Three years of the Oborevwori administration, on the threshold of 2027, offers a fitting moment to reflect on Delta State, its birth pangs and political journey.
Delta emerged almost as an accident of history. None of the ethnic constituents truly desired the state as it was constituted in 1991. The Urhobo/Isoko axis,Anioma, Ijaw and Itsekiri interests had all envisioned separate states and different political destinies.
But the military Maradona, General Ibrahim Babangida, had a different script.
Delta State. Capital – Asaba. Game over!
And the rest became history.
Events often mock at human foresight. But sometimes human designs may be divine orchestration. Against the backdrop of Delta’s delicate ethnic complexities, which had often exacerbated social tension, something remarkable happened. A sequence of events, never deliberately choreographed by man.
In 1999, Chief James Ibori from Delta Central Senatorial District was elected governor. After eight years, he handed over to Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan from Delta South, who governed from 2007 to 2015. Then came Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa from Delta North, who would complete the historic circle of power rotation among the three Senatorial districts, statutorily exiting governorship office in 2023.
Today, the baton of Delta’s gubernatorial leadership rests once again in Delta Central, in the hands of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
His administration has become widely associated with massive infrastructure expansion : the signature mega bridges across Warri, Effurun and Udu alongside the emerging flyovers at Otovwodo and Agbor.
Across the state, road projects such as the Ogwashi-Uku/Oleh/Ughelli corridor, the Trans-Ode Itsekiri Road, the Emevor/Orogun link road and numerous other social infrastructure projects continue to redefine development footprints in both urban and rural communities.
He is increasingly perceived as a prudent leader , governing without reckless borrowing. Yet beyond policy and projects lies something more politically potent: his populist flavour. Sheriff walks with a street-savvy simplicity and homely mannerism that many ordinary people find relatable. He is “Ukodo”, cherished far beyond Okpe. He is unpretentious ,frank and free.He is not perfect but he comes plain.
He is governing Delta not as a monolith, but a mosaic of fiercely conscious nationalities. Delta is a miniature Nigeria, perhaps even more complex in its political experience . Like multi-racial South Africa or diverse America, Delta’s Anioma, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Isoko and Ijaw populations are politically alert, culturally sensitive and socially competitive.
Indeed, it takes exceptional political temperament to govern Delta without stumbling into fatal fractures.
So far, Sheriff has faired well.
He has managed the state with firmness and flexibility. Not with an “I-know-it-all” disposition, but with moderation that reflects his philosophy of a Governor of all Deltans.
A man once underestimated by sections of the political class now stands admirably as a game changer.
Perhaps even more intriguing is how he has sustained cordial relationships with all his predecessors — Ibori, Uduaghan and Okowa. Especially within the Nigerian political landscape where governors often descend into bitter supremacy battles with former power holders.
Equally fascinating is how an estwhile opposition governor transformed into one of the strongest and favourite allies of a sitting president. That evolution alone deserves scholarly attention in political strategy.
Sheriff seems to be learning faster than his masters.
And the result is both spontaneous and profound: Delta under Sheriff remains peaceful and purposeful.Politicians still bicker in their narrow wars, but the people are wiser.
As Deltans gradually approach 2027 by the grace of God, stable leadership would further consolidate peace, strengthen unity and deepen social harmony across the state.
What was considered fair under Ibori, Uduaghan and Okowa should remain equitable under Sheriff.Indeed ,the strength and survival of Delta lie in power-sharing and rotation.
Thankfully, the man on the saddle understands the deeper meaning of consolidation. His humble disposition and open leadership style ,invariably reassure diverse interests that Delta belongs to everyone.
Whether in the euphoria of his third anniversary or in the unfolding calculations of 2027, Deltans earnestly hope that his leadership agenda would continue to unite the state and gratify our collective destiny.
And so, we must let Oborevwori be.
Dr. Chiazor is a Veteran Journalist/ Former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ) ,Delta State Council 
