By Sunday Apah
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has stated that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was awarded the Governor of the Year title due to his exceptional fiscal discipline and innovative governance strategies.
In response to criticisms regarding the award from former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Aniagwu emphasized that under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, the state has successfully completed numerous projects and initiated additional ones without resorting to borrowing funds.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Asaba, Aniagwu explained that the Governor had inherited several ongoing projects, many of which have now been completed. He noted that this reflects Oborevwori’s effective management of financial resources, achieving these milestones without accruing debt.
Aniagwu remarked, “We initially believed that our recognition of the Governor’s impressive achievements was a local sentiment. However, it became clear that even media outlets in Lagos and Abuja, such as THISDAY and ARISE News, were closely observing these significant developments.”
He continued, “We do not intend to engage in disputes with opposition figures, including our colleague and leader, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. While we welcome constructive criticism as it motivates us to strive for greater achievements, questioning the legitimacy of the award merely appears to stem from personal interests.”
The Commissioner pointed out, “If progress is being recognized in our state, it should be a source of pride rather than grounds for disparagement. Notably, during the last elections, Oborevwori triumphed over Omo-Agege in 21 out of 25 local government areas. One would think that the lesson learned from this defeat would encourage more constructive engagement.”
Accompanied by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and Executive Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mr. Felix Ofou, Aniagwu underscored that Governor Oborevwori’s strong performance has increasingly posed challenges to the opposition in the state.
“We urge Omo-Agege to maintain fairness in his political discourse. At this moment, we are focused on our commitment to the people of Delta through the MORE Agenda, aimed at advancing development in our region.”
Addressing concerns from the Ndokwa Nation, Aniagwu highlighted the administration’s infrastructure initiatives, stating, “In Ndokwa Nation, we have awarded contracts for no fewer than 15 kilometers of roads. Notably, the completed Obi-Ibabu road, extending over 4 kilometers, awaits inauguration, and we are actively pursuing the Ndemili-Utagba Uno and Eweshi-Utagba-Uno roads.”
He added, “We’ve also commenced road construction in Amai, which is currently at the stone base phase, and ongoing work in Aboh, Ndokwa East. Additionally, the Beneku bridge has been completed, and plans are underway for the Asaba-Ase bridge in Ndokwa East, linking to Uzere in Isoko South.”
“While Omo-Agege served in the Senate, his efforts were concentrated largely around his immediate constituency. In contrast, Governor Oborevwori is dedicated to infrastructure development that benefits the entire state, regardless of political affiliation,” Aniagwu declared.
The Commissioner pointed out, “Oborevwori has made it clear that no citizen should face discrimination based on their political ties, ensuring that all resources are distributed fairly.”
Regarding Omo-Agege’s attempts to align himself with President Tinubu, Aniagwu advised, “Given that Oborevwori did not actively support the President’s campaign, it would be prudent for Omo-Agege to reconsider his approach.”
He reiterated that the Governor has directed all Commissioners to closely oversee their projects to guarantee that the state achieves value for money spent on development initiatives.
Aniagwu also warned those unlawfully occupying government properties, stating, “Those engaging in illegal land acquisitions will face consequences, as the government will not hesitate to demolish such constructions and pursue recovery of costs associated with such actions.”
On the topic of Senator Ned Nwoko’s recent resignation from the party, Aniagwu expressed that the Governor and the PDP remain unfazed by Nwoko’s frequent party changes, asserting confidence in the party’s continued success in Aniocha North and across Delta North Senatorial District.
Addressing housing initiatives, the Commissioner revealed that the state government is initiating the construction of 30 three-bedroom units and 20 two-bedroom units in pilot phases across Ozoro, Kwale, and Owa-Oyibu.
He added that the state is committed to higher education, operating four public universities, an achievement that few states can match in terms of establishing higher learning institutions in each Senatorial district.
Lastly, on healthcare improvements, Aniagwu noted that the Oborevwori administration is renovating over 150 healthcare centers statewide and upgrading facilities at both Central Hospital Warri and Delta State University Teaching Hospital, DELSUTH, Oghara.
