ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State government has reiterated its commitment to infrastructure development, quality healthcare, agriculture, education, and other critical sectors under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, despite recent criticisms from the state’s major opposition party.
Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, made this assertion in a statement on Saturday. He responded to what he described as “baseless propaganda” by the opposition, aimed at discrediting the governor’s ongoing efforts to advance Delta State.
“Governor Oborevwori is a visionary leader, a meticulous planner, and a prudent administrator whose main objective is to build a strong economy through various star projects across the state’s three senatorial districts,” he stated.
“The ongoing implementation of the MORE Agenda is already creating thousands of jobs and wealth for both skilled and unskilled Deltans.”
He dismissed claims that loans and credit facilities obtained by the previous administration were mismanaged, emphasizing that they were transparently spent on infrastructure and socioeconomic development. He pointed out that the past administration under Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON, consistently published annual financial reports on the state’s official website, making them accessible to citizens and stakeholders worldwide.
“The present administration has not violated the Nigerian Constitution nor acted illegally by repaying and servicing legitimate debts incurred by the previous administration,” he added. “These loans were utilized transparently for the benefit of all Deltans.”
He further assured that the Oborevwori administration will continue to recognize the achievements of former Governor Okowa, while refuting allegations that state resources were used to support Okowa’s 2023 vice-presidential bid. “The state financial resources were never used for such purposes,” he clarified.
Addressing the opposition’s criticism, Oghenesivbe urged them to focus on the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests, highlighting the failures of the federal government under their party. He contrasted this with Delta State, where Governor Oborevwori is “allergic to loans and anti-people economic policies” and is instead supporting small and medium-scale businesses through financial grants.
“The spokesperson of the opposition party is evidently not aware of Governor Oborevwori’s numerous achievements,”.
“Constructive criticism is necessary, but misinformation, fake news, and deliberate blackmail are just politics of bitterness.”
Oghenesivbe also highlighted the daily commendations the governor receives from well-meaning Deltans for his prudent management of resources and the impact of his job and wealth creation initiatives. “Delta State is solvent and economically stable, as confirmed by records from the National Bureau of Statistics and the federal government Debt Management Office,” he noted.
Concluding his remarks, he emphasized that Governor Oborevwori remains focused on delivering on his campaign promises.
“The MORE Agenda is designed to achieve uncommon results that will advance Delta State beyond 2027. We will continue to repay and service debts legitimately owed by the state while driving Delta forward.”
He also took a swipe at the opposition, noting that the highest debtor state in Nigeria is Lagos, where the current president once held sway.
“The opposition’s allegations are illogical, baseless, and ill-motivated,” he asserted, assuring that Governor Oborevwori is working tirelessly to position Delta among Nigeria’s fastest-developing states.
