Fred Oborevwori Should Be Applauded, Not Condemned For Grassroots Participation — Imatitikua

A social media and political activist, Don Imatitikua, has called on Deltans to adopt a more balanced approach in assessing the increasing public visibility and grassroots activities of Fred Oborevwori, son of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

Imatitikua, in a statement, said Fred's growing visibility among young people and ordinary residents of the state should not automatically be interpreted as an attempt to usurp governmental authority.

According to him, the young Oborevwori deserves commendation for choosing to remain connected to the people and participate in grassroots activities at a time when many children of political leaders are often perceived as being detached from the realities of ordinary citizens.

He said Fred had been seen interacting with youths and residents, participating in social and political activities and identifying with ordinary Deltans in different communities.

“Fred Oborevwori should, in my view, be applauded rather than crucified for his remarkable visibility, accessibility and identification with ordinary Deltans,” Imatitikua stated.

He argued that simple acts of identifying with the people, including patronising local businesses and interacting with residents in public spaces, could help bridge the gap between political families and ordinary citizens.

Imatitikua particularly cited reports of Fred patronising local businesses and buying bole on the streets of Warri and Asaba, describing such activities as indications of a willingness to interact with society beyond the comfort associated with political privilege.

He also said there were accounts of Fred supporting young people financially and assisting some youths to participate in trading, market activities and other forms of economic engagement.

While stressing that such claims should be judged on their individual merits, Imatitikua maintained that young people who genuinely contribute to community development should not be discouraged simply because of their family background.

His position comes against the backdrop of increasing emphasis on youth participation and grassroots engagement in Delta State.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration has consistently highlighted youth empowerment, grassroots engagement and human capital development as important components of its development agenda. The state government's policy framework, for instance, places emphasis on youth development, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and productive participation in the economy.

More recently, youth mobilisation has also featured prominently in political activities across the state, with the Governor publicly commending youth-driven political mobilisation initiatives and urging young people to sustain their participation in leadership and national development.

Imatitikua therefore argued that Fred's participation in social and political activities should be viewed within the broader context of youth involvement in public affairs.

“There is certainly a difference between political participation and the usurpation of governmental authority,” he said, stressing that Fred does not occupy a constitutional office and therefore cannot constitutionally exercise the powers vested in elected government officials merely by virtue of being the governor's son.

He, however, acknowledged that proximity to political power comes with considerable responsibility.

According to him, Fred should continue to respect government institutions, constitutional boundaries and the authority of duly constituted public officials.

He equally maintained that Deltans retain the democratic right to scrutinise and criticise his activities whenever there are genuine grounds for doing so.

“Criticism should be based on facts, not jealousy or the mere fact that a governor's son is visible among his people,” he said.

The activist noted that Governor Oborevwori himself has repeatedly projected grassroots engagement as an important element of his administration's approach to governance. The governor's official policy framework emphasises regular engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women, traders, artisans and other grassroots stakeholders in shaping government policies and programmes.

Imatitikua therefore argued that encouraging responsible youth participation should be regarded as part of democratic development rather than automatically treated as a political offence.

He said what should matter is whether such participation contributes positively to society, respects institutional boundaries and remains within the limits of the law.

“Fred Oborevwori is visible. He is accessible. He interacts with the people. He identifies with the streets of Delta. He supports young people. He participates in grassroots activities. These qualities should not automatically become political offences,” he stated.

He urged Deltans to distinguish between legitimate concerns about political influence and criticism based solely on perceptions, adding that public scrutiny remains important in any democratic society.

“Constructive criticism is healthy for democracy, but unnecessary condemnation serves no useful purpose,” Imatitikua said.

He called on Fred Oborevwori to continue engaging with young people and communities while ensuring that his activities remain transparent and within established institutional boundaries.

According to him, the ultimate responsibility of citizens is to demand responsible participation, accountability and respect for the rule of law while encouraging young people who genuinely seek to contribute to the development of Delta State.

He concluded that Fred Oborevwori should be encouraged to continue engaging with the people and contributing positively to society rather than being condemned simply because he is the son of a sitting governor.