The Delta State Government has dismissed claims that it owes over N400 billion, describing the allegation as false and completely detached from reality. The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, made this known in an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today.

According to Aniagwu, Governor Oborevwori has not borrowed a single dime since assuming office and has instead repaid over N280 billion in loans and contractual obligations inherited from the previous administration. “No one is owing N400 billion. Since Governor Oborevwori assumed office, he has not borrowed a single dime. In fact, he has repaid over N280 billion in loans and contractual obligations, many of which were inherited from the previous administration and tied to bridging finance,” Aniagwu said.

The commissioner also responded to comments made by Delta APC stalwart Collins Eselemo, who had questioned the government’s development initiatives in oil-producing communities. Aniagwu emphasized that Delta State’s emergence as the country’s highest oil-producing state is due to investments in peace and development in these communities.

“One of the key reasons we have not experienced significant pipeline vandalism in Delta is because we extended development to the creeks, where most of the oil is extracted,” Aniagwu said. “Eselemo questions the economic importance of developing the creeks, but that is precisely why Delta is a leading oil-producing state because our brothers and sisters in the creeks have been empowered and included.”

On infrastructure development, Aniagwu mentioned that the government has completed road projects in Burutu Town, with the Ayakoromo Bridge under construction and work ongoing on the Ogulaha-Okonti-Odimodi Road. He also stated that the 47-kilometer Ohoror-Bomadi road is being built.

Regarding claims that Julius Berger bridges in Effurun and Warri are within a 400-meter stretch, Aniagwu dismissed the allegation as false and misleading. “He claimed that the bridges being constructed in Effurun and Warri are only 400 meters apart. That’s not true. One of the bridges alone exceeds 400 meters in length and we are building three,” he said.

Aniagwu expressed confusion about Eselemo’s stance, saying, “I really don’t understand where Eselemo stands. He is moving from one argument to another without any consistency or clarity.” He added that the government’s move to the APC is aimed at broadening the spectrum of development in Delta State.

“You heard the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. He acknowledged that everyone has come together. The APC leaders we met have all welcomed the move,” Aniagwu said, urging Eselemo to reflect on his position.