God ordained me to be Governor - Oborevwori

 ...says he survived 38 cases to become Governor

...dedicates victory to God, Deltans

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, said God ordained him to be Governor and expressed appreciation to Him and Deltans for his victory at the Supreme Court.

Oborevwori said he survived 38 cases in various courts up to the Supreme Court from pre-election to post election to become Governor of Delta State.

Delta Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori ( left) exchanging pleasantries with his predecessor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa during the thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel, Asaba  after his Supreme Court on Friday.pix: SAMUEL JIBUNOR

Speaking at a thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel Asaba, the Governor who was joined by his wife, Deaconess Tobore, his Deputy Sir Monday Onyeme and wife, Catherine, immediate past Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and wife, Dame Edith, Governor Oborevwori stressed that God ordained him to be Governor and thanked Deltans for supporting his ambition.

According to him, "I came to this altar before I went to Abuja for this last judgment and I said God is not a man that he should lie. I have promised God that every time He gives me victory I must come here to thank Him."

 Delta Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, acknowledging cheers from  teeming supporters as he drives out of the Asaba International Airport after his Supreme Court Victory on Friday.  PIX: SAMUEL

 JIBUNOR

"I have done it several times and I said I will also return the same day of the victory to thank God. For the Lord has redeemed me."

"This victory is not about me but about the people of Delta state. The immediate past Governor said that somebody that would not recognise this altar will never be governor; God has honoured that word."

From left: Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (left), his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori (2nd left),  his Deputy, Sir. Money Onyeme (3rd left), his wife, Lady Catherine Onyeme (4th left), former Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (4th right), his wife, Dame Edith Okowa (3rd right), wife of former Governor of the  State, Mrs. Rolly Uduaghan (2nd right) and Speaker, of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor (right) during the Thanksgiving Service after the Governor's victory at the Supreme Court on Friday. PIX: SAMUEL JIBUNOR.

"This case made it 38 cases for me from pre-election matters to this one. Even the governors who have done eight years did not go through such number of cases."

The Governor who was earlier welcomed from Abuja by a mammoth crowd at the Asaba International Airport, said he was happy that the litigations were over, assuring that he would now concentrate in delivering on his MORE Agenda for the people."

"I was overwhelmed by the crowd and the show of love at the airport. I want to reassure Deltans that my Deputy Governor and I will continue to serve you."

Delta Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori (middle) addressing journalists shortly after his thanksgiving service on his victory at the Supreme Court on Friday.  With him are his predecessor,  Senator Ifeanyi Okowa ( 3rd right), his Deputy,  Sir Monday Onyeme (2nd left), Speaker of the State House of Assembly,  Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor (2nd right) and others. PIX: Enarusai Bripin

"This victory is for our people to know that our God is faithful and He alone has delivered us."

"I call on my opponents to partner with us to move Delta state forward. This victory is for everyone and like I promised Deltans, I will be the governor for all Deltans," he said.

In a related development, wild jubilation erupted simultaneously in different parts of Delta State, following the affirmation of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as the Governor of Delta State by the Supreme Court on Friday morning.

Delta Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori ( 2nd right) being welcomed on arrival from Abuja  by the Chairman of the state traditional rulers Council,  and  Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Maj General Felix Mujakperuo ( 2nd left) and the Vice chairman of the Council, and the Pere of Akugbene-mein Kingdom, HRM,  Pere Luke Kalanama VIII ( (left) at the Asaba  International Airport after his Supreme Court Victory on Friday.  With them  is his wife Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori ( right). PIX :Enarusai Bripin

Reacting to the judgment, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on his verified Facebook account, wrote, “following today’s historic judgment by the Supreme Court that has declared Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the duly-elected leader of our great state, Delta, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, our Deputy Governor, H.E Monday Onyeme and our esteemed party, the PDP."

“This judgment truly underscores the trust and confidence that the people of our state, the Big Heart of our nation, have placed in the leadership of Governor Oborevwori’s administration and our great party."

Delta Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori alighting from the plane on arrival at the Asaba International Airport after his Victory at the Supreme Court on Friday.  On ground to receive him were teeming Supporters.  Pix: JIBUNOR SAMUEL

“As we celebrate this significant achievement, we must see this as a renewed commitment to work collaboratively for all Deltans by focusing on our common goals, pushing to manifest our shared dreams and aspirations, and working to find solutions to the problems that confront our great state and its remarkable people.”

Also, former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, said, “congratulations to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his family, congratulations to all Deltans and to all well wishers across the world."

“These cases have been quite trying, but for those that have passed through this route, propaganda was a big issue."

“We thank God for the overall result; it is now time to settle down fully and deliver the dividends of democracy.”

Former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Benjamin Elue, also, reacted to the Supreme Court judgment and he said, “this is heartwarming; congratulations our dear Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and our Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; congratulations to all Deltans; we give all the glory to God."

“Now that the battle is over, our Governor can now focus on the task of advancing Delta State; Deltans should expect more development in all spheres to the glory of God Almighty.”