Delta @ 35: CDHR Calls For Industrialisation, Jobs, True Dividends Of Democracy

As Delta State marks 35 years of existence, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Delta State Branch, has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to move governance beyond rhetoric, sugar-coated politics and party considerations, and deliver the true dividends of democracy to the people.

The call was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of CDHR Delta State Branch, Comr. Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, and the Publicity Secretary, Comrade Godswill Nosa Overseey.

The group said Delta State was richly blessed with God-given natural resources, particularly as a core state in the Niger Delta, noting that the resources contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy, while their impact on the lives of Deltans remains grossly inadequate.

CDHR described the 35th anniversary as a moment for sober reflection rather than rhetoric, arguing that successive administrations since the return to democracy in 1999 had largely followed a similar pattern of huge expenditure on politics and recurrent projects, with limited sustainable impact on the people.

“Billions in taxpayers’ money have been committed to projects that remain uncompleted or have failed, while allegations of mismanagement, diversion, and poor oversight persist,” the group said, describing the situation as a sad narrative that should not be bequeathed to future generations.

The human rights body, however, acknowledged what it described as commendable strides by the current administration in road and flyover projects at strategic locations, including legacy projects handled by Julius Berger.

It stressed that while infrastructure remained important, roads alone could not solve the state’s developmental challenges.

According to CDHR, “For 35 years, governance in Delta has centered on road construction and empowerment schemes. If not for years of governance failures, Delta should have moved far beyond this.”

The organisation noted that with trillions of naira accruing to Delta State from the Federation Account, the state had no excuse not to pursue aggressive industrialisation and economic diversification beyond oil.

CDHR therefore urged Governor Oborevwori to establish a Delta State Industrialisation Team to drive mass industrialisation and economic growth.

It also called for purposeful infrastructure development aimed at connecting the riverine and mainland economies and integrating all parts of the state.

The group further urged the governor to engage the Federal Government on the rehabilitation and activation of the Warri, Koko, Sapele and Forcados ports, arguing that the facilities should be made functional enough to compete with the ports in Lagos.

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According to CDHR, the strategic location of the ports makes them capable of serving major commercial centres such as Onitsha, Nnewi, Owerri and Aba.

“Functional ports will generate massive revenue and create thousands of jobs for our youths,” the statement added.

The organisation also called on the state government to prioritise human capital development, stressing that governance must put money in the pockets of residents and improve their ability to afford basic necessities, including food and healthcare.

CDHR said Delta @ 35 should serve as a turning point for the state, providing an opportunity to reevaluate areas where successive administrations had underperformed and chart a new course for sustainable development.

The group urged the Oborevwori administration to seek a legacy beyond road construction and empowerment schemes by focusing on industrialisation, job creation and prosperity.

“The people of Delta deserve more than politics. They deserve progress,” CDHR declared.