ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has defended the decision to confer Governor Sheriff Oborevwori with the Governor of the Year Award, citing his fiscal discipline and innovative governance. Aniagwu made this statement in response to criticisms from the immediate past Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, regarding the governor’s selection for the award.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Asaba, Aniagwu emphasized that Governor Oborevwori had successfully completed numerous projects and initiated new ones without resorting to borrowing. He highlighted the governor’s prudent financial management, which he said had been recognized even beyond the state. “We thought we were the only ones observing these giant strides, but editors from THISDAY and ARISE News, all the way from Lagos and Abuja, have also been monitoring and taking note,” Aniagwu stated.
Addressing Omo-Agege’s criticisms, the commissioner said opposition figures should acknowledge the state’s progress rather than attempt to undermine it for political reasons. He pointed out that Oborevwori had convincingly defeated Omo-Agege in the 2023 governorship election, winning in 21 out of 25 local government areas. “If their state is being recognized for making progress, they should be happy instead of trying to de-market it. He took this path in 2023 and lost, yet he still has not learned the lesson,” Aniagwu added.
The commissioner, flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the Executive Assistant on New Media, Mr. Felix Ofou, argued that Oborevwori’s achievements were causing frustration within the opposition. He listed several infrastructural projects under the governor’s leadership, including the completion of the Beneku Bridge and the ongoing construction of the Asaba-Ase Bridge in Ndokwa East, as well as multiple road projects in the Ndokwa Nation.
Aniagwu also took a swipe at Omo-Agege’s tenure in the Senate, accusing him of directing federal projects only to his immediate community in Orhomuru. He contrasted this with Oborevwori’s inclusive governance, which he said does not discriminate based on political affiliation. “The governor has warned that nobody should be sidelined because of their party. Whatever is due to the people is given to them fairly,” he asserted.
On other developments, Aniagwu disclosed that the state government had launched a 30-unit housing project across three locations and was overseeing major renovations of over 150 healthcare centers. He also warned against illegal land acquisitions, stating that the government would demolish any unauthorized structures built on public land. Regarding Senator Ned Nwoko’s resignation from the PDP, Aniagwu dismissed it as inconsequential, maintaining that the party remains dominant in Delta North.
