Elder statesman and prominent Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has commended Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his exceptional developmental strides since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
In an open letter on Friday, Clark praised Oborevwori for transforming Warri into a bustling commercial hub and addressing long-standing infrastructural challenges across the state.
Despite not supporting Oborevwori’s candidacy during the 2023 gubernatorial elections, Clark expressed admiration for the governor’s achievements within a short period and challenged critics to identify any past Delta State governor who has accomplished as much within a comparable timeframe.
Clark highlighted the governor’s efforts to restore Warri’s status as one of Nigeria’s major commercial centers, which had been neglected by previous administrations.
He credited Oborevwori for engaging Julius Berger Construction Company in executing critical projects, including the construction of three flyovers, a cloverleaf interchange, pedestrian bridges, and ancillary road expansions at the DSC Roundabout. The projects, valued at ₦78 billion, are already making significant progress.
“Warri is fast becoming a sight to behold, returning to its old self,” Clark wrote.
“The famous Warri Township, which had been reduced to a shadow of itself, is being revitalized under Oborevwori’s leadership.”
Clark contrasted this with the neglect Warri suffered under prior administrations, which he accused of focusing development on less populated areas while ignoring densely populated commercial hubs like Warri and Uvwie.
The elder statesman also applauded Oborevwori’s efforts to ensure that all parts of Delta State benefit from infrastructural projects.
He cited the ongoing rehabilitation of the long-abandoned Asaba-Ughelli Road and other development projects that have touched nearly every corner of the state.
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“Today, the story is different. Almost all parts of the state are feeling the impact of Governor Oborevwori’s developments,” Clark stated.
The leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) praised the governor for paying off a debt of over ₦300 billion incurred by the previous administration and for prioritizing people-focused projects over political patronage.
He dismissed recent criticisms from Senator Ned Nwoko, who claimed the governor had done little, labeling such assertions as baseless.
“I challenge Senator Nwoko to fault my assertions on these developments,” Clark said. “Rather than sharing the state’s resources as political patronage, the governor is using them to positively impact the people.”
While commending Oborevwori’s achievements, Clark urged the governor to address the neglect of Ijaw communities in Delta State. He called for the completion of the Ayakromo Bridge and the Gberegolor/Esama Bridge, urging the state to contribute to these projects being undertaken by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
He also advocated for the establishment of a tertiary institution in the Ijaw region, noting that the Burutu Maritime Academy, one of the oldest educational institutions in the area, has not been upgraded to a university like other schools in the state.
“The only significant project carried out by the various governments in the Ijaw area is the Kpakiama Bomodi Bridge,” Clark lamented.
“It is ironic that areas contributing significant revenue to the state are overlooked in favor of less resourceful regions.”
Clark urged Governor Oborevwori to remain focused and continue his good work while addressing the needs of oil-producing communities and fostering equitable development across the state.
“I am not a praise singer. I speak the truth,” Clark affirmed. “Governor Oborevwori has achieved remarkable progress in development and democracy enhancement in Delta State. I urge him to continue undistracted, ensuring no community is left behind.”
