It is deeply unfortunate and utterly condemnable what Mr Sebastine Okoh, an appointee of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Mr Elue and those around them have allegedly turned the Delta State Signage and Advertisement Agency (DESAA) into.
An agency established to regulate and facilitate the outdoor advertising industry must not become an instrument of intimidation, oppression and suppression of private business operators.
What is happening to this female outdoor advertising practitioner is unacceptable and deserves the immediate attention of the Governor.
Whatever the disagreement or grievance may be, there is absolutely no justification for the manner in which this matter is reportedly being handled. The alleged unilateral removal of a womanβs advertising billboards, particularly following her complaint against the Head of Operations of DESAA, raises serious questions about the exercise of public authority, abuse of administrative powers and the protection of legitimate business interests.
Is this what DESAA has become? An agency where raising a complaint against an official can allegedly result in the destruction of oneβs business interests?
More troubling is the gender dimension. At a time when governments are making commitments to womenβs economic empowerment, supporting female entrepreneurs and encouraging private-sector participation, what message does this kind of action send to women doing business in Delta State?
Is Mr Sebastine Okoh suggesting, by his actions, that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori presides over an administration that tolerates the intimidation and suppression of women entrepreneurs? I find it difficult to believe that this reflects the Governorβs values, intentions or understanding of good governance.
I refuse to believe that Governor Sheriff would knowingly endorse or support a situation in which a female business operator is allegedly subjected to such treatment simply because she exercised her right to complain.
But here is the bigger issue: Governor Sheriff must understand the political implications of what is happening in an election year.
Those who occupy public offices must understand that their conduct does not end with them. Their actions, decisions and excesses are routinely attributed to the government that appointed them.
Mr Sebastine Okoh and the leadership of DESAA must therefore understand that they are not operating a private fiefdom. They are occupying public offices and exercising powers entrusted to them by the Delta State Government.
Every action that appears arbitrary, vindictive or oppressive becomes a reputational liability for the administration.
The Governor is working to build public confidence, attract investments, empower businesses and consolidate his administrationβs achievements. Why should the conduct of individuals within an agency create an entirely avoidable controversy that could undermine those efforts?
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori needs to ask three urgent questions:
- Who authorised the removal of this womanβs advertising billboards, and under what legal or administrative authority?
- Is there evidence that due process was followed, or was the action a consequence of her complaint against an agency official?
- What has happened to the principles of fairness, accountability and professionalism within DESAA?
- Was the womanβs official complaint handled according to the public service rules and was she given fair and proper treatment?
This matter must not be swept under the carpet or dismissed as a disagreement between an agency and an outdoor advertising operator.
The Governor must urgently call for an independent investigation, establish the facts, and ensure that any action taken outside the law or established procedures is addressed. If the removal was unlawful or unjustified, appropriate corrective action and redress must follow.
Delta State cannot be governed by the personal whims, grievances or perceived superiority of individuals appointed to public office.
Public agencies exist to serve the people, regulate industries fairly and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. They do not exist to punish citizens for speaking up or exercising their legitimate rights.
Mr Governor, this is bigger than one woman, one company or a disagreement within DESAA. It is about the kind of government Delta State represents and the legacy your administration wishes to leave behind.
Please intervene before the actions of individuals entrusted with public responsibility become a burden your government should never have had to carry.
The Governor deserves to know what is happening in his state. And the people of Delta State deserve to know that public authority will never be used as an instrument of personal vendetta.
Thank you!
Contributed by:
THE HOUSE EXCELLENCE BUILT (THEB)- An Independent Voice Against Injustice, Intimidation and Oppression of Apostles in the Marketplace.