By George Ozalla
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Senatorial candidate for Delta Central, has renewed his criticism of the Delta State Government’s spending priorities, insisting that the state should focus more on projects that directly improve the welfare of residents rather than investing heavily in flyover construction.
Omo-Agege said recent remarks by President Bola Tinubu urging governors to channel increased federal allocations into projects that have greater impact on the lives of citizens had reinforced concerns he had consistently raised over the management of Delta State’s finances.
According to a press statement signed by his Media Adviser, Sunday Areh, the former Deputy Senate President had for months questioned the Oborevwori administration’s utilisation of what he described as over ₦3.5 trillion in revenue, arguing that the huge expenditure had not translated into better living conditions for ordinary Deltans.
The statement recalled that Omo-Agege had repeatedly challenged the state’s decision to commit billions of naira to flyover projects while many residents continue to grapple with unemployment, insecurity and economic hardship.
It noted that President Tinubu, while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, advised governors to avoid placing excessive emphasis on flyover construction and instead invest in roads and other infrastructure capable of improving citizens’ quality of life and enhancing access for security agencies to vulnerable communities.
The President also observed that states now receive between four and five times more federal allocations than they did previously, stressing that governors should have no excuse for failing to invest those resources in projects that directly benefit the people.
Drawing a parallel between the President’s position and Omo-Agege’s earlier criticisms, the NDC maintained that the issues raised by its Delta Central candidate had now become part of the national conversation on governance and public accountability.
“Truth has no party. Senator Omo-Agege spoke as a Deltan who feels his people’s pain. The President’s own words now echo that same concern on a national scale,” the statement said.
The party questioned the justification for spending about ₦177 billion on flyover projects in Warri, Effurun, Ughelli and Agbor, alleging that many primary healthcare centres remain without essential drugs, schools are understaffed and insecurity continues to pose serious challenges across the state.
It argued that governance should be measured by improvements in healthcare, education, security and economic opportunities rather than by the number of infrastructure projects commissioned.
The statement said Deltans deserved a comprehensive and independently audited account of the reported ₦3.5 trillion expenditure, asking what tangible benefits the spending had delivered to rural communities and ordinary residents across the state.
It further alleged that members of the state’s media team had spent months criticising Omo-Agege for raising issues that have now gained wider national attention following President Tinubu’s remarks.
According to the statement, governance goes beyond the execution of large infrastructure projects and should be reflected in functional hospitals, adequately staffed schools, safer communities and expanded opportunities for young people.
The NDC therefore called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to immediately subject all flyover and infrastructure projects to a transparent public-benefit and traffic-impact assessment to determine whether they meet the needs of residents.
It also urged the state government to publish detailed records of expenditures under the MORE Agenda and redirect greater attention and resources to healthcare, education, agriculture, security and direct economic support for Delta families, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
Presenting its alternative vision for the state, the party said Delta requires leadership that places the welfare of citizens above projects designed mainly for public attention.
It stated that under its governorship candidate, Dr. Chris Iyovwaye, and Omo-Agege as its Delta Central candidate, the NDC would pursue policies that prioritise the needs of the people, invest in projects capable of improving livelihoods and ensure that every public expenditure is subjected to strict accountability.
The statement added that development should be judged by the impact it has on the lives of ordinary citizens, including villagers, traders, farmers, students and other vulnerable groups, rather than by the number of ribbons cut at project commissioning ceremonies.
It maintained that history would remember Omo-Agege as one who raised concerns about the welfare of Deltans despite criticism, insisting that the growing national conversation on prudent use of public funds had reinforced the urgency of his position.
The party concluded that Delta State deserves leadership that places people before concrete, insisting that sustainable development must be driven by investments that improve living standards and create lasting economic opportunities for all residents.
