Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has berated successive Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governments in Delta State, saying that there has not been serious governance in the state since ex-Governor James Ibori left office in 2003.
Omo-Agege decried the underdevelopment of the state despite the huge revenue that had accrued to it from the federation account as a result of 13 percent derivation principle and internally generated revenue, which has not translated to the infrastructural and economic development of the state.
He stated this at Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area, where he officially welcomed Rep. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu and her teaming support, including former top PDP leaders who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former deputy Senate president said that he is pained that with over N900 billion received by Governor Sherrif since he assumed office, Delta State has nothing to show except for the N86billion flyover bridge at Effurun in Warri.
“Since the election, I have deliberately avoided speaking on the state of affairs in our state, hoping that the governor would rise to the occasion. Unfortunately, nothing has changed. It’s time for me to speak out.
“Delta State has benefited significantly from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy and the flotation of the naira, resulting in increased federal allocations.
“These policies have caused hardship, but they are necessary to transition our economy from import-dependent to producing and job-creating. We acknowledge that achieving this long-term goal will take time, although we have started to see gains in better growth rates, declining imports, higher exports and higher income for farmers.
“However, it is disappointing that the Delta State Government has not utilized these increased allocations effectively to alleviate hardship and develop the state.
“In the past year and a half, despite receiving over N900 billion from the federation account, including internally generated revenue, the Delta State Government has failed to develop the state. Instead, they have used these funds to service debts and cater to godfathers. We must root out these unproductive leaders and build a brighter future for Delta State,” he declared.
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Omo-Agege further stated that apart from the N86 billion flyover bridge at Effurun, there are no other major projects that one can trace to the huge resources that has come to Delta State.
“Almost all the internal roads are in bad shape. It is clear that the Delta State Government has misplaced its priorities, choosing to use these funds to service debts and finance personal ambitions, such as Okowa’s failed vice presidential bid and Oborovwori’s governorship, rather than investing in the development of the state and the welfare of its citizens,” he added.
He however assured Deltans of better days, noting that as the APC is emerging stronger in the state and will capture the state in 2027.
He urged APC leaders and the party’s supporters to be united to root out the unproductive PDP government in the state and build a new Delta State.
