BY FRED EDORE
Social and political governance is a delicate act. It is more so in a multi ethnic nationality state like Delta, even more testy in a party like the PDP which, being the largest party in Africa, comprises various interest groups across communities, local government areas and Senatorial Districts.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has always said that he is Pan-Deltan and Governor for all and, for me, it was always going to be interesting to see how he would manage the labyrinths in terms of siting of projects, appointments and even in the processes of managing the PDP as it’s leader.
In this one year of working with and studying him, I have come to realize that he is an excellent master of balancing, fairness and equity, ensuring that all interests are catered for and carried along.
He may have developed this uncommon virtue and ability from his invaluable experience in the successful management of the Delta State House of Assembly as the only Speaker that has done two tenures and six years in a row, aggregating the various multi-ethnic interests but, perhaps, his magic wand is to be found in his words to the Delta South Leaders and Stakeholders Forum when he graced their meeting in Warri, last Sunday.
“I will do the right thing, no matter the influence. When you do the right thing, some people might be disappointed but majority will be happy.”
That simply means acting on the principle that the truth sets you free, and I have seen him play this out in many policies, development and political decisions.
He emphasises unity, selflessness and mutual respect which he exemplifies in all his conducts, but when some groups insist on remaining in disunity, he would not take any decision that would favour any of the groups over any of the other contending groups. It is either he provides separately for the contending groups to achieve balance or he settles for neutrality.
This has been well demonstrated in his leadership of the PDP and especially in the management of the emergence of its candidates for the forthcoming LGA elections. No special favours, no preferences, no biases towards or against any community, social segment or political group, but all in the best interest of the unity, peace, harmony and progress of the people, including the youth, the women folk, old and emerging leaders and stakeholders.
That is leadership per excellence.
This act of balancing, fairness and equity is well expressed in the composition of the leadership of the Delta State House of Assembly, as revealed by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor.
“You must know that Delta is a mini Nigeria where you have different ethnic nationalities. You must take the interest of every ethnic nationality together. You must take the interest of the majority tribe, you must take the interest of the minority tribe, you must take the interest of every Senatorial Districts into consideration, so that there will be no lapses at any point in time.
“The way it is designed, as the Speaker, I am from Delta South, the Deputy Speaker is from Delta Central, the Majority Leader is from Delta North. Then, the Chief Whip is from Delta Central, Minority Leader is from Delta Central, Deputy Majority Leader is from Delta North, Majority Whip is from Delta South, Deputy Chief Whip is from Delta South, Deputy Majority Whip is from Delta North.
“And all of these positions cut across all the ethnic nationalities. In Delta South, we have four ethnic nationalities. The Ijaw, the Itsekiri, the Isoko and the Urhobo. As the Speaker, I am from the Ijaw speaking side, the Deputy Chief Whip is from Itsekiri and the Majority Whip is from Isoko.
“When you come to Delta North, you have majorly three blocs, the Aniocha/Oshimili, Ndokwa/Ukwani and Ika. The Majority Leader is from Aniocha/Oshimili, Deputy Majority Leader from Ika and the Deputy Majority Whip from Ndokwa nation.
“In the Urhobo side too, there is a balancing. The Deputy Speaker is from the Ethiope Federal Constituency, the Chief Whip is from the Sapele-Okpe-Uvwie Federal Constituency (and the Minority Leader is from Ughelli/Udu axis.
“In so doing, every interest is taken care of and there is balancing.”
The act of balancing, fairness and equity ensures and enhances socio-political stability, peace and harmony which are requisite for the pursuit of economic development and progress.
This accounts for the quiet, gradual, steady, all round and all inclusive advancement of Delta State under Sheriff…