Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has
followed the footsteps of his predecessors by appointing his brother, Onoriode
Oborevwori, as Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission (DSSC). This
appointment aligns with a trend of family appointments within the commission,
raising concerns among sports stakeholders in the state.
A History of Family Appointments.
The practice began under former Governor Dr. Emmanuel
Uduaghan, who created the commission and appointed his brother-in-law, Hon.
Amaju Pinnick, as its chairman. This was continued by Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who
appointed his brother, Hon. Tonobok Okowa, to the same position. Now, Governor
Oborevwori has sustained this legacy with the appointment of his brother.
Stakeholder Concerns
Delta State sports stakeholders, who initially viewed
Oborevwori as a governor with a fresh and progressive approach, are
disillusioned by this development. Critics argue that this trend:
1. Lacks Accountability: Family appointees are
perceived as being less accountable and insulated from scrutiny.
2. Hinders Meritocracy: Qualified sports
administrators are overlooked in favor of family ties.
3. Weakens Sports Development: With appointees lacking
sports administration experience, the long-term growth of sports in Delta State
is at risk.
Captivity of Delta Sports
If this pattern continues, the Delta State Sports
Commission risks becoming a personal colony for sitting governors and their
families. By the end of Governor Oborevwori’s tenure, the commission will have
been under family control for 24 consecutive years, leaving stakeholders
feeling powerless and excluded.
A Call for Change
Delta State sports stakeholders are urged to challenge
this entrenched system and demand a transparent, merit-based approach to
appointments. Without accountability and competence, the growth and development
of sports in the state will continue to stagnate.
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