BY AUSTIN OYIBODE
A concerned indigene of Ogwashi-Uku, headquarters of Aniocha South local government council, Onwuegbuzie O’Brien, has raised an impassioned alarm over what he described as the continued marginalisation of his hometown in the developmental plans of the Delta State Government.
In a strongly worded statement, O’Brien questioned whether Ogwashi-Uku, the headquarters of Aniocha South Local Government Area, still holds its rightful place within the state’s development agenda under the current administration led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
“I am beginning to doubt if Ogwashi-Uku is in Delta State anymore,” O’Brien lamented, referencing the Governor’s “MORE Agenda” which he claims has consistently bypassed the community in state projects and infrastructure development.
He accused the state government of sidelining Ogwashi-Uku while pouring significant investments into other local government areas, including the recent approval of a ₦59 billion bridge project in Agbor.
O’Brien suggested that even a fraction of that amount, ₦10 billion, could have addressed pressing infrastructure needs in Ogwashi-Uku.
Highlighting the UBU River Bridge as an example, he noted that although it is often touted as a major project, it benefits a wider region and not primarily Ogwashi-Uku.
“Our member in the Delta State House of Assembly should explain to us why this marginalisation is continuing more loudly than ever,” he added, expressing frustration over perceived silence or inaction from local representatives.
O’Brien also pointed to an apparent lack of transparency and oversight in the management of local government funds, stating that Aniocha South has seen no visible development projects for years, unlike neighboring LGAs such as Aniocha North, Oshimili North and South, and the Ika axis.
“We are not just sure what the fault of Ogwashi-Uku is anymore,” he said. “This is no longer funny, and Ndi Ogwashi-Uku truly needs an explanation.”
The statement called on Governor Oborevwori to “revisit this seeming neglect” and to ensure that Ogwashi-Uku is no longer excluded from the developmental benefits enjoyed by other regions of Delta State.
