ZIK GBEMRE AND HIS BITTER POLITICS OF NEGATIVITY: Setting the Record Straight on Delta’s Progress Under Oborevwori’s Leadership

It is both perplexing and unfortunate that Zik Gbemre, a self-proclaimed critic, has once again taken aim at Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his administration, resorting to his usual pastime—casting unfounded aspersions. But what else can one expect from someone whose history is defined by relentless pessimism, often fueled by an unwillingness to acknowledge progress that does not suit his narrow, personal agenda?

Gbemre’s latest attack on the New Telegraph Award bestowed on Governor Oborevwori is not an honest critique but a thinly veiled expression of bitterness. Instead of offering a reasoned counterpoint, he clings to his typical doom-and-gloom narrative—not for constructive dialogue, but to tarnish the reputation of the governor and the institutions that recognize his achievements.

AWARDS AND PERFORMANCE: A False Dichotomy

The absurd claim that Governor Oborevwori “purchased” awards from media houses is not only baseless but deeply disrespectful to reputable institutions like New Telegraph, which has a long-standing tradition of acknowledging excellence in governance. Awards are granted based on rigorous criteria—policy impact, infrastructural development, and public service innovation—none of which Gbemre has offered any evidence to dispute.

Dismissing these awards as mere “stomach infrastructure” undermines the integrity of New Telegraph and dishonours the effort behind its decisions. It is intellectually lazy to assume that receiving an award equates to failure in governance. Globally, great leaders are honoured by reputable institutions for their achievements, and Nigeria is no exception. Governor Oborevwori’s recognition is not a “purchased” accolade, as Gbemre would have us believe, but a well-earned acknowledgment of his unwavering commitment to infrastructure, fiscal discipline, and governance.

Attacking the messenger—New Telegraph, in this case—is nothing more than an ad hominem fallacy, a desperate attempt to discredit the facts when one lacks a solid argument.

THE INFRASTRUCTURE REALITY IN DELTA

Gbemre’s claim that Oborevwori has not delivered any “milestone” projects is not just misleading—it is outright false. The governor has launched numerous transformative projects, including:

1. Three major flyovers—the first of their kind in Delta’s history—currently under construction.
2. Extensive road rehabilitations across all senatorial districts, addressing decades of infrastructural neglect.
3. The Warri-Effurun stormwater project, aimed at solving persistent flooding problems.
4. A substantial budget allocation for infrastructure, underscoring a clear and unrelenting commitment to development.

Additionally, projects like the Orere Bridge, Akugbene Bridge, the construction of a six-lane access road to the Asaba Waterfront City, the Okpanam-Ibusa Bypass, and the dualization of the Ughelli-Asaba Road are progressing steadily, with timelines grounded in due process and a commitment to quality. The recent allocation of ₦275 billion to infrastructure projects across the state further cements the government’s dedication to roads, bridges, and urban renewal.

To compare Delta to Lagos or Rivers, as Gbemre does, without context, is not only misleading but disingenuous. Lagos and Rivers benefit from significantly higher internally generated revenue and were established long before Delta. Under Oborevwori, Delta is making impressive progress within its own financial constraints, prioritizing prudent project execution. The state has maintained fiscal discipline, focusing on sustainable development rather than flashy, debt-laden undertakings.

THE AIRPORT ISSUE: Who Is Really to Blame?

Gbemre conveniently brings up Osubi Airport, blaming Oborevwori and Festus Keyamo for its stagnation. However, has he conveniently forgotten that Osubi Airport was left in a state of neglect by previous administrations? It was only under President Tinubu’s government that the necessary upgrades were approved. If anyone is to be blamed for delays, it is the federal bureaucracy—not a state governor who has consistently shown a willingness to cooperate on federal projects.

THE HYPOCRISY OF SELECTIVE OUTRAGE: The Dubai-Doha Fallacy

It is laughable that Gbemre now uses Dubai and Doha as benchmarks for Delta’s development. These global cities are powered by sovereign wealth funds and centralized, authoritarian governance models—nothing remotely comparable to a Nigerian state operating within a democratic framework.

Delta’s development, while not without its imperfections, is rooted in inclusivity and a focus on grassroots impact. It is beyond hypocritical for someone who has built a career attacking government policies to now hold up cities built under vastly different economic and governance models as ideal comparisons.

Gbemre conveniently overlooks the fact that cities like Dubai and Doha were not built in a day. Development is a process, and Governor Oborevwori is laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term progress.

And let’s not forget Gbemre’s role in creating an atmosphere of hostility toward investors in Delta. How can he expect companies like Shell to remain in Warri when people like him helped drive them away, costing the region jobs and economic opportunities?

THE REAL “SHAME”

The true shame lies in Gbemre’s refusal to acknowledge the tangible progress being made in Delta, a state that has faced historical neglect and environmental degradation. While some roads in Delta State require attention, as is the case in every state, the difference is that Delta is actively addressing these challenges through ongoing projects and mechanisms to hold contractors accountable.

If Zik Gbemre genuinely wants the state to prioritize the Udu-Ughievwen Road—from DSC Express Junction to Ughelli Power Station in Ekrerhavwe and Ekakpamre, as well as the stretch from Jeremi Junction through Okpare to Ughelli via Oteri Town—he knows the proper channels to engage the government. Resorting to blanket criticisms only serves to distort reality.

Dismissing the media as “stomach infrastructure beggars” is not just wrong—it is a blatant attempt to discredit the role of journalism in holding governments accountable.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Zik Gbemre thrives on negativity, but his bitter cynicism does not change the facts. Governor Oborevwori’s administration is not perfect, but it is progressively addressing decades-old challenges with pragmatism.

Instead of peddling cynicism, let us channel our energies into collaborative problem-solving. Delta’s journey to becoming an economic powerhouse requires patience, unity, and recognition of incremental progress.

To quote the governor: “Development is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the people of Delta State. His achievements are not fabricated—they are real, tangible developments shaping the future of the state.

While constructive criticism is vital to a functioning democracy, deliberate misrepresentation of facts is a disservice to the people. Gbemre can continue his tirades, but Delta’s progress is undeniable.

For those genuinely invested in Delta’s future, the door to civic engagement remains open. But let us walk through it with facts, not fiction.

Delta is moving forward—with or without the approval of perennial naysayers.