ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has declared that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration will not allow idle politicians to distort the reality of ongoing development efforts in the state.
State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, made this known during a press conference in Asaba on Monday. Flanked by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mr. Felix Ofou, Aniagwu stated that while the administration remains committed to responding to critics through tangible projects, it will not tolerate politicians spreading misinformation out of ignorance.
Reacting to comments made by former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, during his visit to Bomadi and Burutu Local Government Areas, Aniagwu criticized the opposition for failing to acknowledge the state government’s efforts. He urged opposition figures to exhibit patriotism by recognizing the numerous ongoing projects instead of propagating falsehoods.
“As part of keeping them busy, we need to provide them with more information. At least, by the time they read, they will have something to engage their minds rather than spewing lies,” Aniagwu remarked.
He dismissed Omo-Agege’s claims that the Oborevwori-led government had neglected the Southern and Northern Senatorial Districts, stating that the administration has continued to respond to critics with verifiable projects in health, education, roads, agriculture, and human capital development across all three senatorial districts.
“In Isoko South, we have a good number of roads under construction. In Isoko North, we are expanding infrastructure at the Southern Delta University, Ozoro. The Technical College in Irri is nearing completion, and the College of Health Technology, Ovrode, is progressing rapidly,” Aniagwu said.
He listed several other key projects, including:
- The Ughelli-Asaba road, spanning the three senatorial districts.
- The 47km Ohoror-Bomadi road and the recently approved 18.6km Bomadi-Gbaregolor road.
- The reconstruction of the 12.5km Okontu-Ogulaha road in Burutu.
- Road construction projects in Warri South-West, including Benikrukru and Okerenkoko internal roads.
- The ongoing Trans Warri-Ode-Itsekiri road and bridges, which the government is funding with over a billion naira monthly for timely completion.
- Urban development projects in Warri South, including the completed Upper and Lower Erejuwa Roads, Esisi Road, and the Omadino Technical College, which is nearing completion.
Aniagwu highlighted Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to transforming the state capital, Asaba, through major road rehabilitation projects, including:
- The Ogbeogonogo-Nnebisi road, from Interbau Roundabout to Abraka.
- The reconstruction of Summit Road, from Summit Junction to Government House.
- The extension of the road network around the Central Bank Estate leading to Ugbolu and Akwukwu-Igbo.
- The Okpanam City Center Road project and the reconstruction of Umejei Road in Ibusa.
He further noted that Oborevwori’s administration has left its mark across all nine local government areas of Delta North, with completed projects such as:
- The storm drainage system from Owa-Alero to Owa-Ofie River.
- The Aliosimi-Owanta Road and Idumu-Etiti Street in Ika North East.
- The Eweshi-Utagba-Uno and Ndemili-Utagba-Uno Roads in Ndokwa West.
- The completed Beneku Bridge in Ndokwa East, which has ended the reliance on pontoons for crossing the Asse Creek.
“These projects are verifiable. We are mentioning them so that those who appear idle can engage themselves with facts instead of misleading the public,” Aniagwu said.
He dismissed Omo-Agege’s assertion that the PDP government had abandoned parts of the state in the past 25 years, pointing out that Omo-Agege himself once served as Secretary to the State Government under the PDP.
“If he says nothing was done in those years, he has scored himself very low. But maybe that failure he experienced back then is what he assumes still exists. No, we have moved past that. Work is progressing significantly under this administration,” Aniagwu declared.
He urged the opposition to engage in constructive criticism rather than misinformation, adding, “We don’t want them to continue embarrassing Deltans. Delta is not supposed to come last, so tell them to ‘wise up’ a little.”
The Commissioner also announced a state-wide ban on illegal mining activities, particularly at Ugbolu Heights, due to environmental degradation. He warned that individuals involved in illegal excavation and destruction of the landscape risk immediate arrest.
