Oborevwori Rejects Political Violence, Promises Road Interventions & 15,000 Beneficiaries’ Empowerment
THE Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to rehabilitating critical federal roads within the state, while condemning political violence and calling for an impartial investigation into the recent deadly incident in Asaba.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this during an appearance on TVC’s Politics Tonight.
He explained that although roads do not directly put food on people’s tables, reliable infrastructure creates opportunities for agricultural production, trade and economic growth.
According to him, good roads connect production centres with markets and consumption areas. Consequently, farmers can transport their produce more easily, while businesses can move goods with fewer difficulties.
Delta defends intervention in federal road projects
Aniagwu acknowledged the country’s infrastructure challenges but noted that federal and state governments were making efforts to address them.
Citing the Abuja-Kaduna road, he said he had observed the Federal Government’s ongoing rehabilitation of the corridor through concrete rigid pavement construction.
He also highlighted Delta’s collaboration with the Federal Government to improve access to the Second Niger Bridge. In particular, he recalled the state’s payment of compensation running into billions of naira for the construction of the connecting bypass.
The commissioner said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had resolved that Delta would not remain passive while important federal roads within its territory deteriorated.
He cited concrete pavement works along the Benin-Warri corridor in Effurun and the state’s intervention on a difficult section of the East-West Road, which he said the government addressed within 48 hours.
Government demands impartial investigation into Asaba violence
Turning to the recent political violence in Asaba, Aniagwu rejected attempts to dismiss the incident as an ordinary clash between political supporters.
The incident reportedly claimed one life and left five others injured.
He said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) rally held on the day of the violence went ahead despite police advice concerning the need to secure an appropriate venue.
Furthermore, Aniagwu alleged that video recordings showed some individuals urging others to attack and kill. He also expressed concern over remarks attributed to a political leader suggesting that people would die if elections were rigged.
Nevertheless, the commissioner insisted that the state government did not support political intimidation or violence, regardless of the affiliations of those involved.
He said Oborevwori had directed security agencies to investigate the incident impartially and ensure that anyone found responsible, including alleged instigators and perpetrators, faced the law.
Aniagwu also referred to reports that security operatives had arrested some suspects who allegedly confessed to participating in the killing. He urged the authorities to pursue the investigation to its logical conclusion without political interference.
APC campaign to focus on governance & performance
On preparations for the 2027 general elections, Aniagwu said Oborevwori and the Delta State APC Campaign Council had agreed to centre their campaign on governance, development issues and the administration’s performance.
He noted that the governor had repeatedly advised supporters against attacking political opponents. Instead, he urged them to communicate the government’s achievements to voters.
According to the commissioner, the administration’s record in infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, public service reforms and social investment provides sufficient material for political engagement.
“Even if Oborevwori starts commissioning projects every day from today, he will not have enough time to commission all the projects his administration has executed,” Aniagwu said.
He challenged opposition parties to identify any local government area in the state, insisting that residents could find government projects and interventions across different communities.
15,000 residents targeted for empowerment
Aniagwu also disclosed that the state government was preparing to empower 15,000 indigent Deltans through its social investment programme.
He explained that the government would carefully screen applicants to ensure that genuine business owners and micro-enterprise operators received the assistance.
To prevent diversion, the programme will introduce a verification mechanism that will confirm beneficiaries’ eligibility before disbursing support.
Commissioner defends workers’ welfare record
Addressing the controversy surrounding the administration’s appeal to civil servants for political support, Aniagwu maintained that workers’ welfare should be assessed through government policies and concrete actions rather than isolated statements.
He cited promotions, consideration of seniority in appointments, improved welfare provisions and other interventions as evidence of the administration’s commitment to public servants.
The commissioner also defended the governor’s appeal for workers to reciprocate the government’s efforts, describing it as an expression of confidence in the administration’s record.
However, he reiterated that political disagreements must never justify intimidation or violence.
Aniagwu maintained that the Oborevwori administration would continue to promote peaceful political engagement and seek public support through its performance ahead of the 2027 elections.
