By Ugochukwu Benson
Abuja – The African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in Delta State, Engr. Isaac Eshor, has called on the Delta State Government to provide a detailed account of the funds expended on the recently concluded Delta State Economic Summit, describing the event as an expensive exercise that has failed to deliver tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Eshor questioned the relevance of organizing high-profile economic summits while many rural communities across the state continue to suffer from poor road networks, inadequate infrastructure, and unstable electricity supply.
According to him, Deltans deserve to know how much public money was spent on the summit and what direct economic benefits have accrued to the state from the gathering.
People are asking what Delta State has gained from the economic summit. How can a government prioritize such events when many rural communities remain inaccessible due to bad roads and the state continues to struggle with inadequate power supply? he asked.
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The AAC governorship hopeful accused successive administrations in the state of investing heavily in what he described as “elephant projects” and ceremonial activities instead of projects capable of improving the living conditions of the people.
He argued that despite Delta State’s enormous revenue profile, including federal allocations and internally generated revenue, the state has not witnessed development commensurate with the resources at its disposal.
Delta State ought to be one of the richest and most developed states in Nigeria considering the huge resources available to it. Reports indicate that the state has allegedly received over N4 trillion from federal allocations and other sources. The question is whether the current state of development reflects such enormous revenue, Eshor stated.
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The AAC candidate further challenged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration to publish comprehensive records of road projects executed since the inception of the government, including contract sums and project locations, to enable citizens verify the claims being made by the state government.
He maintained that transparency and accountability remain critical ingredients of good governance, stressing that Deltans have a right to know how public funds are being utilized.
Eshor also referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent remarks urging state governments to prioritize projects that directly impact grassroots communities, rather than concentrating resources on large-scale projects that may not address the immediate needs of the people.
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According to him, many rural communities in Delta State still lack basic infrastructure and functional link roads, a situation he described as unacceptable for a state blessed with vast human and natural resources.
He therefore called on Deltans to demand greater accountability from their leaders and support a new approach to governance anchored on prudence, transparency, and people-oriented development.
We must build a government that places the welfare of the people above political showmanship. Delta State needs prudent and accountable leadership that will channel resources into projects capable of lifting citizens out of poverty and driving sustainable development, Eshor added.
By Ugochukwu Benson
