Okowa’s Legacy: Uncovering the Bitterness Behind Delta’s Transformative Leader (OPINION)
By Iwemdi Nwaham
The recent media frenzy surrounding the purported detention of Delta State’s former governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has shed light on an enduring trend – Okowa, despite his achievements, has not always enjoyed a favourable press. The reasons remain his alone to know precisely, but as a former detractor turned observer, I might hazard a guess: his intense focus on planning, his strategic manoeuvres, and his drive to achieve results appear to have cultivated animosity among some.
In 2014, the state capital’s infrastructure was in disarray. Okpanam Road, a vital link to Asaba, was barely passable during the rainy season, with the road’s notorious floods making it perilous to navigate. Residents cursed the political class, venting frustration over Delta’s lack of adequate drainage and road infrastructure. Previous administrations bore the brunt of these frustrations. On the Lagos-Onitsha expressway, blocked by circumstances I can scarcely recall, motorists were forced to detour into Asaba, facing roads in a pitiable state – narrow, poorly lit, and devoid of drainage.
Then Okowa took office, bringing his characteristic methodical planning. He assembled a dedicated team and envisioned a revolutionary storm drainage system for Asaba, eliminating the once-deadly floods that plagued the city. Now, residents walk without fear of being washed away, but they have quickly forgotten the life-changing impact of these developments.
Across the Asaba capital territory – from Ogwashi-Uku to Ibusa, Issele Azagba, Okpanam, Oko, and Asaba itself – roads now boast drainage systems and well-tarred surfaces. Yet, in Okpanam, where road projects abound, some still insist that the well-constructed roads are National Development Commission (NDDC) initiatives, ignoring Delta State’s direct role despite clear signage.
The Ughelli-Asaba road, now grand and majestic, owes its current state to the groundwork Okowa laid, a legacy his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has been keen to continue. However, those from the Effurun-Warri region protest that they were sidelined, though Okowa set in motion storm drainage plans and diligently maintained the roads there year-round.
The criticisms extend to the Warri stadium, which pales next to Asaba’s Stephen Keshi Stadium. Yet the stadium’s state is due to delayed storm drainage, a priority for Okowa before any significant upgrade could be sustained. His legacy of storm drainage contracts is now allowing his successor to launch transformative projects for Warri’s revitalisation, a feat even critics grudgingly acknowledge.
Okowa’s legacy in education remains strong. He established numerous institutions across Delta, enabling them to operate uninterrupted even during federal and state university strikes. Delta State universities remained open while others shut down, with lecturers acknowledging that Okowa had met their demands long before their counterparts resorted to strikes.
Perhaps most divisive of all was Okowa’s involvement in supporting his successor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. Many Deltans resent his influence, labelling him a political godfather. Yet in Nigeria, it is common for governors to endorse successors, a universal feature of political legacies. Okowa himself was not backed by his predecessor; he fought his way to the top.
Despite all he has accomplished, Okowa has faced bitterness from his local government area and beyond. I recall travelling from Asaba to Umunede, detouring through Igbodo road. Alongside me, a former Delta State Assembly Speaker marvelled at the new roads and street lights, exclaiming, “Delta North.” Okowa’s developmental strides cannot be overlooked.
The recent uproar around Okowa’s supposed “detention” speaks volumes about the political animus he faces. Articles like Barrister Chiedu Mbulu’s “Much Ado About the Arrest of Okowa by the EFCC” have offered a mature, balanced perspective, advising restraint and caution in rushing to conclusions based on “sentimental speculations.”
Mbulu writes, “…we must quit giving the dog a bad name before hanging it, just because of certain sentiments.” In his words, Mbulu calls for a move away from unfounded accusations towards a fair, judicial approach. I salute this young man for his maturity, especially in contrast to those who rush to condemn without understanding the nuances of governance.
Okowa’s legacy in Delta State is undeniable, from storm drainage to road expansions, educational reforms, and human capital development. While every administration has areas for improvement, Delta is visibly transformed.
The critical voices might argue otherwise, but as former President Ibrahim Babangida once noted, “government is about spending money.” Okowa’s administration chose to spend on infrastructure, human capital, and storm drainage – all of which have changed lives in Delta.
Let anti-corruption agencies proceed with their investigations, but let us remember: those who are quick to cast stones should first reflect on their own achievements. Those who admit the achievements of others often find peace, an invaluable asset for personal growth.
Finally, figures like Fejiro Oliver, who seem to thrive on incendiary claims, might reconsider the long-term impact of this “blackmail-for-settlement” approach. This is no sustainable strategy for a fulfilling career; rather, it is a disservice to both Delta’s progress and the truth itself.
NWAHAM writes from Asaba.
