Delta 2027: ‘Deltans Are Suffering, Not Celebrating You’ — GOMEP Otiti Blasts Oborevwori Over TV Claims
“Media activist Akpovoke Otiti has criticized Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over comments suggesting Deltans support his administration ahead of the 2027 elections. Otiti argues that worsening economic hardship, unemployment, high living costs and inadequate economic opportunities remain major concerns for residents despite government claims of widespread public satisfaction.”
“As political activities ahead of the 2027 elections begin to intensify, a fierce debate has erupted in Delta State after media activist Akpovoke Otiti accused Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of being disconnected from the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. The criticism followed the governor’s televised remarks suggesting that Deltans are satisfied with his administration—a claim Otiti insists does not reflect the realities of unemployment, rising living costs and economic hardship facing many residents.”
ASABA — Media activist and public affairs commentator, Akpovoke Otiti, has launched a scathing criticism of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, over recent remarks made on national television suggesting that Deltans support his administration and would align with his political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Otiti described the governor’s comments as “a grave disconnect from the harsh realities confronting ordinary citizens,” arguing that many residents continue to grapple with economic hardship, unemployment, poor infrastructure and rising living costs.
According to the activist, public declarations of popularity cannot replace measurable improvements in the welfare and living conditions of the people.
“It is shocking that a governor presiding over widespread hardship would go on national television to suggest that all is well. Deltans are suffering despite the enormous resources available to the state. People cannot eat political speeches,” Otiti said.
Furthermore, he accused the administration of placing excessive emphasis on political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections rather than prioritizing urgent socio-economic challenges affecting residents.
He alleged that thousands of children remain out of school, while Delta State continues to contend with some of the highest housing costs in the country.
“Deltans do not need political sermons. They need jobs, functioning industries, affordable housing, stable electricity and economic opportunities. Governance should not be reduced to political propaganda,” he stated.
In addition, Otiti criticized what he described as the governor’s failure to engage directly with journalists through a formal statewide press briefing since assuming office.
“Previous administrations maintained the tradition of regular press briefings. Since becoming governor, Oborevwori has not subjected his administration to such scrutiny, yet he continues to speak as though every Deltan is satisfied with the state of affairs,” he alleged.
The public affairs commentator also challenged the administration’s claims on job creation, arguing that sustainable employment can only be achieved through industrialization, private-sector investment and economic expansion.
“What industrial hubs have been established? Where are the major agricultural programmes capable of employing thousands of youths? Where is the state-owned transport system that can create jobs and stimulate economic activities?” he queried.
While acknowledging the government’s emphasis on infrastructure development, Otiti argued that many residents remain unconvinced that such projects have translated into meaningful economic relief.
“Deltans are looking beyond flyovers. They want industries, factories, investment opportunities and policies that put food on the table. Labour-intensive construction projects alone cannot solve the unemployment crisis,” he said.
He also faulted the governor’s repeated emphasis on political alliances and support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that governance should take precedence over partisan considerations.
“Nobody is stopping Governor Oborevwori from supporting any political project of his choice. However, governance must come first. The people expect solutions to hardship, not endless political campaigns,” he stated.
Otiti further questioned the benefits Delta State has derived from its political relationship with the Federal Government, citing concerns over infrastructure deficits and broader economic development initiatives.
According to him, Delta residents are carefully monitoring developments and will ultimately assess political leaders based on their performance, policies and impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
“The people are watching. No amount of political grandstanding can erase the realities confronting citizens. Leadership is about improving lives, not making boastful declarations on television,” he added.
