Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, is facing mounting public criticism following his recent interview on Arise Television, where he discussed the state government’s development plans for Ndokwa land.
While his media team described the interview as “explosive” and forward-looking, reactions from the Ndokwa public have painted a different picture, one marked by frustration, skepticism, and a demand for tangible accountability.
During the interview, Onyeme highlighted various aspects of the Sheriff Oborevwori administration’s “MORE Agenda” and promised infrastructural improvements, particularly in the area of electricity supply to communities in Ndokwa West, Ndokwa East, and Ukwuani Local Government Areas.
However, the Deputy Governor’s remarks appeared to fall flat with constituents, many of whom argue that the issues in the region require direct engagement, not media appearances.
Public Discontent: Voices from the Grassroots
Residents took to social media and community platforms to voice their dissatisfaction, calling the interview both “unnecessary” and “out of touch” with the realities on the ground.
Enubiaka Innocent Onyah openly challenged the Deputy Governor to list “three specific projects” currently underway in each of the three Ndokwa LGAs. “The Deputy Governor’s office is mere formality. Nothing is coming out of it,” he wrote.
But in a swift response, Egugbo listed the road projects to include”Nkemdinum Ndemili/Utagba-Uno Road, Utagba-Uno/Eweshi Road, Completion of the multi-billion naira bridge across Ase Creek at Kwale”.
Comrade Okwuelum Goodluck simply said: “Nothing o.”
Fortune Ossai pointed to alleged shortcomings in previously commissioned projects. “As for that bridge, the contractor should be returned to site. The dividers were not installed. The bridge was covered with tar just for commissioning,” he lamented.
Chukwunalu Gavin Oluka criticized Onyeme’s approach, saying, “That interview was unnecessary. What he should have done was hold a one-on-one meeting with Utagba Ogbe residents at Obi Ndueze. Electricity here isn’t just absent, it’s a permanent crisis.”
Oluka emphasized the need for long-term, reliable power solutions, not quick fixes for political optics.
“We don’t want electricity that works for a week and disappears for 20 years,” he added.
Calls for Engagement and Accountability
The backlash also included broader criticisms about leadership and political strategy in the South-South region.
Julie Olise Ubah delivered a scathing commentary, questioning the Deputy Governor’s political maturity and urging better leadership.
“This is where we get it wrong in South-South politics. What happened to accountability as a servant?” she asked.
She continued, “You don’t wait for protest rumors before speaking to your people. If you had done town hall meetings or explained your plans earlier, perhaps no protest would have been necessary.”
Others, like Enebeli Chukwuemeka Reuben, stressed the need for regular town hall engagements, not media spectacles. “Tell your people what you’ve done and what you intend to do. Educate them. That’s the job,” he said.
Comrade Ilogo Peter was more direct in his criticism. “If you are happy with the level of underdevelopment in Ndokwa, then I’ll tag you an antichrist,” he said. He accused local political appointees of failing to translate influence into results and warned that continued neglect would only deepen local distrust.
Official Response
In defense of the Deputy Governor, his Press Secretary, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, issued a public statement via Facebook.
He praised Onyeme as “a true Ndokwa man” working tirelessly with Governor Oborevwori to implement the state’s development agenda.
“Yesterday, he had an explosive interview with the Arise Television team where he revealed plans for Kwale and Ndokwa land in general to have uninterrupted power supply,” Egugbo wrote.
“Ndokwa people and all lovers of good things will continue to remember him in their prayers.”
A Growing Divide
Despite Egugbo’s optimistic tone, the reactions indicate a widening gap between government officials and the communities they serve.
Analysts believe the situation underscores a deeper issue: a perceived lack of inclusion, delayed communication, and under-delivery on campaign promises.
What many critics agree on is that media campaigns cannot substitute for on-the-ground engagement and measurable action.
As one resident put it, “Leadership is not just about what you say on TV. It’s about what people see, touch, and live with every day.”
Whether the Deputy Governor will respond directly to the backlash remains to be seen. For now, Ndokwa citizens are demanding more than promises, they want presence, performance, and progress.
In an earlier post by Egugbo, the Deputy Governor said: “Yes, I granted interview to Arise TV crew and I can assure you that we are working for the electrification of Ndokwa land and other parts of Delta State, not only Kwale because, as a government, we know the importance of electricity to the socio-economic life of the people.
“If you protest because there is no light in Kwale, we will address you and explain what government is doing for there to be light
“The planned protest to the best of my knowledge is not against the administration of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori or President Bola Tinubu, it is to tell the world what we are suffering for more than 16 years, the issue of lack of electricity in Ndokwa land did not start with the administration of Governor Oborevwori or President Tinubu, so, let us take it easy and allow government to work.”
