2027: Better Vision Will Make Dubai Out of Delta, Says LP’s Ken Pela 

–         Tasks Oborevwori on more accountable governance

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba 

Delta State has all the potentials to be transformed into an infrastructural and technologically advanced subnational state in Nigeria comparable to modern Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), if visionary and accountable leadership was in place.

The 2023 governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Delta State, Kennedy Pela, also known as Ken Pela, who made the assertion in Asaba, said Delta State has lagged behind in all critical sectors of the economy and development due to lack of a clear vision by the leadership since 1999, thus creating a disconnect between government and the people.

Speaking in Asaba during a press conference and unveiling of a unique development blueprint, the ‘Vision Better Delta Movement’ (VBDM) over the weekend, Deacon Pela said that all the performance parameters indicated that successive governments in the state have squandered both the resources and goodwill of the people under the current democratic dispensation.

Churning out tens of pages of statistics based on elaborate research, Pela said that Delta State even had some advantage over Dubai in 1999 especially in terms of mineral and human resources, but has not much to show for these resources owing to poor leadership vision.

He claimed that well-meaning Deltans were not satisfied with the poor vision and pace of development as government’s financial accountability was dismal still, about 26 years since restoration of democracy in Nigeria, and two years into the tenure of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The new movement was aimed at addressing a litany of deficiencies in the governance of the current state administration under Governor Oborevwori, which he said he had watched keenly and given the benefit of doubt but become disappointed at the end of the waiting.

Moreover, Pela outlined his publication of the third edition of ‘Letter to Deltans,’ prompted by the patient watch, which will serve as a mid-term report card evaluating Governor Oborevwori’s tenure so far, detailing accomplishments, shortcomings, and the ongoing disconnect between the government and the people.

Pela’s articulated concerns regarding what he describes as Oborevwori’s “low vision” and poor management of the state’s resources are contained in the newsletter.

In a media statement yesterday, the for LP gubernatorial candidate noted that Delta State had received an astonishing N626.8 billion in revenue during the first half of 2024 – marking it as the highest in the country, lamenting the state government lack of transparency, citing discrepancies in recorded debt figures and the absence of accessible financial records for public scrutiny.

Pela said, “The citizens of Delta State deserve to know how state funds are spent, what achievements have been made, and who truly benefits from these allocations. Until we instill accountability in our resource management, the cycle of waste will persist.

“Governance must prioritize the protection of lives and property. We must shield the most vulnerable from harm.”

Addressing Governor Oborevwori directly, Pela said, “You have two remaining years to lead boldly, or risk being remembered for missed opportunities. Choose legacy over loyalty, reform over routine, and transparency over theatrics. The time to act is now, and the people of Delta are watching.”

Earlier at the unveiling of the VBDM, Pela emphasized that the initiative was a collaborative effort derived from community discussions and consensus.

The former LP governorship candidate said, “This is not a personal declaration; this is a collective civic affirmation aimed at restoring integrity in governance, rebuilding functional institutions, and unlocking inclusive prosperity across Delta State.

“The VBDM is characterized not as a political party, but rather as a civic platform. It strives to unite diverse voices in the pursuit of overarching goals of Righteousness, Harmony, and Prosperity – principles that will guide the movement’s actions and accountability mechanisms.”

 “This is your movement,” he stated while urging Deltans home and the Diaspora, to advocate for meaningful change.”

He hopes, through the launch of the Vision Better Delta Movement, to mobilize citizens for a transformative agenda focused on accountability and prosperity, tackling the governance challenges facing Delta State head-on.