Tinubu’s Reforms Boost State Finances, Driving Delta’s Development Agenda — Aniagwu
Tinubu’s Economic Policies Improving State Capacity, Says Aniagwu
Delta Commissioner Defends Governor’s Support for President Ahead of 2027
THE Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has attributed the improved financial performance of many state governments to the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the policies have enhanced the capacity of states to deliver development projects and improve citizens’ welfare.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Aniagwu defended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s public support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that the Federal Government’s economic restructuring measures have transformed the fiscal outlook of states across the federation.
According to him, many state governments previously struggled with limited revenues, making it difficult to meet obligations such as salary payments, pension settlements, infrastructure development and local government funding.
He maintained that the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration have helped address many of those longstanding challenges.
“Because of the level of economic re-engineering introduced by the President, many of these challenges have become more or less a thing of the past,” Aniagwu stated.
Improved Revenue Base Strengthening Development Efforts
Aniagwu explained that the improved fiscal environment has given state governments greater flexibility to execute projects while simultaneously meeting obligations to workers and retirees.
He noted that increased financial stability has enabled governments to focus more on developmental initiatives rather than merely coping with recurrent expenditure demands.
According to him, states now have greater capacity to undertake infrastructure projects and expand social investments that directly impact citizens.
The commissioner argued that the reforms have provided a stronger foundation for sustainable development across the country.
Delta Showcasing Financial Stability
Using Delta State as an example, Aniagwu described the state as one of the most financially stable and liquid sub-national governments in Nigeria.
He credited the achievement to prudent financial management by Governor Oborevwori as well as the supportive macroeconomic environment created by Federal Government policies.
According to him, the state has developed a reputation for prompt project funding and contractor payments.
He disclosed that contractors receive 40 per cent mobilisation immediately after contract awards and are paid promptly once project certificates are verified.
“Today, Delta is one of the most solvent and liquid states in Nigeria. Once a contract is awarded, the contractor receives 40 per cent mobilisation, and once a certificate is raised and verified, payment is made in less than one week,” he said.
Aniagwu added that this financial efficiency has accelerated the execution of roads, bridges, school rehabilitation projects and other critical infrastructure across the state.
Support for Tinubu Rooted in Governance, Not Politics
Responding to criticism surrounding Governor Oborevwori’s declaration that President Tinubu’s re-election would be a major political project in Delta State, Aniagwu said such support was consistent with normal democratic practice.
He argued that governors are expected to support the presidential candidates of their political parties and that the governor’s position should not be interpreted as a distraction from governance.
According to him, the administration remains firmly committed to delivering development projects across the state.
“It would have been surprising if the governor had said that the presidential candidate of his party was not a major concern for him. Supporting the candidate of your party is normal in politics,” he stated.
Inclusive Governance Remains a Priority
Aniagwu also rejected claims that the governor’s support for Tinubu was motivated by concerns over the Labour Party’s performance in Delta State during the 2023 elections.
Instead, he said the administration has deliberately pursued policies of inclusion designed to strengthen relationships with all segments of the state’s diverse population.
He noted that development projects are distributed across all 25 local government areas without discrimination and that appointments reflect the state’s ethnic diversity.
According to him, Governor Oborevwori consulted widely with stakeholders from different ethnic and political backgrounds before Delta’s political realignment to the All Progressives Congress.
APC Internal Dynamics Separate From Governance
Addressing recent political developments within the APC, including the defeat of Senator Ned Nwoko during the party’s senatorial primary and the departure of former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege from the party, Aniagwu insisted that those developments were products of internal party processes.
He maintained that party members were given equal opportunities to participate in the democratic process and that electoral outcomes reflected political realities at the grassroots.
Economic Impact Driving Political Support
Aniagwu reiterated that Governor Oborevwori’s endorsement of President Tinubu is largely based on the positive effects of the President’s economic reforms on Delta State’s development efforts.
According to him, Deltans are capable of recognising policies that contribute positively to their welfare and development.
“The governor’s position is based on the fact that the President’s economic policies have helped states like Delta achieve greater financial stability and deliver more projects for the people. Deltans are appreciative people, and when someone contributes positively to their development, they will naturally take notice,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the administration’s record of infrastructure development, fiscal management and inclusive governance would continue to attract public support across the state.
