The Federal Government has accused Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, of using criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies as a diversionary tactic to evade accountability for his administration’s performance. This comes amid mounting pressure on the Delta State government to explain how it has managed the substantial allocations it has received since Oborevwori assumed office.
In a sharp rebuke, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, labeled Oborevwori’s statements as a “smokescreen” designed to shift public attention away from his government’s shortcomings. Speaking in an exclusive report published by Punch Newspaper, Idris emphasized that Tinubu’s economic reforms had significantly increased resources for states, including Delta, and urged the governor to focus on delivering the promises he made during his electoral campaign.
Governor Oborevwori had recently criticized Tinubu’s economic policies, describing them as catalysts for widespread hunger and poverty across the country. He cited the removal of petroleum subsidies, the floating of the naira, and soaring inflation as factors exacerbating the financial struggles of Nigerians.
However, Idris countered these claims, arguing that Tinubu’s policies are laying the groundwork for long-term economic stability. According to the minister, the reforms have freed up resources that have been redirected to sub-national governments, enabling them to address developmental challenges more effectively. Idris assured Nigerians that the tangible benefits of these reforms would become evident by 2025.
“2025 is the year President Tinubu’s reforms will be consolidated for the benefit of all Nigerians. These measures are not short-term fixes but ambitious plans to stabilize the economy and empower states,” Idris stated.
Delta State, as an oil-producing region, has reportedly enjoyed a windfall of increased federal allocations under Tinubu’s administration. The minister disclosed that since Oborevwori took office, Delta State has received close to a trillion naira in revenue allocations. He challenged the governor to account for these funds and demonstrate how they have been utilized to improve the lives of Delta residents.
“The Delta governor’s comments about Tinubu’s economic policies are an attempt to distract from the real issue—accountability. With the significant resources Delta State has received, there is no justification for the lack of substantial development under his administration,” Idris asserted.
Idris also advised Oborevwori to prioritize transparent governance and ensure that the state’s increased revenue directly benefits the people.
Oborevwori, in a statement released through his Executive Assistant on New Media, Felix Ofou, lambasted the Federal Government for what he described as “unprecedented hunger, poverty, and unemployment.” He also criticized the naira devaluation and galloping inflation, which he claimed had eroded the value of the increased federal allocations to states.
“The potential benefits of Tinubu’s economic policies are overshadowed by the harsh realities of inflation and devaluation. These factors have left Nigerians worse off than they were before these reforms were introduced,” Oborevwori said.
The governor further called on Tinubu to adopt policies that prioritize poverty alleviation and reduce the economic burden on Nigerians.
Meanwhile, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, a former Deputy President of the Senate, defended Tinubu’s administration, arguing that the reforms have led to increased federal allocations, boosted economic growth rates, reduced imports, and raised farmers’ incomes.
“Tinubu’s policies are positioning Nigeria for long-term economic growth. The increased allocations to states and local governments are clear evidence of the administration’s commitment to equitable resource distribution,” Omo-Agege noted.
Read also: Sterling Bank ordered to pay N3.34 Bn in damages for illegal seizure of Wellington Hotel premises
The spat between the Federal Government and Governor Oborevwori has sparked widespread debate among Nigerians. While some have expressed support for Oborevwori’s call for policies that directly alleviate poverty, others have criticized him for failing to provide transparency regarding the use of Delta State’s increased allocations.
Analysts have also weighed in, highlighting the need for state governments to leverage the additional resources from federal allocations to address pressing developmental challenges. With Delta State receiving significant revenue as an oil-producing state, many argue that the responsibility lies with the governor to ensure these funds translate into tangible improvements for residents.
The Federal Government’s insistence on accountability underscores the broader need for transparency in the management of public resources. For a state like Delta, with its vast potential and significant revenue inflows, effective leadership and prudent resource management are critical to addressing unemployment, poverty, and infrastructural deficits.
Governor Oborevwori’s administration now faces the dual challenge of responding to the Federal Government’s criticisms while proving to Delta residents that the state’s resources are being judiciously utilized. As the debate continues, all eyes remain on Delta State to see if Oborevwori can rise to the occasion and deliver on the promises he made to his electorate.
