Ex-Lawmaker Blasts Governor Oborevwori Over Rivers Emergency Rule stance

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has come under heavy criticism for rejecting President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

In a strongly worded statement, former Delta lawmaker and ex-Commissioner, Hon. Chief Evance Ochuko Ivwurie, accused Oborevwori of dragging Delta State into a political battle against the President. He warned that the governor’s stance could harm the state’s interests, particularly its economic and security ties to Rivers State.

Ivwurie defended President Tinubu’s decision, calling it a necessary intervention to prevent Rivers from descending into chaos due to the prolonged political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers. He cited Section 305 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, arguing that the President acted within his constitutional rights to protect national assets and stabilize the region.

“It is utterly irresponsible for Governor Oborevwori to involve Delta State in his opposition against the President through a frivolous lawsuit,” Ivwurie said. He further accused Oborevwori of hypocrisy, alleging that while publicly criticizing Tinubu, he was also secretly making moves to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former lawmaker emphasized that Delta State’s economy is heavily dependent on federal allocations from oil revenue and warned that instability in Rivers could threaten its financial stability. He urged Oborevwori to reconsider his stance and avoid wasting state resources on legal battles against the federal government.

“The people of Delta State deserve quality leadership that prioritizes their welfare over partisan politics. Governor Oborevwori’s actions will not be forgotten, and he will be held accountable for his reckless opposition to the President’s efforts to restore stability in Rivers,” Ivwurie added.

He called on Delta residents to demand responsible governance from their leader and urged the governor to focus on policies that promote economic and security stability instead of engaging in political conflicts.