Over the years, the Delta State Government has persistently implemented strategic measures aimed at enhancing national income through fostering stability and progress within oil-rich regions throughout the state.
Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who serves as the State Commissioner for Rural Roads and Public Information, shared his thoughts during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today program on Friday evening.
Responding to remarks from a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Collins Eselemo, Aniagwu stressed that Delta State couldn’t have become Nigeria’s top oil producer without dedicating resources to the stability and progress of its oil-rich regions.
As stated by Aniagwu, “Governor Oborevwori has introduced considerable progress to our state.”
Ex-Governor Okowa was not involved in the commissioning of the Ogulaha-Okonti-Odimodi Road, contrary to what was stated. Nonetheless, he undertook the construction and inauguration of the 20.29 km stretch comprising the Obotobo I, Obotobo II, Sokebulou, and Yokiri roads located within the Ogulagha area of Burutu Local Government.
Eselemo doesn’t grasp that individuals residing in the creeks consider those places as their homes. These residents possess cars and require functional roads for transportation. A major factor preventing substantial pipeline vandalism in Delta has been our expansion of development into the creeks, which is primarily where the majority of the oil is sourced.
Before, individuals were informed that progress existed merely on paper and was limited to planned zones. However, rather than leaving advancements as mere paperwork, the Delta State Government—notably under the leadership of both the Okowa administration and continued by Governor Oborevwori—brought those developments directly to the citizens.
Eselemo doubts the economic significance of developing the creeks; however, this is exactly why Delta stands as a top oil-producing state—as our brethren in the creeks have been empowered and included.
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He is questioning why we developed those regions. It’s an appalling query. Consider how superficial his logic must be, particularly considering he hails from the creeks himself.
The Commissioner additionally noted that under Governor Oborevwori’s guidance, former PDP members in the state chose to join the APC, aiming to promote more progress.
We became part of the APC to expand the scope of progress in Delta. We offered collaboration to those we encountered within the APC. It’s natural for all members to align immediately; however, over time, complete assimilation will occur.
Regarding the progress in Eselemo’s local government area, we have finished all the road initiatives in Burutu Town. Construction of the Ayakoromo Bridge is currently underway, and activities are progressing on the Ogulaha-Okonti-Odimodi Road project.
We are currently constructing the 47-kilometer Ohoror-Bomadi Road, and Eselemo is completely informed about this initiative. Should he wish to discuss progress, I am ready to converse with him.
In response to Eselemo’s assertion that the Julius Berger bridges in Effurun and Warri are located within a 400-meter span, Aniagwu refuted this statement as inaccurate and deceptive.
He stated that the bridges under construction in Effurun and Warri are just 400 meters apart. This isn’t correct. Each bridge spans over 400 meters, and we are actually constructing three.
Have him confirm if the Enerhen Junction is merely 400 meters away from the DSC Roundabout. Have him clarify if the PTI Junction is only 400 meters from either the Enerhen Junction or directly from the DSC Roundabout. It’s evident that he isn’t being truthful.
“And it’s not just bridges we are building—we are also expanding the corridor. Everyone who travels through that corridor has commended Governor Oborevwori for his commitment to infrastructure.
So I’m curious about what specifically has upset my brother Collins. Is it our shift to the APC or the advancements in infrastructure within the state? This needs to be clarified.
Collins was once clearer in presenting his points compared to what I observed tonight. It’s challenging to address the concerns he brought up since even he appears uncertain about precisely what issue he has with our shift to the APC.
Regarding the allegation that the government owes more than N400 billion, Aniagwu refuted this assertion, stating that it was inaccurate and entirely out of touch with reality.
No one owes N400 billion. Since Governor Oborevwori took office, he hasn’t borrowed anything at all.
In reality, he has paid back more than N280 billion in loans and contractual commitments—several of these were left behind by the former government and related to gap financing.
“I genuinely can’t grasp Eselemo’s position. He keeps shifting between different arguments without showing any consistency or clear stance.”
“I thought he wanted to discuss our defection to the APC. But instead, he started attacking even the APC’s spokesperson, which left me puzzled about what interests or tendencies he represents.
Maybe he believed he could arrive here, disseminate lies, portray skewed images, and remain unchallenged. However, that will not occur.
Furthermore, I’d like to highlight that we are achieving concrete advancements in Delta, and we are progressing.
You heard what the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said—he recognized that everybody has joined forces. All the APC leaders we spoke with have embraced this initiative.
So I genuinely need to grasp the perspective my brother Collins Eselemo is presenting. Clearly, his arguments tonight seem unstructured, which is rather disappointing.
I am hopeful that following this discussion, he will reconsider his stance. At present, he seems to be moving from one topic to another without actually tackling the problems he initially brought up.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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