Senior Policy Adviser to the Delta State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, has explained why the Ijaw people have thrown their weight behind the second-term bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Beyond The Headlines on TVC, Solomon said the endorsement of both leaders was based on their performance, inclusive governance and commitment to the long-term development of the country and Delta State.
The former Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly described President Tinubu as a courageous leader who has demonstrated the capacity to steer the country through difficult times, saying his administration's reforms were already yielding positive results.
According to him, the President has expanded access to education through the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), while reforms in the electricity sector have empowered states to establish their own generation, transmission and distribution companies.
He noted that while Abia State had already taken advantage of the policy, Delta State was also making progress towards establishing its own electricity framework.
Solomon said the Federal Government's economic reforms had significantly improved revenue available to all tiers of government, enabling local governments to meet their obligations and embark on developmental projects.
He stated that before the reforms, 21 of Delta State's 25 local government councils struggled to pay workers' salaries, but today they not only pay salaries regularly but also execute meaningful projects.
Rather than experimenting with leadership, he said, Nigeria needs continuity under a President who has shown commitment to the country's long-term stability.
Highlighting Governor Oborevwori's achievements, Solomon cited the approval of the Ojobo Road in Burutu Local Government Area, noting that the community had existed for over 200 years without a road.
He also pointed to the reconstruction of the Ohoror–Bomadi Road, the ongoing construction of the Ayakoromo Bridge linking Ughelli South and Burutu Local Government Areas, and investments in education, healthcare and infrastructure across the state.
According to him, Governor Oborevwori's M.O.R.E. Agenda has promoted inclusiveness and created opportunities for all Deltans through equitable distribution of development projects across the 25 local government areas.
Speaking on the endorsement of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori by the Ijaw people, Solomon said the decision was taken in collaboration with the Ijaw National Congress, describing the Ijaw nation as appreciative of leaders who deliver tangible benefits.
He commended President Tinubu for appointing Tantita Security Services Limited, led by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, to safeguard critical national oil assets, saying the initiative had drastically reduced crude oil theft, increased oil production and boosted revenues for the Federal, State and Local Governments.
He added that the appointment had also created employment and economic opportunities for thousands of young people across the Niger Delta, making it a significant milestone for the Ijaw people.
Solomon further praised the President for signing into law the establishment of the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, and the Oil and Gas Hospital at Benikrukru, describing both institutions as strategic investments in the development of the Niger Delta.
He maintained that President Tinubu's reforms were focused on securing Nigeria's long-term economic stability rather than seeking immediate political popularity.
According to him, the Ijaw people stand to benefit immensely from the reforms and therefore have every reason to support their continuity, warning that reversing key policies such as the removal of fuel subsidy could undermine the gains already recorded.
On the controversy surrounding the Warri ward delineation, Solomon commended Governor Oborevwori for his leadership and commitment to peace.
He recalled that the governor convened a meeting of leaders of the three major ethnic nationalities in Warri and appealed to them to maintain peace, unity and mutual understanding for the overall development of the area.
He noted that the governor's intervention was later escalated to President Tinubu, stressing that Governor Oborevwori consistently maintained that all the ethnic groups should continue to coexist peacefully.
"God did not make a mistake by bringing the different ethnic nationalities together in the region. My appeal is for everyone to live together in peace, embrace good faith and move forward because policies are reviewed and tested from time to time," Solomon said.
