Last week Isoko Nation erupted in outrage following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s approval of infrastructure projects reportedly worth ₦230 billion, with no allocation visibly directed toward any Isoko local government areas. The development sparked intense reactions on social media, where many constituents have accused the Governor of marginalising the Isoko people in project allocation.
In response to the backlash and criticism against Governor Oborevwori, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, member representing Isoko Federal Constituency issued a detailed public statement titled “Gov. Oborevwori Has Not Abandoned Isoko Federal Constituency: Setting the Records Straight.”
In the statement, he described Governor Oborevwori as a pan-Deltan committed to equitable development, and outlined numerous projects he claimed had already been delivered or were ongoing in both Isoko North and South.
Among the listed projects were the construction and rehabilitation of the Emevor-Ivrogbo-Orogun Road (Phases I & II), the Ellu-Aradhe Road, and internal roads in Ofagbe and Otor-Igho. In Isoko South, Ukodhiko pointed to road works in Oleh, Olomoro, Irri, Aviara, Emede, Enhwe, and Uzere, alongside the rehabilitation of key bridges and link roads.
He also highlighted education and healthcare interventions, including the transformation of Southern Delta University, Ozoro; the establishment of the College of Health Technology in Ovrode; and the renovation of primary health centers across Isoko.
“From roads and schools to health infrastructure, the Isoko Nation has been a major beneficiary of this administration’s development blueprint,” Ukodhiko asserted, adding that ongoing consultations with the governor would ensure future projects are captured in the state’s budgetary plans.
He called on constituents to remain calm and united, promising that the government would never abandon the Isoko people.
Despite his efforts, many in the Isoko Nation remain unconvinced, citing what they call a mismatch between the lawmaker’s list and the realities on the ground.
As the storm brews, it is clear that Ukodhiko now faces mounting pressure not only to bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality but also to rebuild trust with an increasingly frustrated constituency.
Facebook posts from angry residents quickly went viral, criticizing Ukodhiko’s recent attempts to defend the state government’s actions.
Josiah Omenuwoma expressed dismay, stating, “Must we turn to an enemy of our nation and praise a person that has excluded and marginalized us? Posting a list of audio projects for Isoko Nation is to further insult us.”
Orongena Francis dismissed Ukodhiko’s claims of internal road construction in Ofagbe, saying, “If Hon. Ukodhiko agrees that any internal road was constructed in Ofagbe, then he is out of touch with his constituency.”
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Desmond Ogbaidu, Vice President of Isoko Development Union, from Olomoro took the criticism further, stating that no visible work was being done on the roads Ukodhiko cited in Olomoro. “Please stop misleading the public. Tell your boss to come and show us where these projects are, because we can’t find them,” he wrote.
Michael Anagafo also condemned the lawmaker’s support for the administration, referencing the partial relocation of Southern Delta University from Ozoro and downplaying the renovation of primary healthcare centers. “Defending a ₦200 billion contract list that excludes your constituency is the height of mediocrity,” he said.
Sebastian Agbefe added, “It would have been better for Ukodhiko to remain silent. This is a disservice to himself and to Isoko people.”
Despite the wave of condemnation, not all voices on social media were critical. Ikrumale Monday stood by the lawmaker, stating, “The Governor has done well for Isoko and will do more according to his social contract with Deltans.”
