Delta Hardship: Mrakpor Blames Oborevwori, Says Tinubu Not Responsible

Despite substantial federal allocations to Delta State, many residents are still battling rising living costs and economic hardship. Now, PDP governorship candidate Peter Mrakpor is questioning how Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration is spending the state’s resources.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Delta State, Mr Peter Adogbejiri Mrakpor, SAN, has blamed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s handling of state resources for the hardship experienced by residents, insisting that President Bola Tinubu should not be held responsible for the situation.

Mrakpor argued that the growing economic difficulties confronting many Deltans have more to do with how the state government manages its financial resources than the Federal Government’s allocation system.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria made the remarks during a political engagement, where he maintained that the Federal Government had continued to meet its financial obligations to Delta State.

He also noted that Governor Oborevwori had repeatedly acknowledged receiving substantial allocations from the Federal Government.

According to him, the major concern should be how the funds received by the state are being utilised to improve the living conditions of residents.

“The President has no fault in the hardship Deltans are experiencing. The governor has never said that money is not coming from the Federal Government. In fact, he has consistently announced that Delta State is receiving huge allocations. The real question is: where is the money going?” Mrakpor said.

He expressed concern that despite the reported increase in revenue accruing to the state, many households continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, unemployment and the difficulty of meeting basic needs.

The PDP governorship candidate argued that the failure to translate available resources into tangible improvements in the lives of residents had contributed to the growing public dissatisfaction with the state government.

He further maintained that blaming President Tinubu for the hardship in Delta State was misplaced, insisting that the state government should take responsibility for how funds under its control are managed.

“The governor’s failure to translate these enormous resources into improved welfare has created the impression that Mr President is responsible for the suffering. That perception is misplaced. The responsibility lies with the state government to ensure that federal allocations are transformed into meaningful development and relief for the people,” he added.

Mrakpor also defended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as difficult but necessary measures aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy for sustainable growth.

He urged Deltans to distinguish between the responsibilities of the Federal Government and those of state governments, stressing that governors should be held accountable for their management of public resources and delivery of essential services.

The PDP chieftain also called on residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that continued support for the President would sustain ongoing national development initiatives.

He concluded by urging citizens to assess political leadership based on service delivery, accountability and the effective use of public funds, noting that the ultimate measure of governance should be its impact on the people’s welfare.