Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s recent remarks while addressing the Urhobo Nation, urging them to extend their support to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, have sparked varied reactions. Some have condemned his statement, while others have commended it. To truly understand the implications of his remarks, it’s essential to examine them through different perspectives, including ideology, econometrics, and myopia/bigotry.
Ideology
In a constitutional democracy, ideologues often struggle with the interconnectedness between tiers of government. However, once elections are over, governance requires collaboration and cooperation between state and federal governments, regardless of party affiliations. Governor Oborevwori’s statement can be seen as a natural and innocent call for support, rather than a foundation for his migration from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ¹.
Econometrics
A good governor prioritizes the economic well-being of their people and seeks opportunities to attract economic benefits. Governor Oborevwori deserves commendation for placing the welfare of his people above his political affiliation. His willingness to cooperate with the central government demonstrates his commitment to uplifting the economic conditions of his people.
Myopia and Bigotry
Those with a narrow-minded worldview often criticize actions that originate outside their perspective. However, such criticism can be unwarranted and unproductive. Governor Oborevwori, like any other governor, is not perfect, and constructive critique of his policies can lead to improvement. It’s essential to purge ourselves of biases and embrace purposeful togetherness, recognizing the good in actions taken by political adversaries.
In conclusion, Governor Oborevwori’s remarks should be viewed as a call for cooperation and support, rather than a partisan maneuver. His commitment to the welfare of his people and his willingness to work with the central government demonstrate his dedication to good governance. As Chief Mudiaga Aruoture aptly puts it, “We need more hard-headed governors/politicians like Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for there to be synergy and maximum utilization of resources by government officials irrespective of party affiliations.”
Gibson Dick, is a Public Affairs Analyst, based in Abuja.
