A former member of the Delta State House of Assembly and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Evance Ochuko Ivwurie, has berated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for joining the PDP Governors’ Forum to sue President Bola Tinubu over the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
Chief Ivwurie said, while Oborevwori had joined his PDP governor colleagues to drag President Tinubu to court, he (Oborevwori) is lobbying and maneuvering in Abuja at night to join APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement on Tuesday titled “Governor Oborevwori: Don’t Drag Delta State into Your Unholy Alliance Against President Tinubu”, the former Delta lawmaker noted that Oborevwori was one the governors who criticised the action of President Tinubu in the Rivers political crisis.
He noted that the people of Delta State would not join Governor Oborevwori in his unholy alliance against President Tinubu, stressing that Mr. President’s recent proclamation of emergency rule in Rivers was in order in face of destruction of national assets by militant groups.
The statement read, “President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is a bold and necessary measure to restore peace, order, and good governance in the troubled state. The President’s declaration has saved Rivers State from collapse and destruction, amid the intense power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly. The unyielding standoff between the two parties had brought the state to a near standstill, posing significant risks to Nigeria’s economic well-being.
“History will recognize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive leadership, much like that of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd U.S. President. In a moment of crisis, President Tinubu chose to rise above partisan politics, making the crucial decision to protect the lives of the people of Rivers State and safeguard our nation’s assets and properties from the turmoil created by the two warring factions. Undoubtedly, history will vindicate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his pivotal role in rescuing Rivers State and guiding Nigeria through challenging times.
“The prolonged political crisis has ravaged governance, threatened peace and security of life and property and made the President’s action absolutely imperative. The crisis has had devastating consequences, including the breakdown of law and order, and the destruction of critical assets of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“In this context, the President’s declaration is firmly grounded in the Constitution, specifically Section 305, which grants the President the power to take such action in times of crisis. The measure protects the lives and properties of Nigerians, particularly those living in Rivers State, and restore law and order.
“However, the PDP Governors’ Forum recently condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and instructed its various state Attorneys-General to challenge the President’s authority and declaration in court. Unfortunately, the lily-livered and inept Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has chosen to align himself with this stance, prioritizing partisan interests over national interest.
“It is utterly irresponsible for the inept Governor Oborevwori to embroil Delta State in his opposition against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by joining a frivolous lawsuit (assuming they have locus) challenging Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution. This section empowers the President to suspend a Governor who is perpetuating a crisis, as is evident in Rivers State.
“Even more concerning is for the inept Governor Oborevwori’s blatant hypocrisy in criticizing President Tinubu while simultaneously maneuvering to join the President’s party in Abuja. This display of political duplicity and opportunism not only undermines his party’s values but also betrays the trust of his constituents and party members. If he’s truly committed to the PDP, why is he seeking to join the All Progressives Congress, APC.
“His actions reflect a troubling desperation and a profound lack of integrity. The people of Delta State deserves better than a leader who is willing to sacrifice basic principles and integrity for personal gain. It is imperative that Governor Oborevwori is held accountable for his actions, and that his constituents demand a higher standard from his failed leadership.
“The implications of the Governor’s opposition to the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers are particularly troubling given the critical security situation in Rivers State, which poses an existential threat to the economy and livelihoods of Nigerians, particularly Deltans. Delta State’s reliance on FAAC allocation for its revenue, heavily dependent on oil production, makes it imperative to support the President’s efforts to address the crisis.
“The Governor’s consistent refusal to support President Tinubu’s efforts, particularly in his case to restore stability and ensure good governance in Rivers State is a poor representation of Delta State. His reckless actions will only perpetuate chaos, crisis, and instability in Rivers State. The people of Delta State deserves quality and better leadership, one that prioritizes their welfare and well-being over partisan interests. The Governor’s actions will not be forgotten soon, and the people of Delta State will hold him accountable for his irresponsible and recalcitrant behavior towards President Tinubu.
“Thanks to President Tinubu’s timely intervention, Rivers State is now experiencing a renewed sense of hope. Rather than waiting for the situation to deteriorate into full-scale conflict and chaos, he acted decisively to address the crisis. By choosing to tackle the issues at hand proactively, he prevented further destruction instead of allowing it to spiral out of control. His refusal to withhold firemen and firefighters until the state was set ablaze exemplifies his commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region.
“I strongly urge the inept Governor Oborevwori to reassess his position and stop involving Delta State in his unholy alliance against President Tinubu. Furthermore, I implore him to allocate state resources judiciously, avoiding frivolous legal expenses and politically motivated maneuvers that only serve his personal interests. By taking this step, he can prioritize the state’s interests and contribute to resolving the crisis in Rivers State.”
