioners. People just like gossip. If you’re not performing, we will drop you. That will not affect those doing well. Two or three people are not performing now, and I told one this morning in chapel — you’re not doing well,” he stated.
The governor emphasized that responsibility lies squarely with each commissioner to ensure the progress of their ministries.
“If there’s a problem in your ministry, hold the commissioner responsible. Any ministry that is doing well shows that the commissioner is doing well,” he added, citing the Ministry of Housing as an example of effective performance.
Turning to the significance of the newly commissioned quarters, Governor Oborevwori stressed that centralizing the accommodation of commissioners fosters unity, improved teamwork, and greater productivity.
“Living together reduces stress levels and improves collaboration. When commissioners live in one place, it enhances bonding, communication, and emotional well-being. The light here doesn’t blink. There are walkways to jog and a chapel nearby. These things matter,” he explained.
According to the governor, the project was approved in February 2024 following a review of the existing 22 duplexes, which proved insufficient to house all commissioners. The addition of eight new units brings the total to 30.
Governor Oborevwori used the event to acknowledge the volume of projects under his administration and hinted at a consolidated commissioning approach moving forward.
“We have so many projects, we can’t finish commissioning all before the year ends. Like the president recently did, we’ll stay in one location and virtually commission all. On Wednesday, we’ll do that in Warri,” he said.
In his remarks, Delta State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Goodnews Angele, expressed gratitude to the governor for entrusting the ministry with the design and delivery of the project.
“His Excellency monitored this job from day one to completion. Today, we are seeing the result. Every unit is fully equipped with four bedrooms, two boys’ quarters, kitchen, lounge, and all necessary fittings,” Angele said, praising the contractor, ABI Project Concept, for a smooth and timely execution.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by top government functionaries, including the Deputy Governor, Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Chief Judge, members of the State Executive Council, local government chairmen, leaders of the APC and PDP, and other dignitaries.
The commissioning of the additional duplexes marks another milestone in the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to staff welfare and infrastructure development under the MORE Agenda.
