Oborevwori Tasks Delta Councillors to Harness Autonomy for Grassroots Development

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged local government chairmen and councillors across the state to seize the opportunities created by the recent Supreme Court judgment granting full financial autonomy to local governments, stressing that grassroots leaders now have no excuse for non-performance.

Speaking on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the Delta State Councillors Forum Symposium 2025 in Asaba, themed “Repositioning the Grassroots: Strengthening Local Governance for Sustainable Development in Nigeria in the Wake of Local Government Autonomy,” Oborevwori described the ruling as a constitutional milestone that redefines local governance in Nigeria.

“With this autonomy, it is expected that development at the grassroots will be enhanced and unhindered by political interference or administrative bottlenecks,” the Governor said. “Chairmen and councillors must now deliver on their mandate without excuses.”

Oborevwori commended councillors for their dedication and project delivery across Delta State but noted the urgent need for more action in tackling poverty, unemployment, waste management, and insecurity.

On security, he stressed that intelligence gathering must begin at the ward level, calling on councillors and chairmen to work closely with security agencies. “Councils must be proactive, not reactive,” he warned, while announcing plans to resume statewide town hall meetings in 2026 to improve government accountability and citizen engagement.

The Governor addressed councillors’ welfare concerns, clarifying that salary adjustments were made in line with Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) regulations following Auditor-General queries. He added that severance benefits would now be paid in installments before tenure expiration.

He further directed local government chairmen to always involve councillors in constituency projects, ensuring that ward-based initiatives reflect genuine grassroots needs. He also urged councils to adopt civility in tax collection through properly trained personnel.

“Councilorship is about service, sacrifice, and accountability. It is the bridge between government and the people. This symposium must mark a turning point for grassroots governance in Delta State,” Oborevwori declared.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Delta State Councillors Forum and Leader of Warri South-West Legislative Arm, Mr. Samuel Ekpemupolo, described the symposium as “the voice of the grassroots,” stressing that autonomy must lead to greater accountability and visible impact in communities.

He called on the Delta State Government and House of Assembly to align state laws with the Supreme Court’s ruling on a four-year tenure for local councils, while urging dignified recognition of councillors as lawmakers at the grassroots level.

The symposium featured keynote presentations by the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, alongside governance and development experts. It was attended by political leaders, lawmakers, board members, and representatives of partner organisations.