Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has issued a stern ultimatum to the 25 local government council chairmen in Delta State, warning that any chairman found wanting in managing security risks removal from office.
Speaking in Asaba, the governor expressed alarm over the rising tide of insecurity, particularly kidnapping, which he described as “very disturbing.”
Oborevwori emphasized that attendance and active participation in monthly security council meetings are “non-negotiable” for council chairmen, who serve as chief security officers of their local government areas. “If you are weak as a council chairman, we will remove you,” he declared, underscoring the need for accountability.
He also warned the leadership of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Delta State that they would be held responsible for any lapses in conducting these meetings.
The governor attributed part of the state’s security challenges to an influx of “undesirable elements” from neighboring states, particularly across the Niger. To address this, he announced plans to deploy technology to detect and apprehend criminals undermining the state’s peace. “We shall soon deploy technology to help engage these criminals,” Oborevwori stated.
He urged council chairmen to collaborate closely with security agencies, local vigilantes, and traditional rulers to tackle kidnapping and other heinous crimes. “Security is a shared responsibility,” he said, calling on chairmen to leverage their local knowledge to enhance peace.
He also cautioned youths against making inciting statements on social media, urging them to work with authorities to confront criminals in their communities.
Oborevwori directed chairmen to report security updates either directly to him or through the Commissioner for Local Government.
He stressed the importance of managing traditional rulers effectively, noting, “If I can manage all the traditional rulers in the state, you can manage those in your local government areas.”
The governor concluded with a firm warning against laxity, citing the rising rates of drug abuse and social vices among youths. “We will not tolerate any form of laxity from any chairman. By the time we use one or two persons as examples, others will sit up,” he said, signaling his administration’s resolve to enforce accountability.
