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Orodje Honors Commitment by Donating Toyota Hilux to Orerokpe Vigilante

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By Sunday Apah

His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, has fulfilled his promise by donating a Toyota Hilux van to the newly established Orerokpe Vigilante Group, enhancing its operational capabilities in the region.

During a recent visit, the Okpe Monarch, who also chairs the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, formally introduced the group’s chairman, Mr. Julius Etetafia, and other members.

He had previously pledged to provide a Toyota Hilux and four walkie-talkies to support the local security initiative at his palace in Orerokpe, the headquarters of Okpe Local Government Area in Delta State.

The monarch advised the group’s leadership to visit the Divisional Police Officer of the Orerokpe Police Division to obtain approval and present identification cards to officialize their operations.

He urged the vigilante group to remain dedicated to their mission and encouraged the community members to support the group’s efforts both financially and in other ways.

Empowering Women: Oborevwori Emphasizes the Need for Enhanced Economic Support

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By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has emphasized the critical importance of advancing women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion initiatives nationwide to foster sustainable national development.

The Governor made this statement during the inauguration of the Steering Committee for the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), a World Bank initiative, on Wednesday in Asaba.

The committee is chaired by Mr. Sunny Ekedayen, the State Focal Person and Commissioner for Economic Planning, with Mrs. Pat Ajudua, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, serving as Co-Chair.

The committee also includes various commissioners from sectors such as Primary Education, Water Resources, and Agriculture, alongside the Chief Economic Adviser and the Permanent Secretary of Women Affairs.

During the inauguration, Governor Oborevwori expressed his gratitude to the World Bank for selecting Delta State for this significant initiative and urged the committee members to commit fully to their responsibilities.

He noted that the key principles of economic empowerment, capacity building, and social inclusion align seamlessly with the “Opportunity for All” pillar of his administration’s MORE agenda.

“The Nigeria for Women Project has shown promising potential as a robust platform to tackle the unique socio-economic challenges faced by women, especially those at the grassroots level,” the Governor stated.

He highlighted the administration’s efforts to increase women’s political participation through key appointments and elected positions, recognizing the vital role women play in fostering societal change and contributing their distinct skills to governance.

“When you empower a woman, you empower a household,” emphasized Oborevwori, acknowledging the valuable contributions of women to his administration.

“We recently launched the MORE grant scheme aimed at supporting approximately 5,000 women in Delta State, demonstrating our commitment to their empowerment.

“By enhancing women’s economic status, we can significantly improve their self-worth and enable them to take charge of their lives, leading to broader community development and happiness.”

Assuring his full support for the program, the Governor affirmed, “Our administration is dedicated to ensuring the Nigeria for Women Project’s success not just in our state, but throughout Nigeria.”

Mr. Michael Ilesanmi, the World Bank Team Leader for the NFWP, remarked that the program stands out as the World Bank’s flagship initiative for women’s economic empowerment, poised to create transformative impacts within families and communities.

He explained that the project aims to provide vulnerable women with access to financial resources and markets, which can ultimately help combat malnutrition and reduce infant mortality rates.

In response, Mr. Sunny Ekedayen, the Chairman of the committee, expressed his gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity to serve, pledging that the committee would work diligently to ensure the program’s success and contribute positively to the Governor’s MORE agenda.

Development Strides: Ndigbo Cultural Forum Honors Governor Oborevwori with Excellence Award

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By Sunday Apah
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed his gratitude to the Ndigbo Cultural Forum in Asaba for their significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the state. 
His remarks came as he received the “Excellent Service” award from the forum during their 10th anniversary celebration in Asaba.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, the governor praised the Igbo community for their industriousness and creativity, noting their substantial investments across various sectors of the state’s economy over the years.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Igbo community and other non-indigenous residents, highlighting that some members have already been appointed to his government due to their valuable insights and support.
Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his dedication to fostering an inclusive government and thanked the Igbo community in Asaba for their unwavering support before, during, and after the 2023 general elections.
He encouraged them to continue backing his MORE Agenda and acknowledged the forum’s efforts in promoting unity within the community, congratulating them on their decade-long existence.
Chief Chinedu Obodo, chairman of the Ndigbo Cultural Forum, reiterated the organization’s commitment to fostering unity and purpose among Igbos residing in Asaba.
He commended Governor Oborevwori for his MORE Agenda aimed at advancing state development and mentioned the group’s previous partnerships with successive administrations, including assistance with road repairs.
He also highlighted the economic impact of the Igbo community in Asaba, noting their ongoing projects, such as acquiring 220 acres of land in Ede Ogwashi-Uku for the development of industries, factories, and residential areas.
In a keynote speech, Professor Michael Ukonu, Head of the Mass Communication Department at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, presented on “Harmonizing Egalitarian Values and Business Politics: The Role of Igbo Entrepreneurs in Strengthening Tribal Relations with Host Communities.”
His address explored the extensive trade activities of the Igbo community, their entrepreneurial spirit, and the importance of collaboration with host communities.
During an interview, several community members emphasized their significant contributions to Asaba’s growth, crediting the town’s peaceful atmosphere as a conducive environment for investment.

The event also featured the presentation of Excellent Service awards to Delta State Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Sir Ifeanyi Osakwe, as well as a Unique Leadership award to former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, along with recognitions for other prominent members of the Igbo community.

Flood Prevention: Ughelli South Council Boss, Avweromre Begins Opening of Waterways, Canals In Riverine Communities

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By Sunday Apah

In response to the potential flooding predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) due to the opening of the Lagdo Dam and other climatic factors, the Executive Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Lucky Irorefe Avweromre JP, has initiated efforts to clear and open key waterways and canals in the council’s riverine communities.

The initiative began on Saturday, September 21, 2024, in Gbaregolor, starting with the Diobri Canal.

The project will also encompass several other canals in nearby areas, including Ikise, Ogberigu, Ogbe-Uti Quarters, Otoyibo, Odokpokpor, and Emokpor.

This comprehensive clearing effort aims to facilitate the unobstructed flow of water and mitigate the risk of flooding in these communities.

During the project launch, Hon. Andrew Eti, Deputy Leader of the Ughelli South Legislative Arm, praised the council’s proactive approach.

He emphasized that once the clearing is completed, it will significantly alleviate flooding challenges faced by the community.

Ms. Joy Akpesiri Aguonigho, the supervisor responsible for environmental matters, spoke highly of Dr. Avweromre’s dedication to the safety and well-being of Ughelli South residents.

She noted that the week-long initiative will extend to other flood-prone riverine communities.

Additionally, she recognized the Gbaregolor residents, particularly the youth, for their supportive involvement as the project commenced.

Onokpasa, Wife Receive Ogor Chieftaincy Titles, Award Scholarships to Students

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By Sunday Apah

On Monday, September 23, 2024, a significant event took place as Olorogun Engr. Matthew Onokpasa was honored with the prestigious title of Aghoghophia r’ovie of Great Ogor Kingdom.

His wife, Chief Mrs. Brigid Onokpasa, also received the distinguished title of Ivie r’ovie of Great Ogor Kingdom.

To mark this momentous occasion, Chief Engr. Onokpasa awarded scholarships to eight exceptional secondary school students from various communities within the kingdom.

This initiative aims to encourage educational growth and development in the region.

The scholarship recipients are: Okotie Judith from Oviri Ogor; Favour Omakpokpoes from Edjekota Ogor; Gavis Enameguono Orhiunu from Otogor; Eretarhe Ogheneriobome from Igwre Ovie; Favour Marvin Oghenetejiri from Oviri Ogor; Samuel Josephine from Otogor; James Oghenenyerhovwo Great from Edjekota Ogor and Princess Okiemute Onajite Igere.

These scholarships, contingent upon the students’ academic achievements, will significantly aid in their pursuit of secondary education.

Both parents and students expressed deep gratitude to Olorogun Engr. Matthew Onokpasa JP for his generous support.

HRM Onajite Okiemute Igere 1, Ovie of Ogor Kingdom, commended Olorogun Onokpasa for his unwavering dedication to education and offered prayers for his continued health and prosperity.

The event was attended by notable guests, including Olorogun Thomas Oghenerukevwe, Olorogun Raphael Eme.

Odogu Calls For Police Partnership to Promote Peace, Security For Community Development 

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By Sunday Apah
Hon. Emakpor Odogu, the Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Community Development, has called for collaboration with the Nigeria Police to strengthen peace and security as essential components for community development throughout the state.
Hon. Odogu made this appeal during an advocacy visit to the State Commissioner of Police in Asaba, where Delta’s Community Development Appointees sought to establish a cooperative relationship aimed at improving safety and security in their respective areas.
In his address, Hon. Odogu emphasized that the purpose of their visit was to engage with the Police Commissioner to explore opportunities for partnership between the community development stakeholders and the State Police Command.
This collaboration is focused on enhancing peace and security across Delta State.
He highlighted that a stable environment is crucial for effective community development, aligning with the Enhanced Peace and Security initiative outlined in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.
“The formation of the community development department by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is aimed at strengthening ties with communities through their Presidents-General to better understand their needs and attract governmental support for meaningful progress,” Hon. Odogu explained.
“The Governor’s vision is to ensure peace and security as a foundation for community development, which is why we are here today—to foster this collaboration with the Commissioner of Police,” he added.
Hon. Odogu reassured Governor Oborevwori of his commitment to promoting and maintaining peace in Delta State to facilitate substantial development within the communities.

Enhancing Food Security: Governor Oborevwori Supports 6,020 Delta Farmers

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*Releases N1 Billion AUDA-NEPAD Counterpart Fund to Boost Agric. Development

By Sunday Apah

On Tuesday, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, announced the distribution of essential agricultural inputs to 6,020 farmers in a significant effort to enhance agricultural production and ensure food security within the state.

During the launch of this initiative, held at the Events Centre in Asaba, the Governor revealed a N1 billion counterpart fund dedicated to the Africa Union Development Agency, New Partnership for African Development (AUDA-NEPAD). This funding aims to empower an additional 2,000 farmers involved in food production, livestock, and aquaculture.

Governor Oborevwori highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector, stating that these measures are crucial not only for Delta state but for national food security as well.

He encouraged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of this opportunity by effectively using the inputs provided, which will enhance their productivity and contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector.

“The disbursement today is part of a broader initiative aimed at equipping over 6,000 dedicated farmers with the necessary tools to amplify agricultural productivity and improve food security across our state,” he stated.

“Our commitment to the Sustainable Agricultural Sector Reforms is integral to the M.O.R.E Agenda. We believe that with the right support, our farmers can continue to play a vital role in our economy.

“Agriculture is a cornerstone of our development strategy. Through this initiative, we aim to boost food production, increase household incomes, and enhance the livelihoods of countless individuals in Delta State.

“Additionally, in collaboration with AUDA-NEPAD, we have approved N1 billion as a counterpart fund to support 2,000 farmers in various sectors, including food production, livestock, and aquaculture.”

The Governor expressed gratitude to the Delta CARES team and all stakeholders for their efforts in making this initiative a success: “Together, we are building a more resilient Delta, prepared to meet challenges and seize opportunities.”

Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, remarked that the empowerment of 6,020 farmers falls under the food security component of the Delta CARES Programme.

He emphasized the importance of the agricultural sector to the state’s economy, detailing how the beneficiaries would enhance productivity across a variety of areas including poultry, fish farming, cassava cultivation, maize, pepper, and vegetable farming.

Mr. Ekedayen encouraged residents of Delta to consider urban farming in available spaces to combat rising food prices and boost overall productivity.

Several beneficiaries, including Friday Imonikebe, Paul Ejuone, and Ifeoma Akinjare, expressed their gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for the support and praised him for his efforts in advancing infrastructure projects throughout the state, such as the construction of Emevor-Orogun Road phases 1 and 2.

Empowerment Initiative: Izeze, FOOSTODEY Dole Out N35 Million to Assist Women, Students, Vigilante Groups in Ughelli South

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By Sunday Apah

In an effort to alleviate economic difficulties, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, alongside his partners in FOOSTODEY, has distributed over N35 million to support women, students, and local vigilante groups in the Ughievwen Kingdom of Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.

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The initiative benefitted 200 students, each receiving N25,000, and 101 small-scale traders from 34 communities who received N50,000 each.

Additionally, local vigilante groups were provided with five motorcycles and a Sienna van to enhance their security operations in the region.

During the presentation ceremony at his residence in Oginibo, Izeze expressed his commitment to uplifting the community amid escalating challenges in the country.

He noted, “Given the current economic climate, where many policies are dictated by the federal government, the impact of soaring inflation has created significant hardship for our people. We could not sit idly by.”

Izeze highlighted the importance of transportation in a predominantly agrarian area like Ughelli South, where many rely on vehicles to bring their agricultural products to markets.

He emphasized the strain placed on residents due to rising fuel prices and the discontinuation of fuel subsidies.

“I firmly believe that serving in public office should be about driving community development and making a positive impact on people’s lives,” he said.

“Our efforts are a testament to the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, which aims to improve the lives of our constituents.”

He elaborated on the initiative’s broader context, stating that support for students is crucial, especially as tuition fees continue to rise.

“Governor Oborevwori has provided bursaries for over 30,000 students, and as a loyal supporter, I am committed to enhancing this effort through available resources.”

Izeze expressed gratitude for the collaboration with colleagues in the private sector, which helped raise the funds needed for this empowerment program.

He also reaffirmed his dedication to continuing similar initiatives in the future.

Dr. Nyerovwo Tonukari, Commissioner for Higher Education, praised Izeze for contributing to the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori, who has recently supported over 35,000 students in Delta State through bursaries.

Elvis Ahior, National Coordinator of FOOSTODEY, represented by Patrick Erhubetine, reiterated the group’s support for Izeze as part of their commitment to the Governor’s agenda aimed at enhancing peace and security in the community through the provision of motorbikes and vehicles for vigilante services.

Dr. Ernest Ideh, the event’s chairman, commended Izeze for his significant contributions to local students and women.

In a show of appreciation, Comrade Monday Wiska, President of the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU), awarded Izeze a certificate of commendation for his outstanding commitment to educational development.

The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Hon. Peter Uviejitobor, Commissioner for Oil and Gas; Hon. Samuel Marierie, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); and various local leaders.

Taleb Tebite’s Burial Scheduled for October 24

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By Sunday Apah

The family of Olorogun Taleb Avwerosuo Okpako Tebite, Director of Projects at DESOPADEC, has announced the date for his burial.

According to an invitation from Mr. Ochuko Omorere, his personal assistant until his passing, a Night of Tributes will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024, at his residence on Aluum Street, Asaba.

On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, a Service of Songs will take place at his residence on Off High Court Road, GRA, Effurun.

The burial will be conducted on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Anglican Cathedral, Ughelli, followed by internment and a reception in his hometown of Okpare Olomu, located in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Additionally, an Outing Service is scheduled for Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Okpare Olomu.

The family encourages all friends, colleagues, and political associates to attend these ceremonies to honor the memory of the departed leader with a fitting tribute.

No Crisis in Delta State: Governor Oborevwori Will Not be Blackmailed Into Bankrolling Ambiguous Projects

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By Josiah Agoro.

We are aware of a trending video in which distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial zone in the National Assembly, during a courtesy visit to the Ndokwa Neku President General, cast several aspersions ranging from alleged financial impropriety and alleged refusal of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to provide a whopping sum of N35 billion to reactivate the Okpai Power Plant, as a result of his decision to service outstanding loans inherited from his predecessor, to the selfish, lopsided nature of development in favour of Delta Central.

While we do not wish to join issues with the Distinguished Senator, especially since he is a member of our Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, we however would like to make some clarifications on the state of the Okpai Power Plant for the information of Deltans and the general public.

1. The Okpai Independent Power Plant is the first of its kind built by an oil company in Nigeria. It consists of an integrated cycle electric generation plant with 480 MW of installed capacity, which uses associated gas that was previously flared.

2. The Power Plant, with various phases and units, is owned 60 percent by the NNPC Limited with ConocoPhillips and EniPower each holding 20 percent equity at the start. From the project plan, the Phase 1 of the Okpai Power Plant commissioned in 2005, by President Olusegun Obasanjo, was structured in such a way that the power generated would be sold to the PHCN under a 20- year purchase agreement, while 50 megawatts of its output should be reserved for communities within 50 kilometres radius of the installation.

3. Also, by the design and business plan, the power generated is transported directly to the National Grid through the side of the River Niger to serve the FCT and about eight other States in the country, without a step down in Delta State in which it is hosted.

4. At the time of the plant’s commissioning in 2005, it generated only 480 megawatts of electricity, but was later upgraded to provide a functional 930 megawatts of electricity with another order and understanding to increase the power supply to host communities from 50 megawatts to 100 megawatts. This extension would include host community beneficiaries from the entire Delta North Senatorial District of Delta State.”

5. A widely published report about the plant indicated that it is not being utilized in full capacity because the owners have “been unable to sign any power purchase agreement (PPA) with Nigerian Electricity Bulk Trader (NBET), which would have been able to encourage the evacuation of the power through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to distribution companies.”

6. Going forward, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, current member representing Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency, briefed the House of Representatives in a motion titled: A MOTION ON THE NEED TO INVESTIGATE THE ABANDONED OKPAI INDEPENDENT POWER PLANT PHASE 2 PROJECT IN OKPAI-OLUCHI, DELTA STATE, that while the expansion of the project was commenced in 2017 and has attained almost 90 percent completion, it seems to have been abandoned by the contractors, Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited and Agip Oil Company, resulting in the dilapidation of the infrastructure.

7. The House was also told that there is ambiguity surrounding the project’s contract amount, casting doubt on accountability and transparency in its execution and this, coupled with the reluctance of the operators of the plant to push aggressively for the PPA due to the instability and fluctuation associated with the National grid, as well as the suspicion that distribution companies are rejecting power, led the House to initiate an investigation, early in 2024, the report of which has not been publicly declared.

8. It would be recalled also that Senator Ned Nwoko himself, in March this year, sponsored a motion titled: “Need to address the unexplained delay in Electricity Step-Down of Okpai Independent Power Plant” and the Senate, after its mandatory consideration and adoption of the motion, subsequently mandated its Committee on Power to investigate and equally take action to resolve the delay in the distribution of 100 megawatts of electricity to communities in Delta North Senatorial District.

9. Nwoko, in his motion, had submitted after the introductory premise and passages, that: “To enhance its electricity supply, the Transmission Company of Nigeria awarded a contract worth approximately N4.2bn in 2021 for the construction of a 132KV Double Circuit Transmission Line. However, to date, there have been unexplained delays in executing the contract project.”

10. Senator Nwoko further stated that despite the Presidential pronouncement in 2005 and the upgrade of the Okpai Plant to 930 megawatts, the people of Ndokwa nation and the entire Delta North Senatorial District continue to lag seriously behind in the supply of electricity. “This is the case even though the Okpai Plant hosts several oil companies in its vicinity, including Nigeria Agip Oil Company, Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company, Energia Limited, Midwestern Oil and Gas Limited, Pillar Oil Limited, Chorus Energy Limited, and more,” he posited.

11. The Red Chamber, acting on Senator Nwoko’s submissions, equally urged the Federal Ministry of Power and Transmission Company of Nigeria to step down the electricity generated as agreed by the Okpai Independent Power Plant to ensure it benefits the communities in Delta North.

12. This action by the upper chamber of the national assembly was a follow up on the resolution of The House of Representatives to investigate the abandonment of the $38.7 million NNPC – NAOC Joint Venture Okpai Independence Power Plant project Phase II, which mandated its Committee on Power to investigate the abandonment of the project by Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited (SCNL) and Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), the two contractors handling it.

13. It is also a fact that, neither the NNPCL, the Federal Government, the Minister of Power, the multinational equity partners nor even the National Assembly have made any concrete and categorical statements on the way forward, in the Okpai Power plant matter.

14. Of course, It was also widely reported that Senator Nwoko, aside from visiting the Okpai Power Plant project site to see things for himself, equally visited the Minister of Power and the Managing Director of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to seek their intervention in the prompt delivery of the project, which has the potential of supplying light to the whole of Delta North. It therefore appears, from demands made by the Senator in the video, that he didn’t get a favourable response from the officers of the Federal establishments.

16. This may arguably translate into the reason why he has subtly but dangerously attempted to blackmail and bait Governor Sheriff Oborevwori into doling out the humongous sum of N35 billion to reactivate the power plant.

17. Let us equally add here that Senator Ned Nwoko has also visited the Ogwashi-Uku Dam project which started about 18 years ago to find out how best to remove the bottleneck and ensure its prompt delivery; a matter he promised to revisit in the viral video.

18. This present situation of confusion, uncertainty and ambiguity which surrounds the Okpai Power Plant, is the scenario under which Senator Ned Nwoko is demanding that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori should provide N35 billion for the contractors and he has even taken the robe of a businessman by suggesting and offering to provide contractors who are already waiting in the wings to take up this matter and who will subsequently recover their money through billings once the power plant becomes fully functional.

19. We have refrained from joining issues with Senator Ned Nwoko for the singular reason that he is a top member of the Peoples Democratic Party and since his representation of the good people of Delta North Senatorial zone in the Senate, is sponsored by the PDP, many see his aggressive, “fearless” comments against the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, as a deliberate and calculated salvo to create the erroneous impression that there is a possible breaking of ranks and subterranean conflict of interest within Delta State PDP. But nothing could be farther from the truth.

20. To set the records straight, Senator Ned Nwoko participated fully in the State PDP Congress which ushered in a new team of Party Executives and though he has been noticeable ‘missing in action ” in some other party activities which have taken place in both Delta North and Aniocha North, his immediate Constituencies, many have attributed this absenteeism to his very busy schedule, including the unrelenting crusade for the realization of Anioma State and also his commendable medical advocacy for the eradication of Malaria, both of which are very laudable projects.

21. The fact that he even admitted to the Ndokwa Neku leader, that he was mandated to move the motion for a vote of confidence on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s performance and administration, at the referenced expanded caucus meeting of the State PDP, in Government House, Asaba, (which he eventually did anyway, after ‘speaking his mind’ to the gathering, according to him), further speaks volumes for his central role and recognition in the PDP Family.

22. There is nothing wrong with suggesting a pragmatic, holistic approach, rather than this typical Nigerian syndrome of throwing money at every real and perceived problem, towards addressing and resolving the Okpai Power Plant debacle. For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has exhibited an admirable penchant for embracing, with astute advisement, every progress idea to enhance Delta State in the actualization of the M.O.R.E Agenda.

23. That is why the N35 billion lobby pitched to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori by Senator Nwoko, looks provocative and inciting as it sounds, will be addressed and appraised critically going forward, even despite the irreverent comparisons about FAAC allocation to the State, with what other States receive and even the invoking of such unguarded ethnic tantrums about how Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has developed Delta Central more than the Delta North, even when he knows that this is a deliberate obfuscation and being economical with the truth.

24. One can easily understand the possessive passion which often drives the Senator towards achieving whatever he sets his mind to, but what Senator Ned Nwoko has undoubtedly done in that video, is to attempt to muck-rake the kind of frontal, divisive, verbal attack, deploying so early in the day, the underhand gambit to tarnish the immediate past Delta Governor for obvious political reasons, cast aspersions on the alleged financial handicap of the present Governor occasioned by debt-servicing of loans inherited from his predecessor and invoke the age long, well worn, but still provocatively inciting ethnic sentiment, on a Governor from his own party, in his own State, who has not even spent up to two years in office.

25. We need not resort to a chronicling of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s numerous delivered and ongoing projects in Delta North, which have all been widely reported in the public, just to disprove the obvious mischievous and misleading marginalization narrative that Senator Nwoko has opted to invoke, for the sheer purpose of presenting his lobby favourably in the eyes and ears of those who will be the direct beneficiaries of a fully functional Okpai Power Plant.

26. As for those putting forward the argument that there’s nothing wrong in State governments embarking on federal projects, they need to be reminded that there’s an existing caveat from the Federal which deals with refund of payments to States who undertake such projects.

27. It would be recalled that former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, had on several occasions, widely reported in national media and the public domain, directed that due to reports that State governments inflate the cost of repair works carried out on federal roads, and by extension, other federal projects), States should desist from such interventions as the Federal Government would not offset such expenses.

28. According to him: “For anybody who wants to intervene on federal roads, you must first ask for permission and if you don’t do so, you have broken the law and you cannot break the law to please people. We understand that your citizens need the road but you cannot do evil to please them. So, I am using this opportunity to repeat that no State government should intervene on federal roads until we have finished payment of the debts we inherited,” the minister had said.

29. His then counterpart, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, had equally confirmed a Federal Executive Council directive in 2020 that: “Henceforth, if any State takes on federal government roads, it will not be paid. They will not get any refund. Even if you want to pay from your own pocket, you will still need the permission of the federal government and it will be supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

30. And to further emphasize on this policy, then President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, publicly rebuffed then Governor Nyesom Wike when he rejected a request made by Rivers State for a refund for the construction of some federal roads in the State.

31. Tinubu, who spoke while inaugurating the Rumuokwuta-Rumuola Flyover in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State told Wike openly that: “The 12th flyover and the demand you made for refund, I owe you nothing. It is your road. You can’t chuckle at me and make a demand. You are the one living on this road. I commend your effort. You have to lobby me to collect it.”

32. Those who are conversant with the actions and pronouncements of a leader who, with one dramatic statement, removed fuel subsidy and plunged Nigerians and Nigeria into an agony of suffering and hardship, will tell you that it would be foolhardy to advise any State governor to embark on the completion of a Federal project, whether it is roads, power plant or dam for that matter, without first lobbying Mr. President and getting firm assurances of reimbursement before undertaking such an intervention.

33. So we are left to ask the pertinent question, did or has Senator Ned Nwoko lobbied President Tinubu to get approval for intervention and assurances that whatever monies spent on the project would be reinbursed? Or is he just playing to the gallery with this outlandish and exaggerated suggestion?

34. Even if the State government were to guarantee the financial facility for the contractors, who will then supposedly recover their monies through billings once the project is functional, the legal and bureaucratic bottlenecks, which Nigerians know, are usually involved in extricating a project of this nature and magnitude from the Federal Government and joint venture partners, are sufficient to seek cast iron assurances rather than embarking headlong into it.

35. The fact, however, remains that things must be done properly in accordance with contractual specifications, defined responsibilities, rules of engagement and the recognized status of partnering authorities in the original MoU, no matter how attractive and altruistic an alternative suggestion may appear. If this is what Senator Ned Nwoko is indirectly suggesting via his bizzare and totally unnecessary outburst and aspersions in the viral video, then it will be worth exploring.

36. There is certainly no doubt whatsoever, that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is working very hard to deliver the MORE Agenda to Deltans and will not be blackmailed into commiting humongous funds for a project mired in ambiguity and uncertainty.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is working and Deltans are seeing it.

*Josiah Agoro is a Public Affairs Commentator and Analyst.
20/09/2024

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