By Sunday Apah
Elder Statesman and Convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has praised Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his substantial accomplishments since taking office on May 29, 2023.
In a recent open letter, Clark commended Governor Oborevwori for his swift progress and deemed him as having surpassed his predecessors in a remarkably short period.
He specifically highlighted the transformation of Warri into a vibrant commercial center and addressed long-standing infrastructure issues across the state.
Clark took issue with Senator Ned Nwoko’s claims of inefficiency regarding the Oborevwori administration, characterizing such assertions as unfounded.
He encouraged critics to acknowledge that no past governor of Delta State has managed to deliver comparable results within the same timeframe.
The prominent Ijaw leader recognized the governor’s initiatives to restore Warri as one of Nigeria’s key commercial hubs, a status that had waned due to previous neglect.
He applauded Governor Oborevwori for engaging Julius Berger Construction Company to undertake vital projects, including the construction of three flyovers, a cloverleaf interchange, pedestrian bridges, and extensive road expansions at the DSC Roundabout.
These endeavors, valued at ₦78 billion, are already progressing significantly.
“Warri is quickly regaining its former glory. The once-declining Warri Township is now being revitalized under Oborevwori’s administration,” he expressed.
Clark contrasted this revitalization with the past oversight that allowed Warri to languish while development efforts were concentrated in less populated areas, leaving bustling commercial locations like Warri and Uvwie overlooked.
He further commended the governor for ensuring that infrastructural benefits extend throughout Delta State. He mentioned the ongoing dualization of the Asaba-Ughelli Road and other projects that are positively impacting nearly every community in the state.
“Today, the landscape has changed. Nearly all regions of Delta State are experiencing the benefits of Governor Oborevwori’s initiatives,” said Clark.
He also lauded the governor for addressing a debt exceeding ₦300 billion accumulated by former administrations while prioritizing projects that serve the community over political patronage.
Clark dismissed Senator Nwoko’s recent criticisms—asserting that they lacked merit. He challenged the senator to refute his claims about the ongoing developments.
“Instead of distributing state resources for political favors, the governor is committing them to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” he stated.
He urged Governor Oborevwori to maintain his focus and continue his effective governance while ensuring that the needs of oil-producing communities are met and development is equitably distributed across the state.
“I am not one for empty praise; I strive to speak the truth,” Clark affirmed. “Governor Oborevwori has made impressive strides in advancing development and democracy in Delta State. I encourage him to remain committed to his vision, ensuring that every community benefits,” he concluded.
