….calls for accountability over public funds, transparent project records and evidence-based commitments from politicians seeking Oghara votes
The Common Good Letter, which identifies itself with the principles of People, Accountability, Justice and Development, has called on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to look beyond the commissioning ceremony of the Oghareki Model Technical College and address the pressing challenges confronting residents of Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement titled “Governor Oborevwori Should Listen to Oghara Beyond the Commissioning Ceremony,” the letter welcomes the governor’s visit to Oghara for the commissioning of Oghareki Model Technical College but insists that the occasion should also provide an opportunity to address residents’ concerns about flooding, roads, insecurity, healthcare and accountability in the management of public funds.
Authored by Rev. David Ugolor, the letter emphasises that while investment in technical education is commendable, the needs of residents extend beyond the commissioning of infrastructure to the provision of essential services, effective governance and measurable development.
The letter identifies flooding as one of the major challenges confronting Oghara, noting that the problem has damaged homes and disrupted businesses, with residents also facing inadequate roads and drainage infrastructure.
It further raises concerns about insecurity and the condition of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, while criticising the response of Ethiope West Local Government to the challenges confronting the people.
Highlighting the problems, the letter states: “The Governor’s visit is also an opportunity to confront the problems residents live with every day. Flooding has damaged homes and disrupted businesses. Roads and drainage need attention. Residents have raised concerns about insecurity and the condition of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital. The response from Ethiope West Local Government has fallen short of what people facing these problems need.”
The concerns outlined in the letter point to interconnected development challenges requiring coordinated intervention by the state government and the local government council.
The letter does not provide financial figures or specific project records to quantify the extent of the problems. However, it calls for the relevant authorities to disclose public expenditure and demonstrate what has been achieved with the resources allocated to Oghara.
The Common Good Letter cautions against relying exclusively on political allies and supporters to understand the situation in Oghara and urges Governor Oborevwori to engage directly with those affected by flooding, poor infrastructure and concerns about healthcare delivery, arguing that their experiences should inform the government’s response.
“We urge the Governor to listen to flood victims, patients, health workers, business owners and residents of neglected streets. He should hear them directly, beyond the political allies and praise singers who may present a more comfortable account of Oghara.”
The appeal places emphasis on direct engagement with residents rather than relying solely on official briefings or accounts from political supporters.
It suggests that a meaningful assessment of Oghara’s development needs should take into account the experiences of people whose homes, businesses, access to healthcare and daily movements are affected by the identified problems.
Such engagement, the letter argues, would give the governor an opportunity to obtain a clearer picture of conditions in the community and determine the interventions required from the state and local governments.
Beyond the immediate challenges facing Oghara, the letter raises questions about accountability in the management of public resources earmarked for infrastructure and essential services.
It argues that residents should be able to establish how much money has been allocated and released for drainage, flood control, roads and the teaching hospital, how the money has been spent, and whether the projects have delivered the intended results.
The letter asks both state and local authorities to provide answers on the funding and implementation of projects in Oghara.
“The visit should prompt clear questions for both state and local authorities: How much public money has been allocated and released for Oghara’s drainage, flood control, roads and hospital? What has been spent, on which projects, and with what results? Who is responsible for work that remains unfinished? Ethiope West Local Government should publish its answers, alongside project locations, contractors, payment records and completion status. Public funds must be accounted for in terms residents can check against conditions on the ground.”
The letter’s demand goes beyond general assurances that government is working to improve conditions in Oghara. It calls for verifiable information that would enable residents to compare public expenditure with the state of infrastructure and the progress of projects in their communities.
The Common Good Letter also demands a more structured response to flooding, including a funded plan with clearly identified officials and deadlines.
It calls for an independent assessment of waterways and natural catchment areas to determine the factors contributing to the flooding problem.
The letter specifically raises the question of whether land use and fencing in areas controlled by the Nigerian Navy may have affected the movement or storage of water.
“Oghara also needs a funded flood plan with named officials and deadlines. An independent assessment should examine blocked waterways and natural catchment areas, including whether land use and fencing in areas controlled by the Nigerian Navy have affected the movement or storage of water. The Governor should set out a timetable for improving roads, responding to local security concerns and restoring reliable services at the teaching hospital.”
With another election season approaching, the Common Good Letter has also challenged politicians seeking the support of Oghara voters to demonstrate how they intend to address the community’s problems.
“As election season approaches, Oghara’s voters will judge candidates by evidence and results. Those seeking their votes should show how they will address flooding, roads, security and the hospitals, explain what their plans will cost, and account for the resources already spent. Oghara votes must be earned through service to its people.”