By Sunday Apah

The Chief Press Secretary to Delta State Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, has rebutted statements made by Chief Wilson Omene, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Council.

Ahon criticized Omene’s assessment of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s infrastructure initiatives as misguided and poorly informed.

In a recent interview on an online TV,Chief Omene dismissed the ongoing construction of flyovers in Warri and Effurun, arguing that they are not linked to any economic or productive sectors. He also expressed disapproval of the Governor’s decision to join the APC.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Ahon characterized the flyover projects as vital infrastructure designed to alleviate chronic traffic congestion and stimulate economic activity in Warri and Effurun, which are significant commercial centers in Delta State.

“The flyovers, along with road expansions and an interchange, are not superficial changes. They constitute long-term investments in urban mobility, facilitate business operations, and contribute to overall economic development.

“These cities are crucial as they connect the ports, industries, and surrounding areas. The projects are unlocking commercial potential and creating a supportive environment for increased private-sector investment. Chief Wilson Omene might benefit from understanding the term ‘supportive business environment,’” the Governor’s spokesperson stated.

Ahon highlighted that the Warri-Effurun corridor serves a growing population and is essential to the state’s economy, pointing out that only individuals disconnected from contemporary urban planning would fail to see the importance of these developments.

Furthermore, Ahon challenged Omene’s assertion that financial resources should have been allocated to establish industries in the Delta Central Senatorial District, calling the perspective narrow-minded and emphasizing that Governor Oborevwori aims to serve the entire state, not just one region.

“Delta State encompasses more than any single senatorial district. The Governor’s M.O.R.E agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security—is being applied fairly across Delta North, Delta Central, and Delta South. No region is being overlooked,” he added.

Regarding the Governor’s shift to the APC, Ahon clarified that it stemmed from extensive consultations with political leaders, stakeholders, and community representatives throughout the state.

He explained that the decision was strategic, aimed at positioning Delta State for enhanced federal collaboration and developmental prospects.

“Governor Oborevwori’s alignment with the APC was not motivated by personal gain but was intended to collaborate with the Federal Government in delivering greater benefits to Deltans and residents. Chief Wilson Omene is merely playing the role assigned to him by those who view the Governor’s choice to join the APC as a threat to their political agendas.

“This decision followed comprehensive consultations and is focused on advancing the collective benefits of Deltans rather than narrow partisan interests,” he added.

Sir Ahon encouraged Chief Omene and other critics to engage in constructive dialogue instead of perpetuating divisive rhetoric. He reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to inclusive development, infrastructure enhancement, and creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

“While constructive criticism is welcomed, it should be based on factual information and guided by a genuine intention to advance Delta State,” he concluded.

By Sunday Apah

The Delta State Government is significantly advancing its infrastructure development efforts with the recent completion of essential urban road networks in Asaba, alongside the ongoing construction of important rural roads in Oko-Amakom and its neighboring areas.

During a comprehensive inspection tour, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his steadfast dedication to delivering high-quality infrastructure throughout the state.

Izeze emphasized that these projects reflect the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its campaign promises to the community.

In Asaba, Izeze assessed a newly finished network of roads totaling over 2.75 kilometers, which includes an integrated drainage system linked to the city’s stormwater management infrastructure.

He noted that these roads are part of a broader initiative involving eight interconnected routes aimed at urban renewal.

Previously, the area had been in a woeful condition, leaving residents struggling with inadequate access to roads. “This area was almost uninhabitable, resembling a third-world environment before independence. Today, however, the roads are smooth, properly drained, and accessible,” he stated.

The completed roads inspected included Onuorah Ifesinachi Street, Aaron Ndubusi Street, Chinedu Obodo Way, Senator Francis Nwajel Street, Jude Ugheni Street, Rock Valley Boulevard, Abigail Orugbo Street, Oke Oshogbor Street, Chinedu Obodo Extension, Alika Blessing Street off Talita School Road, as well as Kwakagbor Community Road and its associated drainage systems that cross through the GSM Company in Asaba.

Izeze highlighted that the Ministry of Works ensured thorough oversight during construction to guarantee that contractors adhered to project specifications. He expressed his satisfaction with the quality of the work, suggesting that Governor Oborevwori would soon inaugurate these roads, either in person or virtually.

Additionally, he visited ongoing work on the Oko-Amakom/Oko-Obiokpu Road and the access road to the 2nd Niger Bridge Service Road in Oko, Oshimili South Local Government Area, noting that the project has achieved 64.82 percent completion.

Regarding the Kwakagbor Community Road and its drainage systems, Izeze reported, “We identified some issues and have instructed our engineers to ensure the contractor addresses them promptly. We will carry out unannounced visits to verify that these concerns have been rectified.”

Emphasizing the significance of rural connectivity, the commissioner stated that the Oko-Amakom project is crucial for the predominantly agricultural communities in Oko. Surrounded by numerous rice and other crop farms, this road is anticipated to facilitate better transportation of produce to key markets in Onitsha and Oko.

“This initiative has been awaited for a long time; it predates the establishment of Delta State. However, under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, it is finally coming to fruition. The governor’s commitment to completing all inherited projects has earned him the title of ‘Promise Keeper’ among many,” he added.

He urged contractors to ensure their work meets international standards, including those set by the United Nations and the technical criteria established by the Ministry of Works, noting that compliance will improve project delivery timelines and enhance the administration’s reputation.

Comrade Izeze reaffirmed that the Oborevwori administration is dedicated to implementing infrastructure projects that connect urban and rural areas, enhance living conditions, and promote inclusive economic growth throughout Delta State.

During the visit, Mr. Jay Jay, the South-South Area Manager of Setraco Nigeria Limited, assured that the Oko-Amakom/Oko-Obiokpu project would be completed within five weeks.

By Sunday Apah

Festus Keyamo, SAN, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has characterized the influx of prominent opposition figures into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a move that considerably boosts the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

Keyamo stated, “Today’s formation of the so-called coalition within the ADC is a pivotal development that has reinforced the APC’s position ahead of the upcoming elections,” in a statement released on Wednesday.

He contended that this public realignment with the ADC signifies a notable departure from their original political parties, cautioning that such cross-party affiliations contravene constitutional provisions.

“Legally, individuals cannot simultaneously belong to multiple political parties,” he asserted. “Thus, it is fair to interpret their explicit endorsement of the ADC as a clear renunciation of their former parties. Indeed, membership in two political parties can lead to disqualification in elections.”

Keyamo remarked that the ADC’s transformation signifies “the official fragmentation of the PDP,” which he referred to as “previously Nigeria’s most formidable opposition party.”

He claimed that the older members of the PDP, who have evidently lost influence within the party, have been displaced by a younger generation. “This gathering today predominantly consists of ‘former’ officials from the PDP. In essence, this is merely Atiku’s faction of the PDP, desperately seeking the presidential ticket for 2027—nothing more, nothing less.”

He diminished the coalition’s potential impact on the APC, asserting that it poses no genuine threat to the ruling party. “The coalition also includes a few APC members who opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last elections, along with one or two APC leaders who lost their seats to opposition candidates in 2023. Therefore, this movement does not detract from the APC. In fact, it can be viewed as a beneficial purge of those who were undermining the party from within.”

Speaking about the Labour Party’s candidate from the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, Keyamo cautioned that the coalition might be exploiting the former Anambra governor without a legitimate plan to award him the party’s presidential nomination.

“The old political elites aim to manipulate Peter Obi in this scenario. They desire his support without offering him the presidential ticket, as this is primarily Atiku’s agenda,” he claimed.

He continued, “If Peter Obi is not granted the presidential nomination, he will lose his supporters. It’s as straightforward as that. How can you expect someone who performed well in two regions during the last election—South-East and South-South—to take a subordinate role to someone who only won one region—North-East?”

Keyamo concluded by stating that the opposition has diminished since 2023, while the APC is gaining strength. “Ultimately, it will become clear that the PDP and Labour Party have lost ground, while the ADC has achieved only a superficial gain, with the APC remaining unaffected,” he noted. “Since the last elections, the APC has fortified its position, while the opposition has fragmented and weakened.”

He urged a focus on governance, stating, “At this juncture, it’s crucial to concentrate on governance while letting them exercise their constitutional rights to associate and gather.”

By Sunday Apah

Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, a member of the House of Representatives, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for their substantial efforts in advancing infrastructure and healthcare in Delta State.

During a recent plenary session, Hon. Waive, who represents the Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency, took the opportunity to commend the President for signing into law his bill that establishes the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Ovwian, located in Udu Local Government Area.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the millions of constituents I represent to express our gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief for signing into law the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Ovwian,” he stated.

He also praised the President for appointing Professor Kingsley Akaba, a distinguished professor of Hematology at the University of Calabar, as the inaugural Chief Medical Director of the newly established medical centre.

“My constituents are thrilled. We thank you, Mr. President, for this tremendous honour,” Waive continued.

Additionally, he highlighted the ongoing reconstruction of the Asaba–Benin dual carriageway, calling it a vital initiative that will enhance transportation and stimulate economic growth in Delta and its neighboring states.

The lawmaker further applauded Governor Oborevwori for his proactive approach to road and bridge construction throughout the state. He specifically referenced the Asaba–Ughelli Road project, noting that over 150 kilometers of the route have been successfully completed to high standards.

“That road is now among the best in the country. Governor Oborevwori is making remarkable progress. He is actively constructing roads and bridges throughout Delta, ensuring our region is not overlooked,” he asserted.

Hon. Waive took this opportunity to endorse both President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for re-election, citing their effective leadership and commitment to delivering democratic benefits to the public.

“I take pride in serving this nation, and I am grateful to be a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). I appreciate Mr. Speaker for allowing me to speak on this important matter,” he concluded.

By Sunday Apah

The government of Delta State has reiterated its dedication to democratic principles and its willingness to embrace constructive criticism, asserting that such interactions are essential for progress and accountability.

During a press conference in Asaba, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, emphasized that the administration led by Governor Oborevwori is open to genuine suggestions that can improve governance.

In response to recent protests by some youths in the Udu Local Government Area, he expressed concern about certain individuals who are attempting to spread misinformation and stoke dissent ahead of the upcoming elections.

Accompanied by notable officials including Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon; Dr. Fred Latimore, Director-General of the State Orientation and Communications Bureau; and Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Aniagwu noted that those who cannot directly contest the government’s decisions resort to sponsoring individuals to distort the truth.

Aniagwu assured that the administration has fairly allocated resources for projects across all 25 local government areas, including Udu, which did not provide overwhelming support for the Governor during the last election cycle.

“Regardless of this, our government has made significant investments in infrastructure and human resources in Udu,” he stated.

Detailing key developments in Udu, Aniagwu reported that the government has constructed or rehabilitated over 27.8 kilometers of roads and 24 kilometers of drainage systems, enhancing connectivity with neighboring areas including Uvwie, Ughelli South, and Warri South-West.

He highlighted several ongoing projects, including the DSC roundabout flyover, which aims to transform the area’s landscape, the rehabilitation of CAC Road off Orhuwhorun Road, and the construction of Bezi Road off College Road, Aladja.

Additional projects include the rehabilitation of the Ekakpamre–Ekrokpe–Usiefrun Road, which connects Ughelli South and Udu LGAs, along with the reconstruction of Opete Road from DSC Expressway to Opete Waterside in Udu. The development of Awharode Street/Awharode Lane in Oghior Town and the construction of Dickey Street linking Orhu