Delta APC Addresses Allegation Of N450 Billion Delta’s Debt Profile Under Gov. Oborevwori

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State under the chairmanship of Elder Omeni Sobotie, has reacted to allegations by pro-democracy activist, Prince Collins Eselemo of an alleged N450 billion debt profile by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Oborevwori recently defected to the APC.

Eselemo had queried the economic implications of absorbing the PDP defectors into the APC, particularly regarding the Delta State Government debt burden.

He questioned who to pay the alleged misappropriated fund under the PDP administration, saying  “if the APC is expected to repay the PDP’s N450 billion debt using state resources, let them say so”, he cautioned.

He, however firmly rejected the idea of Oborevwori assuming leadership of the party in the state, labeling him a political liability to the APC.

But in a reaction, Delta APC said that Eselemo who made the allegations among others on national television, has unbroken record of blackmail, betrayal and serial party prostitution. 

State Publicity Secretary of the party, Valentine Onojeghuo Esq., in  a statement said that it is highly irresponsible and malicious for Eselemo to make such statement wherein he made the ludicrous and utterly unfounded claims.

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Describing it as reckless comment, Onojeghuo said that the  allegation of mismanagement of N450 billion which was entirely devoid of fact, logic or merit, is yet another desperate attempt by a “discredited political opportunist to peddle lies and sow division for selfish gain’.

“Let it be stated clearly and unambiguously: there is no iota of truth in Eselemo’s baseless accusations. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration has been consistently applauded across the board for its prudent financial management, transparency in governance and fiscal responsibility. Since assuming office, the Governor has not borrowed a single kobo in domestic or external loans-a fact that is publicly verifiable and unprecedented in recent Delta State history”.

“It is laughable, yet regrettable, that someone of Eselemo’s highly questionable character would have the audacity and the morality to speak on matters of leadership and integrity. This is a man whose political resume is stained with an unbroken record of blackmail, betrayal and serial party prostitution. As at the last count in 2023, he contested elections under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and to the best knowledge of Delta APC, he has never been formally received, registered or recognized as a member of our Party. Any claim by him to APC membership is fraudulent, deceitful and should be treated as such by the public and the media.

“Eselemo’s vitriolic rant is not only ill-conceived and intellectually bankrupt, it is also a clear case of a hungry misfit clutching at straws in a futile quest for political relevance. Delta APC wishes to make it abundantly clear that Collins Eselemo speaks only for himself and certainly not for our Party. His wild and cantankerous allegations do not reflect the views, principles or standards of Delta APC and the generality of its members.

“We will not sit idly while political blackmailers seek to undermine the peace and development of our State through media theatrics and blackmail. Delta APC remains a party of discipline, structure and ideology-not a sanctuary for political vagabonds looking for their next platform of convenience.

He, however, called on well-meaning Deltans and the general public to completely disregard the “infantile, misguided and self-serving utterances of Mr. Eselemo”. 

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“He is not a stakeholder in APC and lacks the moral or political standing to comment on matters concerning the leadership or direction of our Party.

The party said that Governor Oborevwori remains committed and focus on development, stability and accountability, which continues to win him praise across party lines.

“APC in Delta State will continue to work with all leaders-within and outside the Party-who demonstrate integrity, vision and commitment to the welfare and good of the people of Delta State”, the statement added.