The New Delta Coalition (NDC) has called out the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Delta State Governor, Festus Ahon, for allegedly misrepresenting a well-intentioned Christmas message by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, former Deputy President of the Senate, to score cheap political points.
Reacting to widely circulated reports on various online platforms on Tuesday, reportedly authored by one Alaowei Okoronwanta, the coalition described the distortion of Senator Omo-Agege’s message as a troubling act of misinformation and unethical conduct.
In a statement signed by Mr. Godwin Anaughe, NDC noted that Festus Ahon, as the governor’s official spokesperson, should act responsibly in his communications.
The coalition accused Ahon of attributing sentiments to Senator Omo-Agege that reflect the Delta state government’s thoughts on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies, rather than the Senator’s views.
“We strongly condemn the blatant misrepresentation of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’s Christmas message by Alaowei Okoronwanta, an alias used by Festus Ahon. This misinformation is particularly concerning given Ahon’s position as the governor’s chief press secretary,” the statement read.
The coalition emphasized that Senator Omo-Agege’s Christmas message was focused on unity, hope, and support for President Tinubu’s economic reforms. His message highlighted the challenges facing Nigeria while advocating for the importance of reforms to achieve long-term stability and prosperity.
“Ahon’s attempt to misrepresent Senator Omo-Agege’s Christmas message is an evil or demonic effort to ascribe to Omo-Agege what Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his administration actually think about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies.
“Senator Omo-Agege’s original message was a call to unity, hope, and support for the federal government’s economic reforms. His message acknowledged Nigeria’s challenges while highlighting the necessity of reforms for long-term growth and prosperity.
“The former Deputy President of the Senate’s message was balanced, thoughtful, and reflective of his commitment to President Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the well-being of Nigerians.
“In contrast, the fabricated story attributed to Alaowei Okoronwanta is a gross misrepresentation of Senator Omo-Agege’s views by the Delta state government.
“Governor Oborevwori’s public declarations of support for President Tinubu’s administration are therefore questionable, considering his aide’s public criticism of the president’s policies. It’s classic voice of Jacob and hand of Esau.
The statement further criticized the Delta state government for sponsoring misleading narratives that undermine federal initiatives. It called on the government to promote truthful and accurate information rather than spreading propaganda.
“This inconsistency raises serious concerns about the Delta state government’s actual position on President Tinubu’s reform agenda. Such actions undermine public trust and cast doubt on the governor’s sincerity and character,” the coalition remarked.
“Governor Oborevwori is only playing political games with the president, as his actions and those of his aides and commissioners do not align with his statements of support.
“Mere public declarations of support are insufficient; tangible actions and policies must substantiate such assertions. Unfortunately, the governor’s track record suggests otherwise.”
The NDC urged the public to disregard the fabricated story and instead focus on Senator Omo-Agege’s original message, which it described as “balanced, thoughtful, and reflective of his commitment to Nigeria’s progress.”
It also called on Festus Ahon and the Delta state government to maintain ethical standards and uphold the truth in public communications.
