By Abiola Olawale
The immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege has declared that the people of Delta State have been deprived of effective governance since the administration of Chief James Ibori’s administration bowed out in 2007 after a successful completion of its two terms.
Omo-Agege emphasized that this prolonged absence of quality leadership has impacted negatively on the people’s ability to thrive and benefit from the resources and opportunities available in the State.
Omo-Agege, the Delta State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, said successive governments after the administration of Ibori have not met the expectations of the people of Delta State.
According to him, Delta State is still underdeveloped despite the huge revenue from the federation account as a result of 13% derivation and internally generated revenue.
He maintained that all the revenue the state has been receiving has not translated into massive infrastructural and economic development of Delta state.
Omo-Agege made these assertions during the welcoming event held to honour Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the lawmaker representing Ethiope East/West federal constituency of Delta State at the House of Representatives.
It would be recalled that Ibori-Suenu, the daughter of former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, recently announced her decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.
In his address during the event, Omo-Agege averred that Delta State has reportedly received over N900 billion during the administration of incumbent Governor Sherrif Oborovwori of Delta State.
According to him, the N900 billion is part of the significant and positive dividends of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government policies.
Omo-Agege asserted: “Since the election, I have deliberately avoided speaking on the state of affairs in our state, hoping that the governor would rise to the occasion. Unfortunately, nothing has changed.
“It’s time for me to speak out. Delta State has benefited significantly from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government policies, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies and the flotation of the naira, resulting in increased FAAC allocations.
“These policies… are necessary to transition our economy from import-dependent to producing and job-creating. We acknowledge that achieving this long-term goal will take time, although we have started to see gains in better growth rates, declining imports, higher exports, and higher income for farmers.
“However, it is disappointing that the Delta State government has not utilized these increased allocations effectively to alleviate hardship and develop the state.
“In the past year and a half, despite receiving over N900 billion from FAAC, including IGR, the Delta State government has failed to develop the state. Instead, they have used these funds to service debts and cater to godfathers. We must root out these unproductive leaders and build a brighter future for Delta State.
“Apart from the N86 billion flyover bridge at Effurun, there are no other major projects that you can trace to this huge resource that has come to Delta. Almost all the internal roads are in bad shape. The Delta State government has misplaced its priorities, choosing to use these funds to service debts and finance personal ambitions, such as Okowa’s failed Vice Presidential bid and Oborovwori’s governorship, rather than investing in the development of the state and the welfare of its citizens.”
Senator Omo-Agege, however, assured Deltans of better days, noting that the “case of Delta is not hopeless; it’s redeemable. Delta APC is emerging stronger, and we will take the state in 2027.
He urged APC leaders and faithful to work for unity and join forces to root out the unproductive PDP government in Delta to build a new Delta State.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Hon. Erhiatake Ibori for many years, and I was honoured to play a role in her entry into politics in 2015. Today, I proudly declare her one of the most trusted loyalists in the House of Representatives, committed to advancing the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the National Assembly.
“We also pay tribute to our leader, Governor James Ibori’s enduring legacy. His leadership and service to Delta State and the nation have left an indelible mark. Despite the efforts of subsequent governors, his foundation remains unbeaten. We thank him for giving us Erhiatake to carry the torch forward.
“Delta State APC is stronger today with Erhiatake on board, and we look forward to welcoming more members to our progressive family. We appeal to our party members to embrace new entrants, encouraging others to join us as we build the New Delta Coalition ahead of the 2027 election.
“We take pride in our remarkable success in the 2023 elections, winning Delta Central and Delta South Senatorial Districts, and having two out of three senators representing Delta State in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Although we were robbed of our governorship victory by the PDP, we are determined to build on our success and finally dislodge the PDP in 2027.
“To our dedicated party members, I urge you to remain steadfast in our collective mission. Unfortunately, some of our party members have seen fit to fraternize with the current government and endorse the governor for 2027. Let it be clear that such actions are not sanctioned by our party and those individuals are acting on their own accord.
“As we move forward, rest assured that we will be fielding a strong candidate for governor in 2027. By our party’s constitution, we will nominate a candidate who embodies our values and is committed to liberating our state from the PDP’s grip. Together, we will work tirelessly to ensure a brighter future for our state.”
