Delta gov knocks Nwoko over project funding demand

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has responded sharply to Senator Ned Nwoko’s call for state funding of the Okpai Independent Power Project (IPP). Nwoko had urged the governor to fund the project to supply 100 megawatts (MW) of power to local communities.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, Oborevwori emphasised the separation of powers among different government tiers. He argued that Nwoko should focus on his legislative role and work with President Bola Tinubu and other National Assembly members to secure benefits for his district.

“If Senator Nwoko believes in the importance of the Okpai IPP, he should work through the Federal Government, not press the state government to fund it,” Ifeajika stated.

He clarified that the Okpai IPP, which began in 2002 and was completed in 2005, falls under federal jurisdiction.

The project was designed to generate power for the national grid, and any issues related to its distribution are the responsibility of the Federal Government.

The statement criticised Nwoko for what it described as attempts to coerce the state government into using state funds for the project, which was not initiated by the state.

It pointed out that the senator’s own constituency faces significant infrastructure issues, such as deteriorating roads, which also require attention.

“Senator Nwoko should focus on advocating for federal action to step down the power as agreed, rather than pressuring the governor to use state funds for federal projects,” the statement read.

The governor’s office called for a collaborative approach between the senator and the state government, suggesting that as the sole PDP senator from Delta State, Nwoko should work constructively with Oborevwori to address both local and federal issues.

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