OBOREVWORI'S ONE YEAR IN OFFICE: Mired in Lies, Propaganda, and Platitudes, Celebrating a Year of Inaction

One year into Sheriff Oborevwori’s tenure as the Governor of Delta State, it is pertinent to evaluate the administration's performance. This reflection serves as a crucial exercise in accountability, providing a measure of governance against the promises made and the expectations of the populace. Sheriff Oborevwori's administration, however, has been characterized by peddling lies, propaganda, and platitudes while celebrating non-performance. 

Oborevwori's administration has been set apart by an emphasis on propaganda rather than substantive achievements. Claims that Delta is now a "construction site" are frequently cited by government spokespeople, yet these assertions are largely viewed by the majority of Deltans as empty rhetoric. Public perception suggests that the administration's narrative is more about image management than actual development.

Despite its failings, the administration continues to waste public resources on false celebrations. They have gathered in Asaba and millions of Naira are being splurged on what is essentially a "one year of failure" commemoration. This act underscores the cowardice, rhetoric, and hyperbole that have marked the past year under Oborevwori's leadership.

This event, seen by many as an extravagant misuse of public funds, underscores the administration’s penchant for self-congratulation despite its perceived shortcomings. The celebrations have been criticized as a “praise and worship merriment” that masks a year marked by failures rather than successes.

Given the substantial revenue Delta State receives from the Federation Account, the performance of the state government should not be benchmarked against less affluent states. Instead, we should compare the state to more developed states like Lagos. The expectation is for Delta to leverage its resources to achieve more significant developmental strides. However, the state’s infrastructure, particularly its roads, remains in deplorable condition. The government’s touted achievements in this area largely consist of a few ongoing projects and initiatives started under previous administrations, which many consider inadequate.

To date, there has been no progress on an improved minimum wage for workers. Delta State, being predominantly a civil service state, cannot ignore the welfare and purchasing power of its largest employed sector if it wishes to stimulate economic growth. Additionally, the majority of roads across the state remain deplorable. The government’s touted list of achievements, consisting of a small collection of ongoing road projects started several years ago, is exceptionally shameful and inadequate.

The education sector has also seen little to no improvement. No new schools have been constructed, and existing ones have not undergone significant renovations. The deterioration of educational facilities is a glaring indictment of the administration's neglect of this critical sector. Similar trends of underperformance are observed across other sectors of the state’s governance.

One stark indicator of the administration's inefficiency is the infrequency of State Executive Council meetings—only three have been held in the past year. This lack of regular, collaborative decision-making suggests a governance style that is overly centralized and potentially autocratic, undermining the constitutional safeguards meant to ensure balanced and representative governance.

Moreover, the administration’s inaction on important issues, such as the plight of the Ukwuama people, reflects a broader failure to address the immediate needs and suffering of its citizens. This neglect further erodes public trust and highlights the administration's disconnect from the realities faced by the people it governs.

This poor performance indicates that the Governor and his Party were unprepared for governance. Thrust into power unexpectedly, they now appear lost, unable to navigate the complexities of their roles. Moreover, since the formation of the cabinet, there have only been three State Executive Council meetings. This suggests that decisions have been made autocratically by the Governor and former Governor Okowa, undermining the constitutionally mandated cabinet process.

Governance demands more than just the superficiality of public appearances or the populist gestures of driving around in black SUVs. It requires diligent effort, unwavering commitment, and a balanced approach to addressing the diverse needs of the populace. Effective governance is about making tough decisions and prioritizing the welfare of the masses over superficial gains.

The role of the opposition is to offer constructive criticism, the current state of governance in Delta requires urgent redress. Effective governance should transcend party affiliations, focusing instead on delivering tangible improvements in the lives of the citizens. Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, one year on, has much ground to cover in translating its mandate into meaningful progress for Delta State.