By Ambassador Chuks Ododo
Governor Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori recently sat for an interview on Arise News Nigeria with our own brilliant anchor Ojy Okpe. While the Governor attempted to address the chronic electricity crisis in Ndokwa land, his remarks left many of us with more questions than answers and a profound sense of political fatigue.
First, let us be unequivocally clear. The Ndokwa Sons and Daughters and the right-thinking citizen of our communities condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the barbaric act of vandalism on electricity power installations across Kwale and beyond. There is no excuse for sabotaging the very infrastructure that is meant to bring us relief. We call on the perpetrators, whether from within or outside our community, to desist immediately.
Furthermore, we charge our community leaders and youth to form vigilance teams to protect these assets. The possibility of external agents sneaking in to destroy public goods cannot be ruled out, and we must not be naive.
We also extend a sincere appreciation to the Governor for his promise to reinstall all stolen cables and complete the project. For this, we say thank you. However, gratitude must be balanced with accountability.
*The Vandalism Red Herring*
The Governor’s assertion that he “cannot be blamed” for the lack of power in Ndokwa, and that the people are to blame, is a dangerous oversimplification. Vandalism is a symptom of failed local governance and security architecture, not a permanent excuse for state abandonment. Is there any community in Delta State without criminals? Yet, governments elsewhere find a way to provide light, secure the assets, and punish offenders. To threaten that this is the “last time” you will try to restore power is to hold an entire generation hostage to the actions of a few misguided youths.
*The IPP Step-Down: Where is the Political Will?*
When asked about the stepping down of the Independent Power Project (IPP) for Ndokwa, the Governor could not provide a definite timeline. Sir, the public interprets this vagueness as a lack of political will. After years of complaining about the abysmal service of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), it is common sense to draw water from the well in your backyard rather than trekking a long mile.
Every other state serious about industrialisation is running away from Discos. Look at the Ughelli Power Plant operated by Transcorp—host communities around that project enjoy 24-hour uninterrupted light because an independent power provider takes responsibility. Ndokwa is not asking for a miracle; we are asking for a business model that works. We appeal to you, Governor: if you want your government to have a direct and measurable impact on the lives of Deltans in your remaining one year, prioritize power supply by working with a credible Independent Power Provider (IPP). BEDC has failed. They will not give us the reliable, sustainable electricity we need for small businesses, hospitals, and schools.
*The Commissioner Conundrum*
Governor, you mentioned that an Ndokwa son is now the Commissioner for Energy and that “he definitely gives light to his community.” With due respect, that statement is politically naive. The ball stops on your table. A Commissioner cannot sign a cheque, approve a major procurement, or direct a change in state policy without your express approval or budget allocation.
Let us remind you of a painful precedent: The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) is headed by an Ndokwa man as Managing Director. Yet, due to chronic underfunding and lack of political priority from the centre, Ndokwa has seen minimal significant impact from that commission. We pray the same fate does not befall the Ministry of Energy. An Ndokwa Commissioner without a budget and without your active backing is merely a ceremonial placeholder.
A Final Charge to the Governor
Power supply is the single greatest Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of a successful government. It is the one utility that, once restored, changes the narrative of a tenure overnight. For the remaining year of your administration, we charge you to move beyond blame and politics.
• Secure the installations (use community policing and technology).
• Commit to a credible IPP for the step-down project with a legally binding timeline.
• Fund the Ministry of Energy as if the lives of Deltans depend on it because they do.
We do not want political answers. We do not want excuses about vandalism. We want light. And we will hold you accountable until we see it.
Long live Ndokwa Nation.
Long live Delta State.
