BY PATRICK MGBODO
The shenanigans of politics often reach dizzying heights at midterm, a period when disconsolate schemers, masquerading as progressives, craftily concoct a toxic blend of propaganda and conspiracies. This insidious brew is served with calculated precision, its sole aim to derail governance and sow discord, ensuring the path to full term is fraught with distractions and chaos.
Many are often ensnared by this toxic cocktail, squandering energy in fruitless battles against baseless, malice-laden accusations. Still, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, steadfast and discerning, lets this age-old tactic—recently deployed by the Delta State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—fail, choosing to endure a parched palate rather than sip from a poisoned chalice.
Since Governor Oborevwori assumed office on May 29, 2023, the opposition party has either willfully ignored or brazenly dismissed his remarkable achievements, including the Okpanam/Ibusa Bypass, Beneku Bridge, Asaba/Ughelli Dual Carriageway, and the Effurun/Warri Bridges, among many other infrastructure projects that have steadily transformed the Delta landscape, fulfilling his covenant with Deltans under the MORE Agenda. Like prowling hyenas, Oborevwori’s critics linger in the shadows, their laughter unsettling the silent night.
Amid this orchestrated campaign of calumny, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and newly appointed Commissioner for Public Information, Hon. Charles Aniagwu, firmly cautions that Governor Oborevwori will not be swayed by the opposition’s underhand tactics. Aniagwu, widely recognized as the Information Czar, emphasizes that the governor remains resolute in his commitment to advancing the MORE Agenda, prioritizing the delivery of development over engaging in political confrontations with detractors and ensuring that the focus remains firmly on progress rather than divisive rhetoric.
Briefing journalists in Asaba, Hon. Aniagwu, joined by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the Executive Assistant (EA) to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Mr Olise Ifejika, reaffirmed that Governor Oborevwori is focused on silencing faultfinders through the continued delivery of impactful development projects.
Thwarting the opposition’s mischief, Hon. Aniagwu highlighted Governor Oborevwori’s impressive developmental strides since taking office in 2023. He enumerated a range of projects inherited, completed, and initiated by the current administration, which span all three senatorial districts of the state. The commissioner also emphasized the governor’s unwavering commitment to human capacity development through various empowerment initiatives, as well as significant advancements in education, healthcare, peace, and security, all underpinned by a prudent approach to managing the state’s resources.
Aniagwu, with the ease of breathing into healthy lungs, reeled key achievements of the Oborevwori administration, including the trans-Warri Bridge, completed internal roads in several communities across the state, and the donation of over 60 vehicles to enhance security. He also noted the positive impact of the D-CARES program, which has benefited over 250,000 individuals, the MORE-BIZ-UP initiative, and thousands empowered through the Ministry of Women Affairs. Additionally, Aniagwu ‘’emphasized the state government’s efforts to revitalize industrial parks, making them more attractive to investors and boosting economic growth in the state.
Responding to questions from journalists, Hon. Aniagwu revealed that in the past 19 months, Governor Oborevwori has successfully paid over ₦200 billion to reduce the state’s debt, much of which stemmed from contractual obligations. “In terms of fiscal prudence and debt servicing, we are performing exceptionally well,” he said, stressing that Governor Oborevwori understands the critical importance of financial responsibility while simultaneously advancing numerous developmental projects to fulfil his administration’s promises.
On environmental concerns, Hon. Aniagwu affirmed Governor Oborevwori’s strong commitment to addressing erosion and flooding challenges in various parts of the state. He hinted at plans for new storm drainage projects to complement existing ones, emphasizing that these efforts are integral to the administration’s agenda. “In our 2025 budget, it’s going to be a year of extraordinary projects,” he said confidently. “Over 70 per cent of the funds will be allocated to capital projects spanning across different sectors, ensuring sustainable development and improved living conditions for all Deltans.”
The state’s spokesman also highlighted Governor Oborevwori’s proactive measures to address the housing deficit, a challenge not unique to Delta State. He revealed that 150 housing units are currently under construction in Kwale, Owa-Oyibu, and Ozoro as part of a pilot scheme designed to meet the needs of Deltans. Additionally, he assured that steps are being taken to assist victims of the Okuama crisis in rebuilding their lives and settling down, underscoring the administration’s dedication to fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
‘’Oborevwori has been building bridges of possibilities, connecting communities and allowing businesses to thrive in the state. His business is governance and he will not lose sight of the MORE Agenda because of side-talks because he believes that this is not the time to play politics. What the governor is doing at the moment is to ensure that he keeps faith with Deltans; both those who voted for him and otherwise. The governor believes that every Deltan deserves the dividends of democracy and that is what he has concerned himself with’’ he said.
Aniagwu continued, “The establishment of the Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure by Governor Oborevwori underscores his commitment to ensuring our riverine communities thrive in peace and benefit from projects tailored to their unique needs. While critics have the right to raise questions, we believe many of these stem from a lack of understanding of the governor’s efforts. It is our responsibility to address this deficiency by providing clear and comprehensive information to help them appreciate the strides we are making.”
“Governor Oborevwori is a bridge-builder; he is not an ethnic jingoist,” Aniagwu intoned, addressing concerns about the governor’s approach to Delta’s diverse ethnic composition. “If you believe he will favour you solely based on ethnicity over another on any issue, it’s time to wake up from that illusion. Governor Oborevwori treats everyone equally, judging individuals by their integrity rather than their ethnic background. If you must seek his audience, do so with substance and sincerity, not through the lens of ethnic colourations.”
In response to critics who misinterpreted Governor Oborevwori’s call for Deltans to support President Tinubu, Hon Aniagwu clarified that there is a distinct difference between governance and politics, emphasizing that the governor’s call embodies true patriotism.
‘’President Tinubu’s success is equal to Nigeria’s success. Therefore, for a governor to drum support for the president is the height of patriotism. Governor Oborevwori does not want to get involved in the politics of blindness where you do not know those who have been elected to govern. Today, Tinubu is the President of Nigeria and Rt Hon Oborevwori is the Governor of Delta State. We need the president to perform well so that we can also feel it here in Delta’’ Aniagwu said.
Deflating rumours suggesting the governor might abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the opposition, Hon. Aniagwu categorically stated that Governor Oborevwori remains the undisputed leader of the party in Delta and has no intention of forsaking his political family.
‘’Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is not interested in any political fight; he is interested in responding to critics with more projects. We have seen several publications in different places including those that are insinuating that he is leaving the PDP. Governor Oborevwori is a very proud member of the PDP. He is a clear leader among the leaders of the party in Nigeria and he is not hungry to abandon the PDP’’ he said.
Governor Oborevwori’s decision to refrain from engaging his critics in verbal skirmishes may not align with the theatrics some expect from the regular politician. However, his composure and unwavering focus on governance reflect his commitment to the best interests of Deltans. The governor has made it clear that he prefers to silence his detractors through the tangible impact of his projects, policies, and programs. Nevertheless, opposition should not serve as a license to mislead citizens with falsehoods. True political rivalry demands stepping into the arena with integrity and honour, upholding the principles of constructive and responsible engagement.
