Backlash Trails Okowa’s ‘Strange’ Remarks On Failed Infrastructures In Warri 

Mixed reactions have continued to trailed the reported remarks by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state that Warri, the commercial nerve centre of the state should wait for its own development after completion of developmental projects in the state capital Asaba and 2019 general elections.

BigPen Online gathered that the remarks which was reportedly made during the Democracy Day celebration in Asaba by the Governor had generated backlashes after a Facebook post by former Director General of Delta State Direct Labour Agency, Comrade (Engr.) Emmanuel Odafe Igbini.

Igbini’s post rejecting the purported comment by the Governor Okowa had generated mixed reactions from early respondents who spoke against and in favour of the Governor.

Responding to the post, many had blasted the Governor for deliberately neglecting Warri and channeling funds meant to develop failed infrastructure in the oil city to Asaba capital territory.

Some respondents however speaking in favour of Okowa had claimed that successive governments had neglected the development of the state capital, Asaba saying that Okowa deserved commendation for breaking the jinx.

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Comrade (Engr.) Emmanuel Odafe Igbini

The Igbini post read: “Gov. Okowa and state of Warri collapsed Infrastructures: No, my dear Gov. Okowa, “Warri” can’t be patient till after Asaba & 2019.

“I watched and listened to my dear Gov. Okowa on his 3 years Thanksgiving celebration where he informed Deltans that he is currently embarking on “mega” Infrastructural projects in  Asaba Capital Territory such as rehabilitation of the Asaba Airport Runway which he said is now completed and the best in Nigeria.

“He also announced the completion of Asaba Stadium which he described as best in Africa and ready to host over 50 Africa Countries in sport competition come August 2019.

“He also mentioned the construction and  completion of Delta State Secretariat in Asaba which he proudly described as best.

“He further updated Deltans of the state of the ongoing multi-billion naira Asaba City “Storm Water Drain” Project which he also promised will be completed by February 2019.

“We in “Oil City of Warri” are glad to hear all this good news. Kudos to you my dear Gov. Okowa.

“But what is now very worrisome to us is that Gov. Okowa went further to appreciate the sad state of infrastructures particularly Drains and roads in Warri and appealed to us to be patient with him till after he completes Asaba multi-billion naira “Storm Water Drain” Project.

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“Blaming this on alleged fall in resources (funds) accruing to the State; he then asked us to pray for improvement in fundings to our State. We are now praying my dear Gov. Okowa but respectfully telling you the moral truth, our Oil City of Warri can’t be any more patient and can’t wait till after Asaba. No, sir!, Igbini who is the National President, Vanguard for Transparent Leadership and Democracy (VATLAD) declares.

Continuing, he said, “I repeat, Warri is the Heart and Soul of Delta State. Who becomes the Governor of Delta State is decided here in Warri.

“I do know what is on the mind of many who for obvious reason do not want to react publicly here. Don’t blame the past mistakes, correct them.

“Whether our Governor is a Deltan from Asaba or any part of Anioma, whether it is the turn of Anioma to be our Governor, it does not matter. Warri must continue to enjoy the top priority attention in all ramifications of Development and growth.

“Like Compatriot Enojo Kennie rightly put it, there can’t be Delta State without Warri.

“Warri is Delta State and Delta State is Warri. This is the bitter truth that must be swallowed by all of us”.

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Igbini while responding to comments on his post said he made the assertions to prod the state government to act, just as he had always put former Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan on his toes during his administration.

“I am sure you are surprised that I decided to discuss Delta State publicly, almost for the first time since Gov. Okowa became our Governor. It is deliberate so that he excels by doing proportional justice to all of us. It is also to save him from the usual disasters sycophants bring upon incumbent Governors.

“You remember how we made it almost impossible for fmr Gov. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan to have peaceful sleep for one day – we continued to put him on his toes almost on every step he took”.

Story by Julius Eras-Olabowu