Gov Oborevwori’s performance, Deltans indebted in gratitude to Okowa – Bureau DG, Dr. Fred Oghenesivbe
…Says governor’s foreign trips ‘ll attract FDI
For standing firm on the choice of his successor in a free and fair party primary prior to the 2023 Governorship election, Deltans will for a long time be indebted in gratitude to the immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON.
Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, made the assertion on Tuesday as a guest of Quest FM Radio/TV public affairs live phone-in interactive program, “The Big Story.”
The Bureau Chief said Okowa had the divine inspiration and privilege to see what others didn’t see about governor Sheriff Oborevwori, which was why he stood his ground despite the stiff opposition by some stakeholders of the then Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), who rooted for an aspirant backed by a former governor in the state.
Dr Oghenesivbe noted that the landmark achievements of governor Oborevwori, has been commended by all well meaning Deltans including his 2023 political detractors and members of opposition parties in the state, noting that Okowa and “those of us” who stock our necks for him are now walking tall, and very proud of the monumental achievements of the governor.
He assured that the foreign trips embarked upon by the governor will soon yield positive results in terms of inflow of Direct Foreign Investments (FDI), which would create more jobs for our teeming youths, skilled and unskilled Deltans across the three senatorial districts.
Oghenesivbe stated that the recent stakeholders endorsement of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as sole candidates for Presidential and Governorship elections in 2027, was as a result of their visionary leadership and uncommon transformation in infrastructure, human capital and socioeconomic development through the instrumentality of the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda at Federal and State levels.
He posited that the state government has fully merged President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda with the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori, now known as the “Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda,” noting that the collaboration between the federal government and Delta State is very cordial and
mutually beneficial.
On the issue of press treedom and the role of the press as the watchdog of the society, Dr Oghenesivbe, who is also a lawyer, disclosed that the Cybercrimes Act and subsisting laws on Libel and Defamation are exceptions to the rule, which guard against abuse of freedom.
He said freedom is not absolute, and that includes press freedom and freedom of speech enshrined in the Constitution, pointing out that freedom of the press comes with responsibilities and exceptions which does not allow one’s freedom to infringe on the rights or freedom of other citizens.
He urged Journalists, communicators and social media influencers to always fact check their “who, what, where, when and how” of their stories, and be weary of information that cannot be verified through reliable and credible sources, pointing out that the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori encourages constructive criticism, investigate reporting that is rooted on verifiable facts.
Dr Oghenesivbe, however warned that those whose business is to feed fat on peddling falsehood, blackmail, character assassination, and defaming of law abiding citizens should be ready to defend their actions or in actions in Courts of competent jurisdictions under the legal principle of “who alleges must prove” beyond reasonable doubts in criminal prosecution.
“We shall remain indebted in gratitude to our immediate past governor and national leader, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for standing firm to ensure that governor Oborevwori was not unjustly bullied out of the 2023 governorship election.
“In fact, Okowa divinely saw tomorrow, and practically backed the candidacy of governor Oborevwori. He studied the then speaker and saw in him “a good governor in-view” and he has been vindicated through the uncommon transformation of Delta State, since May 29, 2023.
“Let me clearly State that the days where some persons in the cyberspace criminally blackmail and defame innocent Deltans and politically exposed persons are over. Constructive criticism is allowed, but posting and publishing falsehood and propaganda aimed at assassinating the character of some fellow citizens, and politically exposed persons will no longer be a profitable business.
“The Cybercrimes Act and subsisting laws on Libel and Defamation are actionable in Courts of competent jurisdictions, both civil and and criminal actions. The convicted criminal will be jailed, and a civil action may also be brought to claim damages. It’s a double edge sword, which is why there is a need for caution and self re-examination.
“My sincere and honest advice to journalists, communicators and social media influencers will be that they should communicate responsibly, ensure that your claims or allegations are verifiable, and must have evidence or proof to back your claims, so as not to end up in jail,” Oghenesivbe said.
