The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has said that the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have significantly improved the financial standing of states across the country, enabling them to deliver more development projects and better welfare for citizens.
Aniagwu made the assertion while speaking during an interview on ARISE News, where he defended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the commissioner, the economic re-engineering undertaken by the Federal Government has helped many states overcome longstanding financial challenges, making them more solvent and capable of meeting critical obligations.
He noted that before the reforms, many states struggled to pay workers' salaries and pensions, execute infrastructure projects, and provide adequate funding for local government councils due to limited financial resources.
"Because of the level of economic re-engineering introduced by the President, many of these challenges have become more or less a thing of the past," Aniagwu stated.
He argued that the improved fiscal environment has empowered state governments to embark on major development projects while also fulfilling their obligations to workers and pensioners.
Speaking specifically on Delta State, Aniagwu described the state as one of the most financially stable in the country, attributing its strong economic position to prudent management by Governor Oborevwori and the supportive economic policies of the Federal Government.
He said the state has maintained a remarkable record in project execution, revealing that contractors receive 40 per cent mobilisation upon award of contracts and are paid within a week after their certificates are verified.
"Today, Delta is one of the most solvent and liquid states in Nigeria. Once a contract is awarded, the contractor receives 40 per cent mobilisation, and once a certificate is raised and verified, payment is made in less than one week," he said.
Aniagwu explained that the financial stability has enabled the state government to execute major infrastructure projects, including bridges, roads, school renovations and other developmental initiatives spread across the state.
Addressing criticism over Governor Oborevwori's declaration that President Tinubu's re-election would be a major political project in Delta State, Aniagwu said there was nothing unusual about a governor supporting the presidential candidate of his own political party.
He maintained that the governor's position does not diminish the administration's commitment to governance and development, stressing that infrastructure delivery remains a priority under the Oborevwori administration.
"It would have been surprising if the governor had said that the presidential candidate of his party was not a major concern for him. Supporting the candidate of your party is normal in n politics," he said.
Aniagwu further dismissed suggestions that the governor's support for Tinubu was driven by political fear arising from the performance of the Labour Party in Delta State during the 2023 elections.
Instead, he said the administration had taken deliberate steps to foster inclusive governance and strengthen relationships with all segments of the state's population, including non-indigenes.
According to him, government projects and policies are distributed across the 25 local government areas of the state without discrimination, while various ethnic groups are represented in government appointments and decision-making processes.
He disclosed that Governor Oborevwori engaged widely with stakeholders from different ethnic backgrounds before the state's political realignment to the All Progressives Congress, emphasizing that residents from all parts of the country contribute significantly to Delta's growth and development.
Aniagwu noted that the administration's commitment to inclusiveness recently earned Delta recognition beyond the state, including an invitation to address members of the prestigious Yoruba Tennis Club in Lagos on the subject of inclusive governance and the Delta model.
On internal political developments within the APC, including the loss of Senator Ned Nwoko in the party's senatorial primary and the defection of former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege from the party, Aniagwu said both situations stemmed from internal political dynamics rather than any failure on the part of Governor Oborevwori.
He argued that political success requires grassroots engagement and participation in the democratic process, insisting that party members were given equal opportunities to compete during the primaries.
The commissioner reiterated that Governor Oborevwori's endorsement of President Tinubu was rooted primarily in the positive impact of the President's economic policies on Delta State's development efforts.
"The governor's position is based on the fact that the President's economic policies have helped states like Delta achieve greater financial stability and deliver more projects for the people. Deltans are appreciative people, and when someone contributes positively to their development, they will naturally take notice," Aniagwu said.
He expressed confidence that the administration's inclusive approach to governance, combined with its strong record of infrastructure delivery and economic management, would continue to earn the support of residents across the state.
