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Aniagwu Highlights Oborevwori’s Achievements, Says Governor Will Respond to Critics with Projects; Riverine Deltans Reacts
* Says nothing to show in the Riverine Areas
* Call for supplementary budget provisions for capital projects in Riverine Areas
By Luck Ebide
The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads and Public Information), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has affirmed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is focused on delivering developmental projects across the state rather than engaging in political battles. Aniagwu made this assertion during a press briefing held in Asaba, emphasizing that the governor would continue to address critics through tangible project deliveries ahead of the 2027 election.
Flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, Aniagwu stated that Governor Oborevwori remains committed to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He dismissed rumors suggesting the governor might defect from the party. “We have seen a whole lot of publications in different places, including those that are insinuating that he is leaving the PDP. Oborevwori is a very proud member of the People’s Democratic Party. Today, Oborevwori is a clear leader amongst leaders of the party in Nigeria, and he is not in any way hungry to abandon the People’s Democratic Party,” Aniagwu stressed.
The commissioner outlined several projects initiated and completed by the governor, noting that Oborevwori has continued with projects inherited from the previous administration while initiating new ones. He listed ongoing road projects such as the Okpanam-Ibusa bypass, the Beneku Bridge, and various sections of the Asaba-Ughelli dual carriageway. He also highlighted the completion of the six-story High Court Complex in Asaba.
Regarding new projects, Aniagwu pointed to significant developments in Warri and Effurun, where road expansions and three flyover bridges are being constructed by Julius Berger. He added that numerous roads across Delta North, South, and Central senatorial districts have been completed or are underway, including internal roads in Sapele and Okpe, and the dualization of Ezesi Road in Orerokpe.
“His business, at the moment, is governance, and he is not going to lose sight of it,” Aniagwu said, emphasizing that the governor is committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to all Deltans. “Because of side talks and because he believes that this is not the time to begin to play politics, what he is doing at the moment is to ensure that he keeps faith with all Deltans,” he said.
Aniagwu further highlighted achievements in the education and health sectors, noting the establishment of a campus of Southern Delta State University at Orerokpe and the introduction of a College of Health Sciences at the Ozoro campus. He also cited upgrades to general hospitals and over 150 primary healthcare centers, as well as the establishment of a College of Health Technology in Ovrode.
On housing, Aniagwu said the government has begun constructing 50 housing units as a pilot scheme across Ozoro, Kwale, and Owa-Oyibu, and is building additional duplexes to accommodate commissioners in government quarters.
Speaking on the state’s economic diversification efforts, Aniagwu noted that the administration has partnered with UTM LNG to harness the state’s vast natural gas reserves. He added that over N200 billion has been paid to reduce the state’s debt, while contractors have been mobilized with new jobs and outstanding job certificates paid promptly.
Meanwhile, reactions from the Riverine Ijaw communities indicate dissatisfaction with the governor’s performance in their area. Prince Dr. Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, a former State House Assembly contender and prominent advocate for good governance, called on Governor Oborevwori to allocate a supplementary budget of at least N300 billion for critical projects to open up the Riverine Ijaw area. These projects include the Ayakoromor Bridge, the Odimodi-Ogulagha Road, the Torugbene-Ojobo Road, the Ayakoromor-Burutu Road and more, in the 2025 fiscal year.
Bibaikefie reminded the government of the Riverine Ijaws’ consistent loyalty to the PDP during the 2023 elections and beyond, noting that they played a significant role in preventing the APC from winning in Delta State. “There’s no issue with investing colossal amounts in capital projects within the areas of the state that have consistently voted against the PDP, but there’s something fundamentally wrong for the state government to consistently abandon the areas that have remained faithful in voting for the PDP in Delta State,” he said.
He argued that the Riverine Ijaws deserve equitable treatment, given their contributions to the state’s finances through oil resources. “More than that, no state should be this cruel to a people whose landed oil resources play a critical role in the state finances, from 13% derivation to the excess crude account funds accruals, thereby keeping Delta State as the highest FAC allocation earner for almost a decade,” he said.
“Assuming that we don’t produce anything or give any votes, it doesn’t still eliminate the fact that we are part of this state and should be treated equitably,” Bibaikefie added.
He called on critical stakeholders in the party and State to persuade governor Oborevwori before it is too late, adding that nobody can tell who which governor will suffer the Age-long abandonment of the Ijaw Riverine Areas. “A Stitch in time saves nine” he concluded.
By Tama Peretengboro
The Chairman, Waterways and Land Security Committee, Chief Boro Opudu, and the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro will lead dignitaries at the 57th Boro Day Celebration organised by the Ijaw Youth Council, Western Zone.
While Chief Boro will oversee the memorial event as Chairman of the Day, Dr. Otuaro will stand in as Special Guest of Honour.
The event themed ‘The Genesis of the 12 Days Revolution Struggle: Our Pains and Gains in Retrospect’ is slated for Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Tunde Smooth Playground, along NPA Expressway, Warri, Delta State.
Activities include a vibrant procession showcasing the spirit and resilience of the Ijaw people together with an insightful symposium reflecting on the legacy of the 12 Days Revolution.
The IYC Western Zone, in collaboration with the 2025 Boro Day Committee, uses this medium to invite all clans, youth bodies, critical stakeholders, and concerned parties to join us as we celebrate and reflect on the impact of Boro.
Tare Magbei
Information Officer, IYC Western Zone
Secretary, 57th Boro Day Committee, IYC Western Zone
By Admin
Burutu, Delta State – The Executive Chairman of Burutu local Government Area, High chief Dr. Julius Takeme(JP),PhD, has extended an open invitation to all Nigerians to unite with the people of Burutu in paying their final respects to the revered Ijaw patriarch, Pa. Sen. Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
Dr.Takeme assured the public of Burutu’s readiness to receive all guests with warmth and dignity throughout the duration of the funeral events. He emphasized that the Burutu people are fully prepared to host dignitaries, mourners, and will-wishers who will gather to honour the life and legacy of the Elder Statesman.
These the Burutu LGA Chairman said while taking an on-tge-spot assessment of the arena in Kiagbodo on May 10, 2025.
Iduwinivoice had earlier reported that the week-long funeral ceremonies for the respected southern and middle belt leader commenced since May 7, 2025 in Abuja, will climax on May 12 before final interment on May 13. And come to a close on May 17 with a Thanksgiving service.
As part of the official plans, Pa. Clark’s body is scheduled to be flown from Abuja to Yenagoa on Monday, may 12, where it will make a ceremonial stop at the iconic Izon ware (Ijaw House). From there, the remains will be transported to his residence in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri, for further tributes.
The final journey will take the body to Kiagbodo town in Burutu local Government Area for traditional and social wake-keeping ceremonies, culminating in his interment on Tuesday, May 13 2025.
Pa. Edwin Clark, know for his towering influence in Nigerian politics and advocacy for the rights of the Niger Delta and other oppressed people, is being remembered nationwide for his enduring legacy of leadership and service.
By Prof. Binebai
In the pantheon of Nigerian legends, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark stands as a colossus, his presence casting a long shadow over the landscape of Nigeria’ s history. Like a mighty baobab tree, his roots dug deep into the earth, nourished by the rich soil of his convictions. His voice, a thunderclap that shook the foundations of power, echoed through the corridors of time, a clarion call to justice and righteousness.
As a titan of Nigerian politics, Chief Clark’s stature was imposing, his gaze piercing, and his words imbued with the weight of wisdom. He strode through the treacherous waters of Nigerian politics with the certainty of a man who knew his purpose, leaving in his wake a trail of transformative impact. His was a life that defied the limits of mortality, his legacy a burning ember that would ignite generations to come.
Like the great River Niger, which flows through the heart of our nation, Chief Clark’s life was a strong evidence of the power of perseverance and determination. He navigated the twists and turns of Nigeria’s tumultuous history with the skill of a seasoned navigator, always keeping his eyes fixed on the horizon of a better tomorrow. His was a journey marked by courage,conviction, and an unbending commitment to the principles of justice and equality.
In Nigerian politics, Chief Kiagbodo Clark was a mythical figure, a demigod whose exploits would be told and retold for generations to come. His name became synonymous with wisdom, integrity, and statesmanship, a ray of hope in a world beset by darkness and despair. His legacy would inspire countless others to follow in his footsteps, striving to make a difference in the lives of their fellow human beings.
As the sun sets on his mortal coil, Chief Clark’s spirit remains, a shining presence that continues to guide and inspire. His voice, though silenced, still echoes through the chambers of our collective memory, reminding us of the power of conviction and the importance of standing up for what is right. His life was a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for greatness, a flame that would burn brightly for generations to come.
In the annals of Nigerian history, Chief Clark’s name would be engraved in letters of gold, a signature of his enduring legacy. His was a life that would be celebrated, his achievements revered, and his memory cherished. As a nation, we would continue to draw inspiration from his remarkable journey, striving to emulate his example of leadership, wisdom, and courage.
As we bid farewell to this titan of Nigerian politics and the foremost Ijaw nationalist, we take comfort in the knowledge that his legacy would live on, a guiding light that would illuminate the path to a brighter future. Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark may have left us, but his spirit remains a powerful reminder of the impact one man can have on the lives of many. His was a life that would be remembered for generations to come, a shining example of what it means to live a life of purpose, conviction, and service to humanity.