Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has invited opposition leaders to join him on a tour of ongoing and completed projects in the state, urging them to witness firsthand how government funds are being judiciously utilized.
Speaking after inspecting the newly completed twin bridges at Ubu River along the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway, Governor Oborevwori dismissed recent criticisms from former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, describing them as baseless. He stated that rather than making unfounded claims, the opposition should visit project sites to assess the government’s developmental strides.
"I don't want to join issues with my critics. Some people claim we have received so much money and are spending N70 billion on a flyover. How can a flyover cost N77 billion?" the governor questioned.
"Let them come and see what we are doing with our funds. We have operated for nearly 21 months without borrowing a dime, and there is no contractor in Delta State who can say we owe them. Yet, our multiple projects are progressing smoothly," he added.
Oborevwori highlighted the improved state of the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway, stating that travel time between Ughelli and Asaba has significantly reduced. "It now takes only one hour and twenty minutes to get to Ughelli. The road is good, and the difference since I assumed office is clear for all to see," he asserted.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress on the twin bridges, the governor assured that the entire road project would be completed and inaugurated by the end of the year. "When I visited here a few months ago, the state of the bridge was concerning, but today, it’s a different story entirely. This bridge was a major bottleneck for the road’s completion, but with the work done, we are on track," he stated.
Commending the contractors, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), for their efficiency, Oborevwori described them as "promise keepers" and lauded the speed of work on the project. "I instructed them not to rely solely on the Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) because that would slow progress. I assured them that if they completed the work in good time, their payments would be made in full, and you can see the results," he explained.
Providing an update on the Ughelli-Asaba road, he said: "From kilometer 92 to kilometer 117, including the bridge, is about 25 kilometers. From Kwale Junction to kilometer 138.6 is another 22 kilometers. This road, which spans about 143 kilometers and has been under construction for years, will finally be completed by the end of this year, by God's grace."
During his visit to Ofagbe Bridge along the Isoko Ring Road, Oborevwori stated that the government would meet with the contractor to determine whether he would continue with the project or be replaced.
He also inspected the nearly completed 8-unit four-bedroom duplexes with attached boys’ quarters at the Commissioners' Quarters, which will accommodate members of the State Executive Council who currently reside outside the designated quarters. "This project is 95 percent completed, bringing the total accommodations in the quarters to 30, and it will be ready for inauguration next month," the governor announced.
Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering impactful projects and urged opposition figures to engage constructively by assessing ongoing developments rather than making baseless criticisms.
