By Kenneth Orusi
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has found himself under fire following his recent trip to Ghana.
The visit, which was reportedly intended to foster collaboration and explore development opportunities, has sparked widespread criticism over its timing, necessity, and perceived lack of tangible benefits for Deltans.
For many, it represents yet another example of the mismanagement of public funds and misplaced priorities that plague governance in Nigeria, with particular reference to Delta.
A Misguided Excursion
Oborevwori’s trip to Ghana has raised several eyebrows, particularly given the socio-economic challenges currently facing the oil-rich Delta State.
Reports suggest that the trip involved a delegation of government officials and significant expenditure on logistics, accommodation, and other associated costs.
Yet, the purpose and outcomes of the visit remain unclear.
Unconfirmed sources have alleged that Oborevwori traveled to meet with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to discuss his rumored defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, the attempt was reportedly thwarted by key APC members who accompanied the President to Ghana, rendering the effort ineffective and leaving Deltans at a disadvantage.
Delta State, like much of Nigeria, is grappling with pressing issues such as decaying infrastructure, a struggling healthcare system, high unemployment rates, and a growing poverty index.
At such a critical time, critics argue that the funds expended on a foreign trip could have been better allocated to address these urgent challenges.
Dubious Objectives, Questionable Outcomes
The governor’s team has defended the trip, claiming it was aimed at fostering bilateral ties and exploring potential areas of investment.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Sir Festus Ahon, Monday, described rumours of defection plans of the Governor to other party as untrue and concocted by some opposition elements in the State.
Ahon in a statement in Asaba, titled: “Oborevwori not leaving PDP – Spokesman”, said some elements in the opposition party in the State were threatened by the rising acceptance and bridge-building efforts of the Governor across political divides.
According to him, Governor Oborevwori will continue to collaborate with the government at the centre for the overall benefit of Deltans and the country at large.
He said the Governor had no reason to defect to any other party given his wide acceptance in the PDP and followership by well meaning Deltans and residents, adding that he remained focused on delivering the MORE Agenda to all Deltans as promised during his electioneering campaigns.
He therefore urged Deltans to ignore the rumours making the rounds as it was the handiwork of mischief makers and fifth columnists.
Similarly, the Director Genera of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, in his article titled; “Gov Oborevwori: The Big Political Masquerade”, debunked the possibilities of Oborevwori decamping to the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of 2027.
He said: “The take-away here is that the cordial relationship between Governor Oborevwori, President Bola Tinubu and the federal government shall continue to blossom on bipartisan basis to enhance good governance and synergy for development.
“The mutually beneficial working relationship between Mr President and Delta Governor has nothing to do with the governor defecting to APC. No reason under the sun to do that, but the beats must go on.
“And in Ghana, governor Oborevwori rocked the airwaves steadily for over 48 hours, side by side his Bossom friend, President John Mahama of the Republic of Ghana.
“The two great leaders walked hand-in-hand to the admiration of the good people of ancient Gold Coast, and the entire world. Deltans are proud of the street credibility of their amiable governor.
“Together, the duo of Mahama and Oborevwori enjoyed global media mention, international media went agog for daye. Oborevwori was the special guest of Mr President and they discussed issues of mutual interests. The governor’s detractors were amazed, their evil media propaganda crashed like a pack of card.
“Governor Oborevwori is, no doubt, the biggest political Masquerade in Delta State, and as we gradually navigate into 2027 governorship election. His reelection in 2027 shall be achieved effortlessly through a free, fair and transparent election.
“The governor have been consistent in his partnership with Mr President and the federal government on a bipartisan basis. He will continue to nurture the relationship for the socioeconomic benefit of all Deltans and the state.
“Governor Oborevwori shall continue to interface with President Tinubu on issues relating to good governance and result oriented collaboration to revive all federal government controlled industries and companies in Delta State. It’s a task that must be done through robust partnership and bridge building across board”.
However, the lack of concrete agreements or measurable outcomes from the visit has led many to question its necessity.
What specific benefits does Delta State stand to gain from this excursion? Were there agreements signed, investments secured, or actionable development plans outlined?
So far, there has been no public disclosure of any tangible results from the trip, leaving many to view it as an expensive and unjustified escapade.
A Pattern of Misplaced Priorities
This is not the first time public officials in Nigeria have come under scrutiny for overseas trips with questionable value.
Such excursions often serve as opportunities for leisure disguised as official duties, with public funds footing the bill.
Oborevwori’s Ghana trip appears to fall squarely into this category, further eroding public confidence in his administration.
Delta State is no stranger to financial scandals and allegations of mismanagement. From inflated contracts to unaccounted funds, the state’s resources have often been subject to abuse.
The Ghana trip adds another layer to this troubling narrative, reinforcing perceptions of a leadership disconnected from the realities of its citizens.
The Cost to Deltans
The real victims of such wasteful expenditures are the citizens of the State, who continue to bear the brunt of poor governance.
Roads in many parts of the state remain in deplorable condition, schools are underfunded, and hospitals lack basic equipment and medication.
Youth unemployment is rampant, and small businesses struggle under the weight of high taxes and poor infrastructure.
Instead of addressing these pressing issues, public funds are being used to sponsor trips that yield no discernible benefits.
For a state with immense revenue from oil and gas, the failure to translate wealth into meaningful development is a glaring indictment of its leadership.
Public Accountability and Transparency
The controversy surrounding Oborevwori’s trip underscores the urgent need for greater accountability and transparency in governance.
Citizens have a right to know how their resources are being utilized, particularly in a state where many live below the poverty line.
Oborevwori’s administration must provide a detailed breakdown of the expenses incurred during the Ghana trip and explain its specific outcomes.
Failure to do so will only deepen the perception that public office is being used for personal enrichment rather than public service.
Leadership in Crisis
Leadership is about setting priorities and making decisions that serve the best interests of the people.
At a time when Delta State is facing myriad challenges, Oborevwori’s decision to embark on an overseas trip sends the wrong message.
It suggests a leadership out of touch with the needs of its citizens and unwilling to make the sacrifices necessary to steer the state toward progress.
Furthermore, the governor’s actions reflect poorly on his political party and the broader Nigerian political elite, who are often accused of putting personal interests above public good.
This cycle of wasteful governance must be broken if Nigeria, and Delta State in particular, is to achieve sustainable development.
The Way Forward
The criticism of Oborevwori’s Ghana trip should serve as a wake-up call.
Moving forward, the governor must focus on delivering tangible results that directly improve the lives of Deltans.
This includes investing in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation.
In addition, mechanisms for public accountability must be strengthened to ensure that funds are allocated and utilized transparently.
Citizens must demand better from their leaders and hold them accountable for wasteful spending and poor decision-making.
Governor Oborevwori’s recent trip to Ghana is a stark reminder of the challenges facing governance in Delta.
At a time when Delta State is crying out for visionary leadership and prudent management of resources, the trip represents a gross misjudgment and a waste of public funds.
The governor must urgently realign his priorities and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the welfare of Deltans.
Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust reposed in him by the people and a continuation of the cycle of poor governance that has held the state back for decades.
