We’re Not cowards’ - Okerenkoko councillor fires back as activist slams Delta LG lawmakers iver ₦50m Gov form donation

...Hon. Sinwa Aaron Ebizi says contribution was “token of appreciation,” not for appointments; dares Ozobo Austin to ask his ward councillor about grassroots projects.

A war of words has erupted between Delta State councillors and rights activist Amb. Comrade Ozobo Austin over claims that 466 council lawmakers across 25 LGAs contributed ₦50 million to purchase governorship nomination forms for the incumbent governor.  

In a statement to journalists Friday, Ozobo described the councillors as “cowards” who “betrayed the mandate” of their constituents, accusing them of wasting public funds on a billionaire governor to secure second-term tickets and future state appointments.  

“You betrayed the mandate given to you. Your people deserve the ₦50 million you wasted,” Ozobo said. “You were voted to represent your people, not yourself and the governor. Your action never portrayed love for the governor but desperation for a second term.”  

He challenged the councillors to a public debate on their stewardship nearly two years into office following the 2024 LG polls. “Come for a public debate with me on what you have done for your people,” he added.  

Reacting on Monday, Hon. Sinwa Aaron Ebizi, Councillor representing Okerenkoko Ward in Warri South-West LGA, rejected the “coward” label and said the donation was a voluntary show of gratitude.  

“We are not cowards as Ozobo claims. We are just showing appreciation for what the governor is doing in our dear state,” Ebizi said. “It’s just a token from our heart, not for appointment or second tenure.”  

Ebizi noted that in Gbaramatu Kingdom, political offices are rotated and second terms are not the norm. “We circulate it to everybody. We stand on the renewed hope for more agenda. Tinubu and Sheriff are unstoppable.”  

He accused Ozobo of seeking attention and appointments through public criticism. “Only an eye-service man can come out publicly to voice a word to seek appointment,” Ebizi said. “Comrade Austin Ozobo, if you are looking for ₦50 million, we can give it to you. Stop calling your fathers and mothers cowards because most of the councillors are senior to you.”  

Ebizi dismissed Ozobo’s challenge as “a childish attitude” and “act of jealousy,” urging him to engage his own ward representative.  

“If you want to know what councillors are doing in their constituencies, just ask the councillor representing your ward,” he said. “This shows you are not happy with the councillor representing you. You are a failed man. I dare you.”  

The current Delta State governor is serving his first term, which ends May 29, 2027. Delta has 25 LGAs with 466 councillors elected in 2024.  

Efforts to get additional comments from the Delta State Councillors’ Forum and the Governor’s office were unsuccessful as of press time.