Deltans have offered mixed reactions to the performance of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, with some commending the government for its projects and others calling for greater attention to critical sectors and improved living conditions.
The reactions followed a public assessment of the governor’s performance, with infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, security and youth empowerment dominating discussions.
While the administration’s construction of flyovers in parts of the state attracted praise from some residents, others questioned whether the projects were sufficient to transform Delta State, considering the resources available to the government.
Some respondents argued that the administration had made significant progress beyond flyover construction, pointing to interventions in healthcare, education, roads, security and workers’ welfare.
One respondent said the governor deserved commendation after comparing the development in Delta with what obtains in other states.
“Have you visited other states in Nigeria? If you have done that, you will know that the present state governor of Delta is working. Please pray for him and his commissioners and the Delta State House of Assembly members,” the respondent said.
Another contributor dismissed criticism of the flyovers, saying, “Flyover covers all sectors.”
Some residents highlighted the administration’s interventions in the health sector, including the renovation of primary healthcare centres, installation of CT and MRI scanners, provision of dialysis machines and subsidised dialysis services.
“Governor Sheriff has done so much in the state’s health sector. I believe you can pay a visit to the newly built mother and child section of the Ekpan General Hospital. That edifice na bomb,” one respondent said.
Another contributor listed healthcare reforms alongside initiatives in the justice sector, noting that the administration had undertaken reforms aimed at strengthening the justice system and improving access to justice.
Roads, Workers’ Welfare Get Commendation
Several respondents also cited road construction and rehabilitation as evidence of the administration’s performance.
One contributor praised the rehabilitation of the old Benin-Asaba Road leading to Ogwashi-Uku from Umunede, describing its previous condition as terrible before the intervention.
Another resident said several internal roads had been awarded for construction in Ughelli, urging residents to appreciate the government for such projects.
Supporters also pointed to what they described as prompt payment of salaries, payment of salary arrears, pension and gratuity, as well as the expected 13th-month salary.
“Prompt payment of salaries. Massive investments in health and education. Security of lives and properties across the state. Truthfully, Delta State is about the most secured state in Nigeria today. Pensioners receive their pensions and gratuity promptly,” one respondent said.
Others also mentioned improvements in electricity supply in parts of the state capital.
Critics Demand More Than Flyovers
However, not all the reactions were favourable.
Some respondents argued that the administration needed to do more to address issues directly affecting ordinary residents, particularly unemployment, electricity, drainage, education, healthcare and economic empowerment.
One respondent said the flyovers were a welcome development but urged the government to prioritise an efficient drainage system.
“If Gov. Sheriff can listen to me, we need efficient drainage system in the state, not flyovers!” the respondent said.
Another questioned the economic impact of the projects, saying more needed to be done considering the revenue accruing to the state.
The respondent called for efforts to provide uninterrupted electricity, arguing that improved power supply could stimulate economic activities and attract foreign investment.
Another contributor criticised what they described as an imbalance in project distribution, saying some areas, including parts of Warri North and Ughelli, had seen little development beyond the flyover projects.
Calls for Youth Empowerment, Investment
Some participants urged the governor to focus more on human capital development, youth empowerment and attracting investors to the state.
One respondent called for the restructuring of government-owned companies and the utilisation of idle government-owned land to attract foreign investors.
The contributor also advocated free skills-acquisition programmes lasting between six months and two years, followed by the provision of tools, materials and start-up support to beneficiaries.
Another respondent similarly argued that while roads, bridges and flyovers were important, the government should also invest more directly in the people.
“Building of flyovers and bridges is good, but he should also build people,” the respondent said.
There were also criticisms of the government’s performance in education, healthcare and transportation, with one contributor describing the administration as having “failed woefully” in the three areas.
Security, Infrastructure and the Need for More
Despite the criticisms, some respondents said the administration deserved credit for maintaining peace and security in the state.
One contributor noted that the importance of peace and security was often underestimated until they were lost, arguing that Delta residents had not experienced such an absence under the current administration.
Another respondent adopted a more measured position, saying no single administration could address every challenge facing the state.
“One particular government cannot do all. Every government must have at least one area he must touch for reference purposes,” the contributor said.
Overall, the reactions reflected a divided public assessment of Oborevwori’s administration. While supporters highlighted visible infrastructure, healthcare interventions, workers’ welfare, security and other initiatives, critics maintained that the government should go beyond physical projects and devote greater attention to electricity, drainage, education, transportation, job creation, investment and direct empowerment of residents.
The debate underscores the growing expectation among residents that development in Delta State should combine infrastructure with improved economic opportunities and better living conditions for the people.
