It is both ironic and unfortunate that barely a year into Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, Senator Ned Nwoko, a prominent leader of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP), has already begun to voice complaints about marginalization. This dissatisfaction stands in stark contrast to his silence during the eight-year tenure of the previous governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. Nwoko and other influential figures from Delta North failed to challenge the 'Ikanisation' or 'Owa-Alerolisation' policies. During Okowa’s administration, billions of naira were channeled into developing Delta North, leaving other senatorial districts, particularly Delta Central and Delta South, significantly underdeveloped.
Under Okowa, Delta State, especially Warri and its surrounding areas, experienced a decline. The city, once a vibrant oil and gas hub, fell into disrepair, with dilapidated infrastructure, sporadic electricity, widespread poverty, and high unemployment. Despite its rich oil resources, Warri became known as a "keke city" due to its neglected state. Other major towns, such as Ughelli, Sapele, Abraka, Kwale, Bomadi, and Oleh, suffered similar fates. Despite these pressing issues, neither political leaders nor business elites raised concerns about Governor Okowa’s approach.
Okowa’s administration, from 2015 to 2023, was marked by substantial financial inflows from the 13% oil derivation funds, amounting to over N1.2 trillion. These funds were intended to support the development of oil-producing communities in Delta State, which have suffered environmental degradation due to oil exploration. The resulting damage to traditional livelihoods, such as fishing and farming, remains a stark reminder of the unmet promises of development to oil-producing communities.
It is crucial to highlight that Section 162(2) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution mandates that the 13% derivation funds be used for the development of oil-producing communities. However, Okowa’s administration showed a clear preference for his ethnic group, the Ika, by amending the DESOPADEC law to channel funds disproportionately towards his area. This move exemplified a nepotistic approach to governance, undermining the intended equitable distribution of resources.
Beyond financial mismanagement, Okowa’s actions extended to the educational sector. Delta State University in Abraka, which should have been a beacon of academic excellence, was neglected. Instead, Okowa hastily established three new state universities, two of which were located in Delta North, with one of the campuses situated in his own village, Owa-Alero, further fuelling resentment and accusations of sectionalism.
Senator Ned Nwoko’s recent criticism of Oborevwori's administration is noteworthy for its selective focus. Given the widespread mismanagement and sectionalism under Okowa, it is surprising that Nwoko, who is now lamenting marginalization under Oborevwori, remained silent during those years. His current stance raises questions about his priorities. Instead of engaging in political posturing, Nwoko should focus on pressing the federal government to execute key projects, such as the Okpai step-down and Ogwashi-uku dam, which fall under federal jurisdiction. Okowa had previously declared the Sapele/Agbor Road a federal road and refused to rehabilitate it, so why would Nwoko now attempt to pressure Oborevwori to take on federal projects like the Okpai step-down and Ogwashi-uku dam?
Instead of focusing on local grievances, Nwoko should concentrate on his legislative duties and work toward bringing federal development projects to his constituency and the state. As Senator Ovie Omo-Agege did during his tenure, Nwoko should engage the federal government to bring the dividends of democracy to Delta North, rather than fixating on state allocation.
If Senator Nwoko doesn't understand his role in representing the Anioma people in the Red Chamber, he should seek guidance from former Deputy President of the Senate, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege on how to leverage his federal legislative position to benefit his constituency.
Moreover, Nwoko’s criticisms seem misplaced, given the severe financial burden Okowa’s administration left behind—over N450 billion in debt incurred during his pursuit of a failed vice-presidential bid. This debt has undoubtedly constrained the current administration’s capacity to implement new projects effectively. Rather than undermining the new governor, Nwoko should support efforts to manage the existing debt and deliver on promised infrastructure improvements.
Oborevwori's efforts should be judged fairly. Unlike his predecessor, Oborevwori has shown no signs of partiality or sectionalism. However, as his tenure continues, it is essential that his government prioritizes equitable development across Delta Central, Delta South, and other marginalized areas neglected by the previous administration.
There have been commentaries suggesting that Delta North voted for the governor. Yes, they did, but out of fear that the next governor, after Okowa, might treat them poorly, just as Okowa treated others. They had no choice. However, it is now Delta Central's turn, and regardless of whether they supported him or not, an Urhobo governor would have emerged anyway.
Senator Nwoko’s critique of Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration underscores the complexity of governance. While normal expression of dissatisfaction may be valid, it must be balanced with constructive engagement. The current governor should be allowed to complete ongoing projects before launching new ones, ensuring that development is both sustainable and equitable.
Federal government project should be handled by the FGN not state.
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