A group known as the Committee for Transparency and Good Governance (CTGG) has released a scathing press statement, accusing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of “reducing the Urhobo Nation to ashes” and betraying his people for his 2027 governorship ambition.
The statement, signed by its National Secretary, Comrade Onos Austin, claims the governor’s actions are driven by “greed and overambitious” and have transformed the Urhobo nation from a “strong and energetic” force into a “toothless bulldog in Delta State.”
The CTGG’s primary critique revolves around the controversial pipeline surveillance contract, which they allege Governor Oborevwori supports awarding to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a company linked to Tompolo, rather than to an Urhobo indigene. The group argued that this stance diminishes the role of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) and undermines community expectations.
The statement further alleged that Governor Oborevwori remained silent during the Okuama crisis and other security incidents, yet became “proactive” when Urhobo voices opposed the pipeline contract. According to the CTGG, this has raised doubts about his commitment to Urhobo interests.
The group insists that the contract for Urhobo areas should be awarded to a son or daughter of Urhobo, arguing that Tompolo is a non-indigene who is not a “friend of the Urhobo people.” The statement questions the governor’s integrity, asking, “Even if you are bereaved of ideas and knowledge, are you still bereaved of integrity and honour for your nation, Urhobo?”
The CTGG cited key sections of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010 and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to support their position, arguing that these laws mandate the use of locals to execute jobs in their areas. The group questioned why the governor would support the awarding of a contract for safeguarding oil facilities in Urhobo communities to a “non-indigene.”
The press release also accused the governor of intimidating UPU, fighting hard to suppress and silence the voice of Urhobo leadership and other Urhobo patriots who are fighting for the Urhobo’s interests. The group questioned if the governor could do the same to the President of the Ijaw nation, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, and other prominent Ijaw people. The CTGG made it clear that Governor Oborevwori’s “call and intimidation” will not deter them from “fighting a just course.”
CTGG warned that if Governor Oborevwori does not address their concerns, he risks his chances for a second term, stating that the group would endorse another “prominent son of Urhobo.” “We are glad that there is an alternative; other prominent sons of Urhobo are indicating interest in the Governorship position. Since Governor Sheriff Oborevwori does not want the progress of the Urhobo people and he decided to betray the Urhobos for a plate of porridge, Urhobo can no longer entrust him with their political destiny and future rather, Urhobo will court a new bride amongst the Urhobo sons who will not reduce Urhobo to nothing like Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is doing currently,” the statement added.
