The political landscape of Delta State, Nigeria, recently witnessed a verbal exchange between Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, sparked by the governor’s receipt of the ThisDay “Governor of the Year” award. Senator Omo-Agege, during a visit to Kwale, publicly questioned the merit of the award, accusing Governor Oborevwori of prioritizing personal accolades over the responsible management of state resources, insinuating that the award was procured through the misuse of public funds. This critique set the stage for a pointed rebuttal from the governor’s office.
Governor Oborevwori, responding through his Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, vehemently defended the award, emphasizing that it was bestowed upon him in recognition of his prudent fiscal management and innovative approach to governance. Aniagwu underscored the independent nature of the award selection, highlighting that prestigious media outlets like ThisDay and Arise News, through their own meticulous observation and analysis, determined Governor Oborevwori’s eligibility. This, he argued, negates the claim of any undue influence or manipulation in securing the award. Instead, it reflects the governor’s tangible achievements in advancing the state’s development.
Aniagwu further buttressed the governor’s deservingness of the award by citing the numerous completed and ongoing infrastructure projects undertaken by the Oborevwori administration, all accomplished without incurring debt. This fiscal responsibility, he argued, stood in stark contrast to the insinuations made by Senator Omo-Agege. While acknowledging the role of constructive criticism in a democratic society, Aniagwu characterized Omo-Agege’s remarks as politically motivated and detracting from the genuine progress being made in Delta State. He urged Omo-Agege to transcend partisan politics and acknowledge the positive developments achieved by the current administration.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of unity and collaboration in furthering the development agenda of the state, suggesting that all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation, should celebrate recognitions that highlight the state’s progress. He implied that attempts to undermine such achievements for personal political gain ultimately harm the collective interests of the people of Delta State. Aniagwu’s remarks served as a direct appeal to Omo-Agege to prioritize the overall welfare of the state over individual political ambitions.
Furthermore, Governor Oborevwori, through his spokesperson, alluded to Senator Omo-Agege’s recent electoral defeat in the 2023 gubernatorial elections, suggesting that it served as a clear indication of the public’s endorsement of his leadership. He pointed out that even before assuming the governorship, he had handily defeated Omo-Agege in a majority of local government areas, implying that this electoral mandate should be respected. He urged Omo-Agege to glean lessons from this defeat and focus on contributing constructively to the state’s development rather than engaging in unproductive political attacks.
Finally, Governor Oborevwori reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises encapsulated in the MORE Agenda, focusing on advancing the development of Delta State. He used the example of numerous road projects awarded in the Ndokwa Nation to illustrate his administration’s tangible achievements. He appealed to Senator Omo-Agege to engage in fair and constructive political discourse, emphasizing that the present focus should be on delivering on the promises made to the people of Delta State rather than engaging in premature politicking. This concluding statement reinforced the governor’s commitment to prioritizing governance and development over political squabbles.
