ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has defended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the President’s economic reforms have significantly improved the financial health of states and accelerated development across the country.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Aniagwu said the economic policies introduced by the Tinubu administration had transformed the fiscal landscape of many states, enabling them to meet critical obligations, execute infrastructure projects and improve the welfare of citizens.
According to him, before the reforms, several states faced severe financial difficulties that affected their ability to pay salaries and pensions, fund development projects and support local government councils.
He noted that the situation had changed considerably due to what he described as the President’s economic re-engineering efforts.
“Because of the level of economic re-engineering introduced by the President, many of these challenges have become more or less a thing of the past,” Aniagwu said.
The commissioner argued that the improved fiscal environment has provided state governments with greater capacity to undertake meaningful development initiatives while fulfilling their obligations to workers and retirees.
Citing Delta State as an example, Aniagwu described the state as one of the most financially stable and liquid in Nigeria, attributing its strong financial position to prudent management by Governor Oborevwori and the positive impact of Federal Government policies.
According to him, the state’s financial strength has enabled it to maintain an impressive record in project execution and contractor payments.
“Today, Delta is one of the most solvent and liquid states in Nigeria. Once a contract is awarded, the contractor receives 40 per cent mobilisation, and once a certificate is raised and verified, payment is made in less than one week,” he said.
He explained that the availability of funds has supported the execution of major infrastructure projects across the state, including roads, bridges, school rehabilitation programmes and other developmental initiatives spread across the 25 local government areas.
Aniagwu also dismissed criticism of Governor Oborevwori’s declaration that President Tinubu’s re-election would be a major political project in Delta State, insisting that it was normal and expected for a governor to support the presidential candidate of his political party.
“It would have been surprising if the governor had said that the presidential candidate of his party was not a major concern for him. Supporting the candidate of your party is normal in politics,” he stated.
He stressed that the governor’s political support for Tinubu had not distracted the administration from governance, noting that infrastructure development and service delivery remained central to the government’s agenda.
The commissioner further rejected claims that the governor’s support for Tinubu was motivated by concerns over the Labour Party’s performance in Delta State during the 2023 elections.
Rather, he said the administration had consciously pursued an inclusive governance model that accommodates all ethnic and social groups within the state.
According to him, government appointments, projects and development programmes are spread equitably across the state, while residents from different parts of the country are actively engaged in governance and development initiatives.
Aniagwu disclosed that Governor Oborevwori consulted extensively with stakeholders from diverse ethnic backgrounds before the state’s political realignment to the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasizing that non-indigenes remain an integral part of Delta’s growth and prosperity.
He noted that the administration’s commitment to inclusiveness had attracted national recognition, including an invitation to address members of the prestigious Yoruba Tennis Club in Lagos on the state’s model of inclusive governance.
Commenting on recent political developments within the APC, including the defeat of Senator Ned Nwoko in the party’s senatorial primary and the defection of former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Aniagwu described both incidents as outcomes of internal political processes rather than evidence of any shortcomings on the part of the governor.
He maintained that political success is determined by grassroots engagement and participation in democratic processes, adding that all aspirants were given equal opportunities during the primaries.
Aniagwu reiterated that Governor Oborevwori’s endorsement of President Tinubu was largely informed by the positive impact of the administration’s economic policies on Delta State’s development trajectory.
“The governor’s position is based on the fact that the President’s economic policies have helped states like Delta achieve greater financial stability and deliver more projects for the people. Deltans are appreciative people, and when someone contributes positively to their development, they will naturally take notice,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the administration’s record in infrastructure development, fiscal management and inclusive governance would continue to earn the confidence and support of residents across the state.
