The Delta State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has demanded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s led All Progressive Congress, APC, to show proof of well being among residents of the state.
The ADC’s state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Fred Akpewe in a statement expressed dissatisfaction and disappointments alleging that despite an average monthly allocation of approximately ₦260 billion coming to the state, the Oborevwori administration has not delivered development that is commensurate with the enormous resources at its disposal.
Akpewe while lamenting about the state of the state, said that with the unprecedented revenue inflows, Deltans are expected of having accelerated economic growth, improved healthcare services, quality education, job creation, rural development, enhanced security, and better living standards, but yet all these are lacking.
While the administration has embarked on several road and infrastructure projects, critics argue that governance should be measured not only by physical infrastructure but also by its impact on the welfare of the common man on the street.
He said, “Questions continue to be raised about rising youth unemployment, the high cost of living, inadequate industrial expansion, poverty reduction, agricultural development, and the overall quality of public services. The central concern is whether the state’s unprecedented financial resources have translated into a corresponding improvement in the lives of the people.
“Some of the indices for measuring a successful government are the provision of potable water and light for its people. In these scores , the ADC is unable to give the Oborevwori administration a pass mark. The Okpai IPP project located at the heart of the Ndokwa nation is unable to provide light to its immediate catchment area.
“Though essentially financed by a Federal/ multinational companies , the Okpai IPP project should have been harnessed, through some counterpart funding arrangement by the Delta State government to ensure that Delta North gets light at least. Also the Ogwashi Uku dam which was earmarked to provide water and farm irrigation to about 60 communities adjoining Ogwashi uku has not met its initiative.
“The Delta State government, despite pressures has not taken over the water reticulation aspect of the project. The result is that Ogwashi Uku and its adjoining communities have lived without water and light for decades.
“In Isoko , the situation is even more deplorable. As a community that provides much of the oil resources to Nigeria ‘s economy due to its vast oil wells , Isoko nation has not received commensurate development.
“For decades also Isoko has been without light and industries. The 132/33KV transmission line and substation project in Ozoro ( Isoko North local government area of Delta state is incompleted and remains a subject of ongoing demand by Isoko residents .
“Recently, Isoko youths went on a peaceful demonstration, insisting that if the Delta state government refuses to provide light to Isoko before 2027, they should forget their votes.
“ADC in Delta State calls on The Oborevwori administration to take these concerns seriously because the primary purpose of government is the welfare and security of its citizens.”