BY RITA OYIBOKA
The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu yesterday attributed defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s refusal to squander public funds on defectors.
Speaking on television, Aniagwu praised Arise TV for honouring Governor Sheriff Oborevwori with the Governor of the Year award, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to ensuring that governance benefits all Deltans.
Addressing the defections, the state’s spokesman said, “Those who have chosen to leave the PDP likely did so because their expectations of receiving personal financial favours were not met. ‘’They (defectors) anticipated governance as usual, where the chief executive distributes funds to political allies while neglecting grassroots development. When that did not happen, they defected.
‘’Otherwise, let them explain why they are leaving; certainly not because the governor has failed to deliver in their constituencies” Aniagwu said, adding that the defectors reached the height of their political journey in the PDP.
He emphasised that the defectors had witnessed significant developmental projects in their respective areas, dismissing their departure as a self-serving move rather than a reflection of governance failures.
On the governor’s development strides, Aniagwu stressed that Oborevwori remains focused on tangible results rather than political noise. “There is undeniable evidence of his achievements. He is not only sustaining the developmental trajectory he inherited but surpassing it under his MORE agenda.” He also refuted claims that Delta State’s internally generated revenue (IGR) had remained stagnant as alleged by critics, asserting, “When Oborevwori took office, Delta’s IGR stood at about ₦75-80 billion per annum. Less than two years later, it has exceeded ₦150 billion. That is not just arithmetic growth, it is geometric. If that isn’t progress, then we need to redefine what ‘growth’ means.”
Responding to criticism that the governor is prioritising governance over party politics, Aniagwu insisted that Oborevwori’s leadership style reflects a commitment to democracy and national development.
“The essence of democracy is good governance, better rights, improved living conditions, and responsible leadership. That is why the governor ensures that public funds serve the people. If governance is effective, even the japa (mass emigration) trend will slow down as people regain faith in Nigeria.” On speculation about the 2027 elections, Aniagwu declined to predict political outcomes but expressed confidence in the administration’s trajectory which he said would secure a reelection for the Governor. “Nigeria’s political landscape changes daily.
‘’What matters is that the Delta State Government is delivering results. Some want us to abandon governance for political scheming, but Governor Oborevwori has made it clear: we will not be distracted by theatrics. We remain focused on real development.”
