Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Delta State Governorship Candidate, has challenged Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to publish the full spending accounts of Delta State from 2023 to 2026. Iyovwaye's call followed Governor Oborevwori's Independence Day speech, where he urged Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, courage, and patriotism. Iyovwaye argued that citizens have already sacrificed enough and need leadership that leads by example.
Iyovwaye criticized the state's recent fiscal management, accusing the current administration of increasing its own operational budgets yearly from 2024 to 2026 without justifiable cause. He stated that sacrifice must be seen in the budget, adding that Delta is one of the richest states in Nigeria, yet there is nothing much on the ground to show for it. Iyovwaye demanded that the state government publish a clear breakdown of all internal revenues and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations received between 2023 and 2026.
The NDC Gubernatorial Candidate specifically requested that the state government explain the exact percentage of the 2025 FAAC windfall directed toward job-creating capital projects versus recurrent expenditure and political settlements. He also sought an explanation regarding unresolved violence within the state, which Iyovwaye argued points to a weak adherence to the rule of law. The critique focused heavily on economic stagnation and youth unemployment, which Iyovwaye noted stands at a staggering 40.36% generally, and upwards of 64% among the active youth demographic.
Iyovwaye questioned the state's decision to fund expensive national summits while Delta's four primary ports—Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu—remain completely idle. According to Iyovwaye, these ports possess the potential to generate over 50,000 jobs for the youth, who are currently fleeing the state in search of better opportunities elsewhere. He emphasized that patriotism is not a sermon, but a job, a working port, and a working hospital.
Despite the administration's implementation of a N77,500 minimum wage, skyrocketing inflation and the high cost of living have rendered the gesture ineffective. Iyovwaye countered that faith without works is dead and that seeking peace requires structural development. He concluded that what Delta needs now is not another Thanksgiving speech, but a 'RESET' to transparency, industrialization, and real job creation.
Iyovwaye urged Deltans to remain prayerful but highly watchful of government expenditure. At the time of filing this report, the Delta State Government had not issued an official response to the demands for the publication of its financial records. The NDC Governorship Candidate's demands have sparked a heated debate about the state's fiscal management and the need for greater transparency.
The state's economic situation and Iyovwaye's demands have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the current administration's policies. The youth unemployment rate and the idle ports have become pressing issues that require attention. As the state moves forward, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to Iyovwaye's demands and address the pressing issues facing the state.
Key points
- Deacon Chris Iyovwaye challenges Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to publish Delta State's spending accounts from 2023 to 2026.
- Iyovwaye criticizes the state's fiscal management, citing increased operational budgets without justifiable cause.
- The NDC Governorship Candidate demands a 'RESET' to transparency, industrialization, and real job creation in Delta State.
