Oborevwori’s administration is focused on developmental issues, argues DANIEL OSARO
By all objective standards, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’s latest attack on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over the declaration of the Udu State Constituency seat as vacant was misplaced. Omo-Agege appears determined to stir controversies where none exists. Unfortunately, his latest intervention exposes more political frustration than constitutional understanding.
The facts are simple.
The Delta State House of Assembly declared the seat of Hon. Collins Egbetamah vacant following his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Whether one agrees with the decision or not, it remains a legislative action taken by an independent arm of government acting pursuant to powers vested in it by the Constitution.
Yet, Omo-Agege would have Nigerians believe that Governor Oborevwori personally convened the House, dictated its proceedings and instructed lawmakers on how to vote. Nothing can be more ridiculous.
There comes a point in every political career when leaders must learn to accept the verdict of the electorate and move on. Since his loss of the APC Senatorial ticket, virtually every political conversation in the state has witnessed his unnecessary intervention.
Every routine governmental action becomes another excuse to attack Governor Oborevwori. The pattern is unmistakable. This is not constructive opposition.
Instead of rebuilding his fractured political base, Omo-Agege has chosen the easier route of issuing statements designed solely to attract headlines. Sadly, headlines cannot substitute for political relevance.
Beyond the political drama lies a constitutional issue that Omo-Agege deliberately chooses to misrepresent. Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is neither ambiguous nor optional.
It provides that a member of a State House of Assembly shall vacate his seat if, having been elected on the platform of a political party, he defects to another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected, except where there is a division in his political party or where two or more political parties merge.
That constitutional provision has been interpreted repeatedly by Nigerian courts over the years. It is not Governor Oborevwori’s invention. It is the law.
Whether Hon. Egbetamah falls within any constitutional exception is ultimately a legal question for the courts.
One of the most disturbing aspects of Omo-Agege’s argument is his deliberate distortion of the doctrine of separation of powers. The Delta State House of Assembly is not an extension of Government House. It is an independent constitutional institution.
Its Speaker presides over legislative proceedings. Its members debate. Its members vote. Its members determine their internal affairs subject to parliamentary rules and constitutional provisions.
Governor Oborevwori neither sits inside the chamber nor casts votes on behalf of lawmakers. To accuse him of personally removing a legislator simply because he heads the executive arm of government is to insult both the legislature and the Constitution.
Ironically, Omo-Agege himself argues that the Assembly is independent. Yet, in the same statement, he blames the governor for every decision taken by that same Assembly. That contradiction exposes the weakness of his argument.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, since assuming office, has deliberately avoided unnecessary confrontation. His administration has focused overwhelmingly on governance rather than political vendettas.
From infrastructure development to education, healthcare, rural roads, youth empowerment and economic expansion, the governor has remained focused on delivering the MORE Agenda.
While others issue daily press statements, Oborevwori commissions projects. While others chase political relevance, he pursues development. That difference explains why Delta people continue to rally behind him.
Nigeria remains governed by law. The judiciary exists precisely to resolve constitutional disputes. The courts will determine whether due process was followed. The courts will interpret Section 109. The courts, not political commentators, will pronounce on the legality of the Assembly’s action. That is how constitutional democracy functions.
Politics ultimately rewards performance. Noise rarely defeats results. The people have moved beyond endless political quarrels. They desire stability. They desire development. They desire leaders who solve problems rather than manufacture them. Governor Oborevwori has understood that expectation.
His calm disposition, inclusive leadership and development-oriented governance have steadily strengthened public confidence across the state. Attempts to distract him through politically motivated controversies would not succeed.
Ultimately, every democrat must respect constitutional institutions. If the legislature takes a decision, those dissatisfied have every right to challenge it in court. What they should not do is undermine public confidence by falsely portraying legislative decisions as executive conspiracies without proof.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori neither declared Hon. Egbetamah’s seat vacant nor presided over the House proceedings. The Delta State House of Assembly acted within what it believes are its constitutional powers.
Osaro writes from Asaba, Delta State
