ASABA/Nigeria: The Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, announced on Tuesday that the state government is not borrowing money to fund mega infrastructure projects. He credited Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s efficient measures in blocking financial leakages, saving billions of Naira within a year and two months in office.
Speaking on a public affairs radio program in Lagos, Oghenesivbe revealed that Governor Oborevwori has reduced the state’s debt profile by over N180 billion and saved more than N205 billion through prudent management of operating costs.
“Our governor has achieved these remarkable savings without resorting to borrowing,” he said.
According to Oghenesivbe, the billions saved will be allocated to new mega infrastructure projects under the MORE Agenda, completing inherited and ongoing projects, and increasing financial grants to artisans and small and medium-sized businesses to accelerate socio-economic development in the state.
Citing the latest data from the Federal Debt Management Office (DMO), Oghenesivbe highlighted that Delta’s domestic debt decreased from N421.78 billion in Q1 2023 to N334.90 billion in Q1 2024, a 20.62% decrease. Additionally, from Q4 2023 to Q1 2024, the state’s debt further decreased from N373.41 billion by 10.31%. He attributed this success to Governor Oborevwori’s good governance and prudent resource management.
Oghenesivbe, who also serves as the Executive Assistant on Communications to Governor Oborevwori, assured that the declining debt profile and the surplus funds from operating costs signify Delta State’s commitment to exiting the list of national debtors. He emphasized the state’s goal to foster rapid economic growth, create more wealth and jobs for citizens, and advance in all sectors beyond 2027.
On state security, Dr. Oghenesivbe praised Governor Oborevwori’s good governance for the peace enjoyed in Delta State. He acknowledged that reported cases of insecurity in some communities are being addressed by the State Command of the Nigerian Police and the joint task force on security.
“The state government and the governor are providing necessary assistance to security agencies to ensure the safety of life and property,” he noted.
He pointed out that no country or state is entirely free of crime, drawing comparisons with developed nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and those in Europe and Asia.
Reflecting on the broader security framework, he remarked, “Sin, crime, and sanctions have been part of human history since the time of Adam and Eve. There is a need for a deliberate amendment of the Nigerian Constitution to allow for the creation of state police and a well-structured security architecture where heads of security agencies take orders from their governors.”
Under the current system, state governors cannot hire, fire, or issue official queries to heads of security agencies in their states, as these officials take orders from their zonal bosses or superiors in Abuja. He stressed the importance of amending the constitution to give more powers to state governors for effective policing.
“Delta State is making substantial progress in debt payment and servicing through prudent resource management by this administration,” he stated.
“Our governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has drastically reduced the state debt profile by over N180 billion within one year and two months. Additionally, over N205 billion has been saved as surplus from operating costs.”
He continued, “These resources are now being used to fund new mega construction projects and complete inherited and ongoing projects across the three senatorial districts: Delta Central, North, and South.”
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Oborevwori has managed the state efficiently with available financial resources without seeking loans or credit facilities. “Our governor deserves commendation from all well-meaning Deltans, including his detractors and political rivals,” he asserted.
He concluded by addressing the issue of state security, urging security agencies to intensify their efforts in combating crime.
“State police can only be introduced via constitutional amendments to enable state governors to direct and control the actions of heads of security agencies,” he reiterated.
“As it stands, governors are merely Chief Security Officers of their respective states without the power to hire, fire, or discipline heads of security agencies.”
“In Nigeria, we need to amend the constitution to give more powers to state governors in the area of security. Presently, they are CSOs without powers to direct and control heads of security agencies in their respective states. The establishment of security agencies should be included in the Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative List to make state policing more effective,”.
