By Roy Ofori, African Heritage Global Affairs Editor
Hon. Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi, African Democratic Congress (ADC) Chieftain and the party’s 2023 Senatorial Candidate for Delta North, has strongly criticized the reported approval of a new dress code for public servants in Delta State by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The policy reportedly bans bushy beards, artificial hair, long eyelashes, fake nails, and other forms of what the governor described as “indecent appearance,” with heads of departments directed to send home any erring officers.
Speaking to the press from his Diaspora office in Germany, Gbandi described the move as “cosmetic governance and a textbook case of misplaced priorities.”
“If the report credited to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is true, then this is yet another distraction from the real issues confronting our state,” Gbandi said. “This administration seems more interested in policing appearances than in addressing the serious challenges facing our people.”
Gbandi, who is also a prominent advocate for diaspora inclusion in Nigerian politics and direct foreign investment, emphasized that personal grooming and dressing are fundamental expressions of freedom. “It is not the duty of government to dictate how citizens wear their mustache, style their hair, or express themselves. Public servants should be judged by competence, productivity, and service delivery not by their hairstyle or fashion choices,” he added.
He further called on the Delta State Government to prioritize meaningful development over superficial regulations. “What Deltans urgently need is job creation, improved infrastructure, standardized hospitality and tourism industries, and proper welfare for our senior citizens. Instead of imposing additional social and financial burdens on people already on survival mode, government should focus on policies that put food on the table, empower our youths, and attract investment,” Gbandi stressed.
“At a time when Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, regulating eyelashes and beards is the least of our worries.”
Political observers say Gbandi’s statement is likely to ignite further debate about the state government’s priorities and its approach to governance.
