Cynthia Ezegwu
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has urged local government chairmen and councillors across the state to leverage the financial autonomy recently granted to councils to drive grassroots development, tackle insecurity, and improve service delivery.
Speaking at the Delta State Councillors Forum Symposium 2025 held on Tuesday in Asaba, Oborevwori described the Supreme Court judgment on local government financial autonomy as a constitutional milestone that removes excuses for poor performance.
“With this autonomy, it is expected that development at the grassroots will be enhanced and unhindered by political interference or administrative bottlenecks. Chairmen and councillors must now deliver on their mandate without excuses,” the governor said.
On security, Oborevwori reminded council leaders that safety must begin at the ward level. “If councillors and chairmen work closely, they will gather intelligence that will help security agencies respond effectively. Councils must be proactive, not reactive,” he added.
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He also announced plans to resume statewide town hall meetings in 2026 to update citizens on government achievements, challenges, and future plans.
The governor further charged councils to adopt civil methods in tax and levy collection by engaging trained personnel, while urging councillors to remain dedicated to their constitutional responsibilities and uphold the dignity of their offices.
Earlier, Chairman of the Delta State Councillors Forum and Leader of Warri South-West Legislative Arm, Samuel Ekpemupolo, said financial autonomy must translate into accountability and visible impact in communities. He lamented that councillorship was being reduced to “a mere empowerment scheme,” and called for greater recognition of councillors as lawmakers at the grassroots.