IS BUILDING DELTA STATE A CRIME? Examining The Record of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori - By Zik Gbemre

The criticism aimed at Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s developmental projects is totally unjustified, biased, and politically driven. The question every well-meaning Deltan should ask is simple: Since when did heavy investment in total state transformation become a crime?

If previous governors had consistently done their part and built lasting infrastructure during their tenures, Delta State would be much further ahead today. Governor Oborevwori is stepping up to address decades of accumulated deficits. 

Governors come and go, but the evidence shows that since taking office in 2023, he has delivered unprecedented progress across every key sector. 

I criticized him more than most at the start of his administration, but as a fair-minded citizen, it would be dishonest not to applaud the outstanding work he is doing today.

The proof of his performance goes far beyond the initial flyovers:

World-Class Urban Renewal & Expanding Flyover Pipeline:

Claiming he is "only building flyovers in Warri" is a false narrative. While his partnership with Julius Berger is ending decades of traffic congestion at DSC Roundabout, Enerhen Junction, and PTI Junction, he has expanded this model by flagging off major new flyovers at Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli and the Agbor/Uromi Junction.

Connecting Hinterlands, Riverine Belt & Trade:

From the long-awaited Trans-Warri–Ode-Itsekiri Road & Bridges (unlocking 10 riverine communities) and the Orere Bridge, to the Emevor–Orogun Road (Phases I & II), Bedesegha Bridge, and newly approved projects like the N7bn+ Ezhionum–Ogume Road, he is linking rural agrarian communities directly to urban markets.

Judicial Infrastructure & Institutions:

Completing and inaugurating the flagship 6-storey, fully digitalized State High Court Complex in Asaba, alongside procuring official vehicles for Judges to enhance the administration of justice.

Healthcare Expansion, Housing & Education:

Major general hospitals in Warri, Asaba, and Sapele are being modernized, alongside newly approved projects like the 92-unit residential quarters for medical personnel at Osubi Specialist Hospital and funding the College of Health Sciences at DSUST Ozoro. State-wide, over 300 primary and secondary schools are undergoing major rehabilitation.

Energy, Flood Control & Economic Vision:

Reactivating state power assets to inject 120MW into the grid via the Sapele Power expansion, executing phase-by-phase storm drainage in Asaba, and opening access corridors for the Asaba Waterfront City Project.

Redefining True Public Empowerment

Critics claim the governor is not "empowering" people simply because he refuses to share state funds among political elites or hand out discretionary appointments to everyone. That is not empowerment but waste

Governor Oborevwori has shown that true empowerment is structured: providing direct MORE Grants to over 5,400 petty traders and artisans, and supplying over 6,000 farmers with free inputs to boost the local economy. His real "sin" in the eyes of critics is his courage to protect public funds and channel them into permanent roads, power, hospitals, housing, and schools.

Standing with a Performing Governor

Infrastructural development is not a crime; it is the foundation for a prosperous future. The transformation seen today across Agbor, Effurun, Warri, the Itsekiri axis, Ughelli, Ndokwa, and Orerokpe is historic and deserves our full support.

Where a leader is performing exceptionally well, we must set aside political differences and give honor to whom honor is due. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is demonstrating genuine capacity, vision, and patriotism. He deserves our praise, our encouragement, and our unalloyed support as he builds a bigger, better, and stronger Delta State for us all.

Zik Gbemre

September 7, 2026