By Ovasa Ogaga,
The Chief Press Secretary to Delta State Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, has refuted claims by Chief Wilson Omene, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member and former Ethiope West Local Government Council Chairman, who branded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s infrastructure projects as wasteful. Ahon slammed Omene's criticisms as "ill-informed and misleading," defending the administration's strategic vision.
Chief Omene, in a recent Rero TV interview, had dismissed the ongoing flyover constructions in Warri and Effurun, arguing they lacked a connection to any economic or productive sector. He also criticized the Governor's decision to defect to the APC.
In a sharp rebuttal issued Saturday, Ahon countered that the flyover projects are "strategic infrastructure designed to tackle persistent traffic gridlocks and boost economic activities" in the vital commercial hubs of Warri and Effurun.
“The flyovers, road expansions and a sleepway interchange are not cosmetic. They are long-term investments in urban mobility, ease of doing business, and overall economic growth," Ahon asserted. He emphasized the twin cities' role as "gateway cities connecting the ports, industries, and the hinterland," adding that "The projects are unlocking commercial potential and creating an enabling environment for further private-sector participation. Perhaps, Chief Wilson Omene may have to check the meaning of enabling business environment.” Ahon stressed that only those "out of touch with modern urban planning" would fail to appreciate the project's significance to the growing population and state economy.
Ahon also dismissed Omene's suggestion that funds should have been used for industries in Delta Central, labelling the position "narrow and parochial." He reiterated that Governor Oborevwori governs the entire state, not just one senatorial district. “Delta State is bigger than any single senatorial district. The Governor’s M.O.R.E agenda—Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security, is being implemented equitably across Delta North, Delta Central, and Delta South. No part of the state has been left behind,” he declared.
Addressing the Governor’s controversial move to the APC, Ahon stated it was "a product of wide consultations with political leaders, stakeholders, and community figures across the state." He insisted the defection was strategic, aiming to "position Delta State for greater federal collaboration and developmental opportunities."
“Governor Oborevwori’s alignment with the APC was not for personal benefit but to synergize with the Federal Government in delivering more dividends of democracy to Deltans and residents," Ahon clarified. He accused Omene of "acting a script of those who saw the decision of the Governor to join the APC as a threat to their personal political interests." He added, "The decision followed broad consultations and was aimed at advancing the collective interest of Deltans, not narrow partisan goals.”
Sir Ahon urged Omene and other critics to engage constructively rather than resort to divisive commentary, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, infrastructure renewal, and leaving lasting legacies. “Constructive criticism is welcome, but it must be rooted in facts and guided by a sincere desire to move Delta State forward.”
