Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has defrayed a total sum of N130 billion of the N465 billion inherited debt from previous administrations in the State, his Executive Assistants, Felix Ofou (New Media) and Norbert Chiazor (Media) have disclosed.
Speaking at a press conference today (Tuesday, August 6) in Asaba, the Delta State capital, Ofou described Oborevwori’s administration as transparent, prudent and dedicated to delivering the dividends of good governance to the people of the State.
“We run an open government and several publications on the activities and achievements of the current government are in the media space,” Ofou said, explaining that the State Auditor-General’s Report for 2023 has been published and is open to the general public..
“This administration inherited a debt of N465 billion from successive governments and as at March, this year, the Oborevwori-led government has paid N130 billion of that money,” Ofou, a veteran of political reporting, said.
According to him, the Governor had taken deliberate steps to pay back the debts and clear all the debts before leaving office, to ensure no debt burden was passed to the next generation.
Ofou, who disclosed that the Governor saved an operating surplus of N205 billion in the coffers at the end of 2023, assuring that the government has not borrowed a dime since inception, even as it has continued to work towards completing all inherited projects while initiating 71 new road projects across the State.
“Oborevwori is known for his prudence and financial discipline,” Ofou stressed, noting that every project initiated by the Governor has financial backing.
“As attested by former President Goodluck Jonathan while inaugurating the ultramodern Judiciary complex in Asaba, Oborevwori returned N500 million to State coffers at the end of his tenure as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
“The Governor also demonstrated prudence and integrity when he left and handed over a three-month local government council allocation of N14 billion to the newly elected Chairmen in the state.”
He lauded the Governor’s commitment to welfare of State workers and his empowerment programmes for the Girl Child, artisans, persons with disabilities and the indigents resident in the State.
“In spite of the numerous completed and ongoing projects, N78 billion Warri/Effurun Julius Berger project, Ughelli/Asaba Dualisation road project, the N40 billion loan LG council workers’ pension relief, engagement of over 2000 teaching and non – teaching primary school staff, Oborevwori has not borrowed a dime,” Ofou enthused.
He also listed massive work in the State-owned new three universities and other sundry projects
Ofou said the Governor’s M.O.R.E Agenda mantra was an umbrella for youths, Women, Girl Child and all classes of persons, adding that his philosophy has increased the rate of development in all three senatorial districts of the state.
“No part of Delta is neglected; aside from all ongoing projects, Warri and environs have been turned into construction sites with roads and storm drainages constructed.
“In Delta-North, work on Ughelli/Asaba road is moving at a fast stage; Beneku bridge is 95 per cent complete; the Isheagwu bridge, Ibusa/Okpanam bypass, other massive road projects are visible imprints of the administration,’’ he said.
On his part, Chiazor, said the current administration’s achievement was being under-reported, adding that his office would encourage media engagement and tour of projects.
According to him, Oborevwori is also giving attention to human capital development.
“Things are changing in the Warri axis; the N78 billion Julius Berger project is iconic.
“The issue of his leaving N14 billion for incoming LG Chairmen and the newly inaugurated Ibusa/Okanam bypass among other numerous completed and ongoing projects across the state are testament of the governor’s credibility.’’
He said that the governor had respect for the media while tasking journalists to explore and report objectively.
“We welcome constructive criticisms,’’ he said.(NAN)
