Strong Condemnation over Delta State Gov Borrowing N40 bn

By Ezekiel Kagbala

The borrowing of the sum of N40 billion Naira by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State is strongly condemned, unjustifiable, and a bad narrative for a new administration.

Though it seemed defensible that the loan was approved to defray the backlog of pensions owed retired primary school teachers and local government employees in the state, however, it is an aberration that Delta State could not be managed to live within its means and pay those mentioned without increasing the debt profile of the state.

The state's internally generated revenue would have been used to assist the Said 25 local government councils in the state to defray their accrued Local Government Pensioner's money if the claim is reasonable and acceptable. It is glaring that there was a total lack of accountability and integrity in the immediate past to the present administration.

Delta State government should not celebrate borrowing, "you cannot dig holes to block holes and expect level ground" Debts are setbacks to the economic improvement of the state. This is an oil-rich state that has been so misruled and reduced to an ordinary joke, where the House of Assembly functions like a business outfit established to service the seating governor.

The disgraceful borrowing should stop, those at the helm of affairs should show the capacity to govern the state. There should be some sense of restraint, decorum, humanity, and integrity. It is better to live simply than to put on a fake toga that will not stand the test of time.

Unfortunately, this government has started with another borrowing, the question is how will the state move forward?

There is no joy in borrowing, responsible governments live within their means. The borrowing foundation laid by the past administrations should be demolished to save the state.

Since the foundation of borrowing was laid by the borrowing master, Delta State has drifted from an oil-rich state to borrowing dependent State. This corrupt trend must not be allowed to push the state further into Such a downward spiral, poverty, and unpayable indebtedness.

Ezekiel Kagbala
Media|| Public Affairs Analyst
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