Delta’s N78BN Contract: ‘You’ve Started Well Your Excellency, My Son’ – Clark To Gov Oborevwori

Elder statesman and convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State for his strides in the rehabilitation and urban renewal of Warri/Effurun in an open letter.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that Clark’s letter followed the recent award of major contracts to the Julius Berger, amounting to N78 billion for the construction of three flyover bridges, a cloverleaf, and road expansion in the Effurun and Warri axis of the state.

Clark, as a respected elder statesman, expressed his delight that the current administration had made a promising start, particularly in revitalising Effurun and Warri.

Recalling Governor Oborevwori’s inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, Clark noted the Governor’s commitment to enhance Warri, the oil-rich commercial hub of the state adding that the commitment was further demonstrated through the recent inauguration of the Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA).

Clark recalled his earlier open letters to Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and the Governor’s predecessor as well as former governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, criticizing them for neglecting Warri.

He emphasized the need to avoid similar negligence in the future.

The former Minister of Information, hailed Governor Oborevwori’s decision to pursue these substantial projects, recognising it as a significant move towards fulfilling his campaign promises to the inhabitants of Effurun and Warri.

Clark, who described himself as speaking on behest of the Warri people and Elders referred to as the ‘Warri Boys’, in the open letter, expressed his confidence that the projects, once completed, will revitalize Warri and bring satisfaction to its residents.

He further emphasized that the infrastructural development would benefit the entire state in the long run, boosting economic and social growth. Clark noted the Governor’s positive start to his tenure and expressed hope that this pattern would extend to other major towns in the state.

Addressing the governor as ‘my son’, Clark ensured him of his full support and encouragement and urged him to continue his good works in fulfilling his promises to the people of Delta State.

The letter is reproduce below:

RE: GIVING WARRI A FACELIFT PROMISE FULFILLED

I write to express on behalf of the people of Warri and elders of Warri referred to as ‘WARRI BOYS’ our gratitude and appreciation for the great plan you have for the rehabilitation and urban renewal of our hometown, Warri/Effurun. Particularly, the recent award of some major contracts to a reputable company such as Julius Berger in the sum of #78 billion is a show of your sincerity of purpose. Indeed, I understand that part payment has been made to the contractors.

2. I recall in your inaugural speech on 29th May, 2023, you promised that you will give Warri a facelift. The media reported thus;

“The newly sworn in Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori has vowed to give special attention to the oil-rich city of Warri, the commercial hub to advance the economy of the State”.

And you were quoted directly as saying;

“Warri the commercial nerve centre of the State will be given special attention under this administration. The process has already commenced with the establishment of the Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA)”.

3. My first open letter I addressed to Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa on 2nd February 2023, I criticised him for abandoning Warri and thereby reducing it into a village; an extract of my first letter is reproduced hereunder:

“it maybe too late, but finally, I wish to again advice you not to reduce Warri to a deserted village as Chief James Onanefe Ibori did to Sapele, as he removed most of the offices from Sapele to Oghara his hometown. This is exactly what you are carrying out now”.

4. Also, I addressed an open letter to your predecessor on the eve of his re-election into office, when I strongly advised him that he should not abandon Warri as his predecessor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan did for eight (8) years in office.

5. The recent contract which you have awarded include the:

i) Design and construction of a flyover bridge at the Enerhen Junction to Marine Gate;

ii) Study design, construction of road expansion and improvement work on the DSC/NPA Expressway from Effurun roundabout to the Delta Steel Complex(DSC) Round-about; and

iii) Construction of a ¾ Clover Interchange at the existing Effurun flyover bridge and two pedestrian bridges.

Others are the:

i) Design and construction of a flyover bridge at the ever busy Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Junction; and

ii) DSC Round-about along Effurun/Patani, East-West Highway and Effurun in Uvwie LGA.

6. I am confident that the above contracts when completed, will no doubt, bring great joy and satisfaction to the indigenes and inhabitants of the Old Delta Province and will definitely bring back the old glory of Warri which as you know is comprised of various heavily oil producing communities.

7. On the long run, this will be to the benefit of the entire Delta, as this boost further economic and social growth of our main economic town.

8. It is obvious that you have started your tenure very well and I am confident you will extend this pattern to other major towns in the state. Already, I understand that you have awarded similar contracts for work in some of the Federal highways connecting some of the major towns. I do hope that these would all be carried out by reputable contractors so that the fate which befell your predecessors of a string of uncompleted jobs will not repeat itself. Be confident that you have my full support and encouragement. I want you to be at liberty to always reach me whenever my attention is needed for counsel and needed support.

9. Finally, my dear son, you have started well, in the fulfillment of your promise to the people of Delta State and I urge you to carry on with your good works. My fatherly prayers and good wishes are with you always.

CHIEF (DR.) E.K. CLARK OFR, CON