Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has issued a strong warning to local government chairmen across the state, condemning lapses in grassroots security coordination and stressing that dereliction of duty in such a sensitive area will attract serious consequences.
Speaking during a recent engagement with stakeholders in Asaba, the Governor expressed deep concern over reports of some local government chairmen failing to hold regular security council meetings or actively engage traditional rulers and other key community stakeholders in addressing emerging threats.
“Any chairman who fails in his duty to convene security council meetings or neglects collaboration with royal fathers and local leaders is clearly playing with fire,” Governor Oborevwori stated firmly. “Security is not a favour you are doing your people—it is a constitutional obligation, and we won’t tolerate any form of negligence.”
He emphasized that traditional rulers play an indispensable role in intelligence gathering and local conflict resolution, urging chairmen to foster stronger ties with them to ensure the effective management of security at the grassroots level.
The Governor also reminded the chairmen that public trust and their political legitimacy depend on their responsiveness to the needs and safety of their communities.
“The people will not be silent if their lives and livelihoods are threatened due to inaction by their leaders. If you fail in your duties, there will be backlash—not just from government, but from the very citizens who elected you,” he warned.
Governor Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving security infrastructure across Delta State, but maintained that local government officials must play their part by being proactive, vigilant, and accountable.
This warning comes amid growing concerns about isolated security breaches in parts of the state, and forms part of broader efforts by the Delta State Government to reinforce law and order through inter-agency cooperation and community-based intelligence.
