By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Critics with genuine intention over Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration will affirm that since May 29, 2023, when the former Delta State Assembly Speaker assumed office as Governor, Deltans have hardly felt the impact of his MORE agenda.
Meanwhile, the MORE agenda had promised meaningful development with projects that have significance and purpose for Deltans as well as open, transparent and responsive government, prosperity that will give all a sense of belonging. The agenda also promised realistic and impactful reforms and creating right atmosphere for social and economic life.
No doubt, sycophants and political jobbers are flooding the pages of newspapers and the cyberspace with praise singing, some to seek relevance while some others for selfish interests and gains.
It has been the usual corrupt and wicked way of life of the rental cheerleaders in Delta. That was how they praise sang former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the ‘Road Master’, even when under him, most Delta roads were collapsed, the few he worked were too substandard to last even beyond his tenure. The praise singing business has shifted from Ekwueme to ‘Street Credibility, aka Ukodo’, in glorification of a Sheriff as Governor.
It is pertinent therefore to ask, if really, the political choirs meant what the lyrics of their choruses are saying. Well, we do not need a prophet Jeremiah or Isaiah to tell us what they want if not sheer seeking of relevance. The end shall definitely tell if truly their projections are right.
Having won the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, ticket, and become flag bearer through the campaigns to the governorship elections, no doubt, many of his party men were aggrieved and their body languages showed stiff resistance to the emergence of Sheriff Oborevwori. While the opposition accused him of not being competent, the system always prefers and benefits most from the incompetent. That was how he won.
Constitutionally, he was sworn in May 29, 2023. Ordinarily, one had expected the governor to hit the ground running with his much announced MORE agenda and having been part of the government in the past eight years. But that would not happen.
And core supporters and believers of the Oborevwori government has attributed his lagging behind to antics of detractors trying to frustrate his administration. The opposition, within the APC, SDP and LP parties, was accused of distraction due to the numerous court litigations ranging from alleged certificate forgery to election results fraud.
Though, to a large extent, these could really have cost him some set backs, worries and fear of the unknown. But a clear conscience they say, fears no accusations. This could be his case, but only with time shall we know. In any case, to the man who is prepared and who have been in government for years, six months or thereabout, would have been enough to hit the ground running, but much of what is seen on ground today are projects initiated by the preceding administration.
For example, the Oborevwori administration cannot take glory for the Ughelli Asaba Road that have been foot dragging since the regime of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Since his shortcomings, lack of vision and competence are being attributed to court litigations, let me at this point congratulate the governor on his November 24, victory at the Appeal Court. I believe this must have brought him a huge sigh, even as it was alleged that Delta State resources have been grossly looted in billions to fund the judgements both at the tribunal and at the Appeal Court.
This allegation has not been verified, but whichever way is the true position, Deltans are waiting for positive impact of the Oborevwori’s administration.
Deltans are fed up of paper infrastructure development but wants to see physical infrastructures on ground. They want to see the much celebrated Julius Berger Nigeria commence their road works. Pensioners want to be paid. Graduates needs employment and teachers wants to be promoted as at when due with salaries paid timely.
Deltans need better lives. Our schools, health institutions and our lives need to be secured. The Oborevwori administration is no doubt lagging behind, and must change for good.
As a governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, should touch lives positively, not keeping mute when things are going wrong. A lot of Deltans are losing hope as all they see is assume to be projects done by the former administration, yet, monthly allocation gas not failed.