–By Yadnom Awu
The Senior Special Assistant On Civil Society and Youth Mobilisation to Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, Harrison Gwamnishu, has resigned his appointment.
He cited the persisting insecurity in communities in the state and the inability of the government to check it as the predicate of his action.
The letter of resignation which was sent to the Governor via the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu.
It was dated April 25, 2025.
In it, Gwamnishu, a civil rights activists, recalled that he took up the appointment to serve the public interest,but lamented that in spite of his efforts to draw the attention of the government to the necessity to frontally address issues of public concern, especially insecurity, nothing worth the whole had been achieved.
He did not elaborate much beyond saying that he was concerned that he could no longer function with integrity in his office as an aide, in the light of escalating insecurity.
His words, “I write to formally tender my resignation as Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society and Youth Mobilization from today, 25th April, 2025.
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.
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. ”
He recalled:” 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.
My commitment to the safety and well-being of our communities remains unwavering, but my agitations is that these crucial issues on insecurity ought to be prioritized. 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.”
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have served the state.
“I am grateful for the opportunities I was bestowed during my time and for the relationship I have built with my colleagues and community members and the state at large.
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 ”
Gwamnishu is the first political appointee to have resigned his office to public knowledge.
His resignation comes strong on the heels of the defection of Governor’ Oborevwori and his immediate past predecessor in office, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, along with the entire political structure of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the state to the All Progressives Congress,. APC.
A formal public proclamation of the defection is due on Monday,April 28, in Asaba at a high heel ceremony at which the Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Kassim Shetima, is expected to formally receive them into the APC