The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the recent statement made by the Publicity Secretary of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Valentine Onojeghuo, on the Abraka-Eku road as fundamentally misinformed and misleading.
A statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Delta State, Olorogun Sunday Apah stated that it was imperative to address the inaccuracies present in Onojeghuo’s claims concerning the Abraka-Eku road.
The statement read: “While Onojeghuo and his sponsors seek to cast blame on the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration for alleged corruption and infrastructural failures, their assertions betray a fundamental misunderstanding of how road projects are managed at both the state and federal levels.
“First and foremost, it is crucial to clarify the status of the Abraka-Eku road. Contrary to Mr. Onojeghuo’s claim that the road was awarded to Oruese International Nigeria Enterprise by the state government, the Abraka-Eku road is, in fact, a federal road that is currently under the purview of the Federal Government.
“Currently, contracts related to its maintenance or development fall strictly under federal jurisdiction. The Delta State Government has no authority to intervene in a road that is under federal contract.
“Accusing the state government of cronyism regarding a federally managed road not only demonstrates a lack of understanding of the regulatory framework governing such infrastructure projects but also reflects a troubling penchant for political grandstanding.
“Onojeghuo appears to conflate matters of state governance with those that are federal, thus misleading the public and creating unnecessary tension between the state government and its constituents.
“Moreover, it is worth noting that the Delta State Government has consistently demonstrated its willingness to step in and enhance infrastructure within its jurisdiction, particularly when it concerns federal roads.
“For instance, the government has approved the rehabilitation of the old Umutu-Abraka-Eku road, a move that highlights the administration’s commitment to improving transportation and connectivity for all Deltans.
“This initiative is not only a testament to the governor’s foresight but also underscores his dedication to serving the needs of the people of Delta State by addressing infrastructure gaps that are critical for trade and everyday commutes.
“In regard to the assertion that the governor engages in questionable contract practices driven by political loyalty, it is essential to emphasize the importance of due diligence and factual verification in public discourse.
“Onojeghuo’s attack hinges on allegations that appear to stem from political rivalry rather than a commitment to accountability. For a publicity secretary and his sponsors who claim to advocate for integrity and transparency, it is concerning to see them resort to unfounded accusations without substantiating evidence or thorough investigation.
“Onojeghuo and his sponsors’ call for an investigation into the state’s contract award processes is indicative of their ongoing pursuit of political leverage rather than a genuine desire to enact change.
“If Onojeghuo and his sponsors were truly committed to fostering accountability, they would engage in constructive dialogue with the state government to identify areas of concern and work collaboratively toward solutions.
“Instead, what we see is a pattern of obstruction and blame-shifting that serves no one, especially not the citizens of Delta State who rely on effective governance.
“We must also address the manner in which Mr. Onojeghuo characterizes the governor as someone who operates a ‘party loyalty reward system.’ Such language is not only inflammatory but also undermines the collaborative spirit necessary for effective governance.
“Leadership at any level should be about serving the public interest rather than advancing personal or party agendas. To suggest otherwise only sows division and discontent among the very people whose needs must be prioritized.
“To further illustrate the state government’s commitment to infrastructure improvement, consider the various other federal road projects that have seen enhancements through state intervention.
“This approach is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the road networks serving Delta State are safe, reliable, and conducive to economic activity.
“The political climate should not overshadow the importance of collective efforts to enhance infrastructure, which ultimately serves the state as a whole.
“Misinformation can serve as a powerful weapon in the arena of politics; hence, it is the responsibility of public officials like Mr. Onojeghuo to validate their claims before disseminating them to the press.
“The people of Delta State deserve leaders who prioritize truthfulness and engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to sensationalist narratives devoid of factual basis.
“It is only through collaboration and transparency that we can pave the way for growth and development that will benefit all citizens of Delta State.
“Governor Oborevwori and his administration remain committed to this endeavor and welcome constructive engagement from all political quarters as we work toward a brighter future for Delta State.”
