...Says Delta is witnessing a troubling decline in infrastructural dev under Oborevwori
The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised concerns over the recent decision by THISDAY and Arise TV to confer the title of "Governor of the Year" on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The party criticized the award, questioning its credibility and alignment with the current state of affairs in Delta State.
According to the Delta APC, the state has witnessed a troubling decline in infrastructural development under Governor Oborevwori’s administration, despite receiving over 1.3 trillion Naira in federal allocations in the past 19 months. The party highlighted several critical issues, including dilapidated roads, schools in disrepair, and healthcare facilities lacking basic amenities. They argued that these shortcomings contradict the recognition granted to the governor.
The party in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, urged media organizations to adopt transparent and merit-based assessment frameworks for awards. They emphasized the need for the media to prioritize fairness and serve the public interest rather than engaging in what they described as politically motivated recognitions.
The APC pointed to the recent media coverage of Emadadja Secondary School, where students reportedly study on bare floors due to inadequate facilities. They questioned the criteria used by THISDAY and Arise TV for the award, stating that it fails to reflect the lived experiences of Deltans, who continue to face challenges resulting from what the party described as poor governance and financial mismanagement.
The APC also called into question the impartiality of the awarding organizations, citing alleged close ties between their leadership and the governor’s political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The party suggested that such affiliations may have influenced the decision to confer the award, undermining its objectivity.
“It is pertinent to highlight that the ownership of the awarding body is allegedly known to have close ties to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to which the governor is a staunch member, raising questions about the objectivity of this recognition. Governor Oborevwori’s administration has been marked by numerous challenges, including issues related to bad governance, absence of fiscal responsibility, and infrastructure development. These pressing concerns have significantly impacted the lives of ordinary Deltans, and it is crucial that any accolades reflect the realities on the ground.
“Delta APC calls for impartiality and fairness within the media and urges organizations to ensure that awards are based on merit rather than political affiliations. We believe that it is the responsibility of the media to provide a balanced perspective that serves the interests of the public and does not cater to such parochial selections possibly induced by financial considerations.
“As we move forward, we hope for a more constructive dialogue focused on the development of Delta State, where the voices of all Deltans are heard and good governance is prioritized above political affinity.”
The APC reiterated its commitment to holding the Oborevwori administration accountable and advocating for genuine development in Delta State. They expressed hope for a future where governance is centred on the well-being of the people and awards are based on tangible progress rather than political considerations.
