Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, has said the state government will continue to intervene in the rehabilitation of critical federal roads within the state to ease transportation, boost commerce and improve the movement of agricultural produce.
Aniagwu, who spoke on TVC’s “Politics Tonight”, explained that although roads do not directly put food on people’s tables, good road infrastructure creates the conditions for increased agricultural production, improved trade and easier access to markets.
According to him, roads establish important connections between production centres and areas of consumption, making it easier for farmers to move their produce and for businesses to transport goods.
He acknowledged the infrastructure challenges facing the country but noted that efforts were being made by both federal and state governments to address the situation.
Using the Abuja-Kaduna road as an example, Aniagwu said he had observed ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to rehabilitate the corridor through concrete rigid pavement construction.
He also highlighted the collaboration between the Delta and Federal Governments in facilitating access to the Second Niger Bridge, particularly the state’s assistance with compensation payments running into billions of naira for the construction of the connecting bypass.
The commissioner said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had made it clear that Delta would not fold its arms while critical federal roads within its territory deteriorated.
He cited the state’s intervention along the Benin-Warri corridor in Effurun, where concrete pavement works had been undertaken, as well as the government’s swift response to a difficult section of the East-West Road, which he said was addressed within 48 hours.
On the recent political violence in Asaba, which reportedly left one person dead and five others injured, Aniagwu rejected attempts to present the incident as an ordinary clash between political supporters.
He alleged that members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were involved in the violence during a rally held against police advice on the need to secure an appropriate venue.
According to him, video recordings of the incident showed some individuals allegedly urging others to attack and kill, while he also expressed concern over remarks attributed to a political leader suggesting that people would die if elections were rigged.
Aniagwu, however, stressed that the Oborevwori administration did not support political intimidation or violence, irrespective of the political affiliations of those involved.
He said the governor had directed security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation and ensure that everyone connected with the incident, including those who allegedly instigated or carried out the attack, was brought to justice.
The commissioner maintained that the investigation should not be influenced by political considerations, adding that those responsible must face the law.
He also referred to reports that some suspects had been arrested and allegedly confessed to participating in the killing, urging security agencies to pursue the investigation to its logical conclusion.
On the forthcoming 2027 general elections, Aniagwu said the governor and the Delta State APC Campaign Council had resolved to make issues, governance and the administration’s performance the central focus of their campaign.
He said Oborevwori had consistently urged political supporters to avoid attacking opponents and instead present the achievements of the administration to the electorate.
According to him, the governor believes that the government’s record across infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, public service reforms and social investment provides sufficient material for political engagement.
“Even if Oborevwori starts commissioning projects every day from today, he will not have enough time to commission all the projects his administration has executed,” Aniagwu said.
He challenged opposition parties to identify any local government area in the state, promising that the administration’s projects and interventions could be seen across the various communities.
The commissioner also disclosed that the state government was preparing to empower 15,000 indigent Deltans through its social investment programme, with beneficiaries to be carefully screened to ensure that assistance reached genuine business owners and operators of micro-enterprises.
He explained that the government would introduce a verification mechanism to prevent the diversion of funds and ensure that only qualified beneficiaries received the support.
On workers’ welfare and the controversy surrounding the administration’s appeal to civil servants for political support, Aniagwu defended the government’s record, arguing that workers’ welfare should be assessed through concrete policies and actions rather than isolated statements.
He cited promotions, attention to seniority in appointments, improved welfare provisions and other interventions as evidence of the administration’s commitment to public servants.
He also defended the governor’s appeal to workers to reciprocate the government’s efforts, describing it as an expression of confidence that beneficiaries of good governance would appreciate the administration’s performance.
However, Aniagwu maintained that political differences should never become a justification for violence or intimidation, insisting that disagreements must be resolved within the framework of the law.
He said the Oborevwori administration remained committed to peaceful political engagement and would continue to rely on its performance to seek the support of Deltans in 2027.