Former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has praised Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his remarkable achievements in infrastructure and development since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
In an open letter dated January 17, 2025, and made available to journalists in Abuja, Clark, a prominent Ijaw leader and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, lauded the governor’s efforts in transforming Warri into a commercial hub and addressing long-standing infrastructural challenges across Delta State.
Clark admitted that he did not support Oborevwori during the 2023 Delta State gubernatorial election but said the governor’s progress has earned his respect and admiration.
Highlighting the revitalisation of Warri, Clark noted that the city, once neglected, is being restored to its status as a major commercial centre. “Warri is fast becoming a sight to behold, returning to its old self,” Clark wrote. “The famous Warri Township, which had been reduced to a shadow of itself, is being revitalised under Oborevwori’s leadership.”
He credited the governor’s collaboration with Julius Berger Construction Company, which is executing critical projects, including three flyovers, a cloverleaf interchange, pedestrian bridges, and ancillary road expansions at the DSC Roundabout. These projects, valued at ₦78 billion, are already making significant progress.
“The Enerhen Junction, once a death trap, is undergoing a transformation with the ongoing flyover construction,” Clark stated.
The elder statesman contrasted the current administration’s focus on densely populated areas like Warri and Uvwie with previous governments, which he accused of prioritising less populated regions. He cited the ongoing rehabilitation of the long-neglected Asaba-Ughelli Road as evidence of Oborevwori’s commitment to ensuring all parts of the state benefit from development.
“Today, the story is different. Almost all parts of the state are feeling the impact of Governor Oborevwori’s developments,” Clark added.
Clark commended the governor for paying off a debt of over ₦300 billion incurred by the previous administration while prioritising people-centred projects over political patronage. He urged Oborevwori to continue his equitable development approach, particularly in oil-producing communities, which he said have long been neglected.
He specifically called for the completion of the Ayakromo Bridge and the Gberegolor/Esama Bridge, urging the state to collaborate with the Niger Delta Development Commission on these projects. Clark also advocated for establishing a tertiary institution in the Ijaw region, lamenting the lack of educational advancement in the area despite its contributions to the state’s revenue.
“The only significant project carried out by the various governments in the Ijaw area is the Kpakiama Bomodi Bridge. It is ironic that areas contributing significant revenue to the state are overlooked in favour of less resourceful regions,” Clark lamented.
Clark urged Governor Oborevwori to remain focused on his developmental agenda while addressing the needs of oil-producing communities. “I am not a praise singer. I speak the truth,” he affirmed. “Governor Oborevwori has achieved remarkable progress in development and democracy enhancement in Delta State. I urge him to continue undistracted, ensuring no community is left behind.”
Reflecting on his political journey, Clark outlined his contributions to the creation of the Midwest Region, which later evolved into Delta State. He recalled his involvement in key historical events, including the agitation for the Midwest Region’s creation in 1963 and his efforts to support various governors in the state’s political history.
“I challenge anyone to claim otherwise, to show or prove any governor of Delta State who has achieved so much within such a short period as Sheriff Oborevwori has since assuming office,” Clark declared.
The elder statesman expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership, urging him to maintain his focus on equitable development for all regions of Delta State.