The Concerned Delta Stakeholders (CDS) has alleged that the former minority leader of the house of representatives, Mr Ndudi Elumelu, has beguiled the voters of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency with the commissioning of projects he calls new but are false in every material particular.
In a release jointly signed by Messrs Boyitie Ejoor, chairman and Kenneth Chiejine, secretary, the CDS expressed concern about politicians misleading the people and further deepening their disappointment and loss of confidence in the Nigerian ruling class.
“Much as we love Hon. Ndudi Elumelu for his energy and passion to attract projects for his federal constituency of Aniocha/Oshimili, we are bothered that most of these projects are truly not fresh projects in the real sense of it, but built a few years back or partially completed and in some cases never in use,” the CDS said.
The group questioned the rational for the media blitz of Elumelu’s project commissioning, saying “there is more to these ‘projects’ than meets the eye.
It said the number of projects listed for commissioning across communities in the four local government areas that make up the federal constituency has been the subject of debate.
“Already, many of the indigenes have started to interrogate some of these projects. And aside the physical structure of many of these projects, they remain largely unequipped and never put to use.
“Speaking of the intrigues and skepticism associated with the kind of politicking being played by Hon. Elumelu and his cronies, one might be tempted to ask, if it is only to serve the large interest of people or is there something else.
“Although Hon. Ndudi Elumelu is no stranger to controversy because he has always been embroiled in different controversies, luckily for him, he always comes out most times unscratched,” the CDS said.
It expressed worry that the former house of minority leader was inadvertently dragging the name of the governor of Delta State, Mr Sheriff Oborevwori “into his political manoeuvring that seems to prioritise personal ego over substance.”
The group further expressed concern that in one of the gatherings during the project commissioning, “Elumelu in company of Chief Solomon Arenyeka, State Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other party stalwarts accentuated the claim of the governor’s backing, possibly to gain some legitimacy of the commissioning of his bogus projects.”
The CDS, however, said the governor does not need Elumelu to shore up his quality infrastructural delivery for the state under his Meaningful Development, Opportunities for all, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security (MORE) Agenda.
“We have been watching with keen interest the systematic approach and the dogged determination of…Oborevwori… to governance leading to the massive deployment of infrastructure and transformation of Delta State.
“Oborevwori has been so recognised with awards and commendations both within and outside Nigeria. So, he should not be distracted or drawn into mindless controversy of any sort due to what is now widely believed as “one man’s ambition” to represent his people by all means possible, including subterfuge.
“Oborevwori has consistently cautioned against politicking for 2027. This wise governor, it must be stated, wants everyone to remain focused and by so doing, working synergy with him to delivery on his MORE agenda for the prosperity of all Deltans,” the group said.
As stakeholders, the group said “we align unreservedly with the advice of…Oborevwori to our politicians so he can remain focused on his promises for Deltans.
Consequently, it frowned upon Elumelu’s flagrant disregard to the governor’s directive against engaging in mindless politicking before the time for politics begins.
It advised Elumelu and his team “to desist from dragging the name of Oborevwori into baseless and mindless politicking.”
As the conscience of the society, the CDS also appealed to “our politicians to learn to do things right,” stressing that “good leaders are expected to maintain a high level of integrity” which could only be achieved “if we all adhere to established ethical standards of best practices.”
“We must be mindful that the younger ones are watching us with keen interest.
“It is our responsibility to set a positive example through our commitment to values like honesty, empathy and accountability,” the group stated.
