Two Rights Activists In Oborevwori Govt. Resign After Defection Of Governor To APC

By Daniel Dafe

Two aides to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. (Hon) Sheriff Oborevwori, Comrade Victor Ojei, popularly called Wong Box and Harrison Gwamnishu have resigned their appointments.

Ojei and Gwamnishu, Senior Special Assistants on Civil Society’s and NGOs and Civil Society and Youth Mobilization respectively, both resigned on Friday.

Ojei in his letter, said: “With deep reflection, a heavy heart, and unwavering love for the people of Delta State, I hereby tender my resignation as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Civil Societies and NGOs, effective from 25th April, 2025, marking the end of my tenure which began on the 2nd of August, 2023.”

He continued: “When I accepted the appointment, it was with burning hope — a hope to bridge the gap between government and the grassroots, to be a voice for the voiceless, to inspire change not just from the corridors of power but from the trenches where our people cry daily for justice, development, and a better life.

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“I did not join politics to wine and dine. I joined PDP and accepted this role with only one ambition: to fight for the ordinary Deltan through Activism, Advocacy, and Developmental partnerships that would uplift our land from the scars of neglect and political promises into genuine prosperity. But I was limited by the very system I sought to strengthen.

“Every single effort to attract international developmental partners, NGOs, and innovation was stalled and dumped into KIV (Keep In View). What should have been a movement for progress became a standstill. Projects that could have sparked industrial revolutions, brought jobs to the unemployed and put food in the mouths of widows and orphans were met with silence.

“Where are the economic projects that bring money into the hands of ordinary people? Where is the non-kinetic security architecture we so passionately advocated for — the use of AI-driven CCTV in ungoverned spaces of our state to protect lives and property?

“From 1999 to date, not one tangible thing comes into the pocket of the average Deltan monthly. Not one policy guarantees their safety. Not one hope touches their roof. This cannot continue — and I refuse to be part of a system that watches our people drown and claps instead of rescuing them.

“To your credit, Your Excellency, I thank you for the opportunity to serve. I did not take it lightly. I tried with every drop of energy I had — we established the Save Delta State Security WhatsApp Platform with key stakeholders: police, DSS, hunters, youth leaders, PGs of communities, and more. We gave our best, and we are still giving our best — but a tree cannot make a forest when starved of rain.

“What we need is political will. If the state must take loans, let it be to protect lives. Let it be to bring technology to our streets, especially those forgotten in the rural ends of our beloved Delta.

“I want to state clearly: I will not cross carpet from PDP to APC. I am not a politician; I am a socio-political activist. I stand with truth and with the people, not with the highest bidder.

“Yes, I admired President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold reforms as Governor of Lagos State. But this new path — this aggressive political conversion of PDP states into APC strongholds — is dangerous. It is pushing Nigeria toward a one-party system, which PDP never did during their time from 1999 to 2015.”

According to him, “the birth of APC itself was possible because the PDP government then allowed political plurality,” adding: “That era was the best of Nigeria’s democracy. Democracy is not democracy when power is gained by manipulation. That is not democracy; that is voodoo governance.”

Ojei, Lead Activist, Young Nigerian Rights Organization, said further: “I will never toy with the destiny of the people of Delta State. My loyalty lies with them, not with any party or position. I will continue to speak, to act, and to defend the people whether in office or outside it.

“I may have resigned the position, but I have not resigned my passion. I have not resigned from Delta State. I have not resigned from the hearts of the people. And I know that the people who know the truth will one day rise to give me a chance to truly serve them without chains.

“Let it be known that Comrade Victor Ojei (Wong Box) stood when others bowed. That I chose the people, even when the palace doors were open.”

On his part, Gwamnishu, who was silent on the issue of defection, said: “This decision comes after a considerable reflection and a deep sense of disappointment regarding the ongoing issues of insecurity in our communities, which I have continuously brought to your attention.”

He continued: “Despite numerous messages, calls, blueprint documents aimed at addressing these pressing concerns, have all been thrown out, I have come to the unfortunate realization that meaningful solutions are not being accepted by your administration.

“As a civil rights leader, I accepted this appointment as a commitment to serve and protect our community.

“However, the continuous escalation of insecurity and the persistent lack of action to provide effective resolutions have rendered me unable to fulfil my duties with the integrity and effectiveness that I believe are essential.”

Gwamnishu added that his commitment to the safety and well-being of communities remain unwavering, but his agitations are that these crucial issues of insecurity ought to be prioritized.

He said: “It is my hope that my resignation will drive the urgent need for action and inspire a renewed focus on the safety of our citizens.”

Adding: “I genuinely hope for a future where we can work together to create a safer and more secure Delta state for all.”

“Thank you for your understanding. I wish the government all the best in its future endeavours and will continue to serve my community in my private capacity,” he concluded.