DELTA VOWS CONTINUED INTERVENTION ON FEDERAL ROADS, CONDEMNS POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN ASABA

The Delta State Government has reiterated its commitment to intervening in the rehabilitation of critical federal roads within the state, saying such interventions are necessary to ease transportation, boost commercial activities and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce.

The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, stated this while speaking on TVC’s Politics Tonight, where he explained that although roads may not directly put food on people’s tables, good road infrastructure creates an enabling environment for increased agricultural production, economic growth and improved access to markets.

According to him, functional road networks provide essential links between production centres and consumption areas, enabling farmers to transport their produce efficiently and businesses to move goods with ease.

Acknowledging the country’s infrastructure challenges, Aniagwu noted that both the Federal and State Governments were making efforts to address the situation.

Citing the Abuja-Kaduna Road as an example, he observed that the Federal Government was undertaking rehabilitation works on the corridor using concrete rigid pavement technology.

He also highlighted the collaboration between the Delta and Federal Governments in facilitating access to the Second Niger Bridge, particularly the state’s intervention through compensation payments running into billions of naira for the construction of the connecting bypass.

The commissioner emphasised that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had made it clear that the Delta State Government would not remain indifferent while critical federal roads within its territory deteriorated.

He cited the state’s intervention along the Benin-Warri corridor in Effurun, where concrete pavement construction had been undertaken, as well as the government’s prompt response to a challenging section of the East-West Road, which he said was addressed within 48 hours.

DELTA GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN ASABA

Reacting to the recent political violence in Asaba, which reportedly claimed one life and left five others injured, Aniagwu rejected attempts to portray the incident as an ordinary confrontation between political supporters.

He alleged that members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were involved in the violence during a rally organised despite police advice concerning the need to secure an appropriate venue.

According to him, video recordings of the incident allegedly showed some individuals inciting others to attack and kill, while he expressed concern over remarks attributed to a political leader suggesting that people would die if elections were rigged.

Aniagwu, however, stressed that the Oborevwori administration had no tolerance for political intimidation or violence, regardless of the political affiliations of those involved.

He disclosed that the governor had directed security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation and ensure that everyone found culpable, including those who allegedly instigated or participated in the attack, was brought to justice.

The commissioner insisted that the investigation must be free from political interference and that anyone found responsible must face the full weight of the law.

He further referred to reports that some suspects had been arrested and allegedly confessed to participating in the killing, urging security agencies to pursue the investigation to its logical conclusion.

2027: DELTA APC CAMPAIGN TO FOCUS ON PERFORMANCE

On preparations for the 2027 general elections, Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori and the Delta State APC Campaign Council had resolved to make governance, policy issues and the administration’s achievements the central focus of their campaign.

He explained that the governor had consistently advised political supporters against attacking opponents, urging them instead to showcase the administration’s achievements and present its performance to the electorate.

According to him, the governor believes that the administration’s record in infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, public service reforms and social investment provides sufficient grounds for political engagement.

“Even if Oborevwori starts commissioning projects every day from today, he will not have enough time to commission all the projects his administration has executed,” Aniagwu said.

He challenged opposition parties to identify any local government area in the state, maintaining that the administration’s projects and interventions were visible across communities.

DELTA TO EMPOWER 15,000 INDIGENT RESIDENTS

The commissioner also disclosed that the state government was preparing to empower 15,000 indigent Deltans through its social investment programme.

He explained that beneficiaries would undergo a thorough screening process to ensure that the intervention reached genuine business owners and operators of micro-enterprises.

According to him, the government would introduce a verification mechanism to prevent diversion of funds and ensure that only qualified beneficiaries received the support.

ANIAGWU DEFENDS GOVERNMENT’S WORKERS’ WELFARE RECORD

Addressing concerns surrounding workers’ welfare and the administration’s appeal to civil servants for political support, Aniagwu defended the government’s record, arguing that workers’ welfare should be evaluated based on concrete policies and actions rather than isolated statements.

He highlighted promotions, consideration of seniority in appointments, improved welfare provisions and other interventions as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the well-being of public servants.

He also defended the governor’s appeal to workers to reciprocate the government’s efforts, describing it as an expression of confidence that beneficiaries of good governance would appreciate the administration’s performance.

The commissioner nevertheless maintained that political differences must never be allowed to degenerate into violence, intimidation or lawlessness, stressing that disagreements should always be addressed within the confines of the law.

He reaffirmed that the Oborevwori administration remained committed to peaceful political engagement and would continue to rely on its achievements and performance to seek the confidence and support of Deltans ahead of the 2027 general elections.