Nelson Utip
The Ijaw ethnic nationality in Delta State on Wednesday endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for re-election in 2027 during a grand reception organised in honour of The Governor.
The event was hosted by The Ijaw National Congress (worldwide) in Bomadi, the occasion drew prominent political leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders and members of the Ijaw nation from across Delta State and beyond.
The endorsement was conveyed in a motion moved by The Member representing Burutu Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi, he said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori be endorsed and supported by the Ijaw people for second terms in office.
The motion was seconded by a member of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Oboro Preyor and thereafter subjected to a voice vote by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, and was unanimously adopted by the people.
Othe features of the event include the conferment of the traditional title of Izonebimiewei (the man that does good) of Delta State on Governor Oborevwori by the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum in recognition of his outstanding performance and developmental strides across Ijaw communities.
In his response , Governor Oborevwori expressed deep appreciation for the honour and the overwhelming show of support, he described it as one of the highest recognitions he had received from his people.
He observed that his administration had so far expended over N400 billion on infrastructural development in Ijaw communities, including roads, bridges, schools and healthcare facilities, and assured that more projects would be delivered in the coming years.
Governor Oborevwori further emphasized key projects in the area which include; the Bomadi–Gbaregolor Road, the Ohoror-Bomadi road, Oporoza township roads, internal roads in Patani and Ogulagha, and the ongoing Ayakoromo Bridge, describing them as part of deliberate efforts to open up riverine areas and improve connectivity.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, stressing that no ethnic nationality in the state would be left behind.
He also commended the Ijaw Nation for its sustained support during his 2023 campaigns, including the legal battles that followed the 2023 governorship election.
“I remain grateful for the unwavering support of the Ijaw people, which strengthened me through challenging times. This endorsement is deeply appreciated and will not be taken for granted.” He said.
In his speech at the event, Governor Douye Diri was full of praises for Oborevwori’s developmental strides , especially in riverine communities, he observed that the terrain should no longer be seen as a barrier to infrastructure.
He called on The Ijaw people to remain united, stressing that unity of purpose would enhance their political relevance and ensure their voices are heard at all levels of governance.
The President of the Ijaw National Congress, INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, described the reception as a strategic platform to appreciate the governor’s performance and strengthen collaboration between the Ijaw Nation and The Delta State Government.
Okaba acknowledged several landmark projects executed by the Oboreivwori administration and called for the prioritisation of additional infrastructure, including roads, bridges, healthcare facilities and educational institutions in Ijaw areas.
Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor in his speech said that the endorsement was a reflection of the governor’s visible achievements across Ijaw communities, citing multiple road projects and institutional developments as evidence of his commitment to the region.
Several political leaders , traditional rulers, youth groups and women organisations graced the occasion, highlighting what stakeholders described as a rare unity of purpose within the Ijaw nation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
