By Deborah Coker, News Agency of Nigeria, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has shown commitment to the South-South region, Dr Timi Tonye, the Executive Director of Corporate Services, South South Development Commission, has said.

Tonye said this on Tuesday in Patani, Delta, in his paper presentation at the unveiling of the “Patani United Front for Re-Election of President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori in 2027”.

The event was convened by Chief Godbless Omoniye, Executive Assistant (Political) to the Delta governor.

Speaking on the paper titled “The Imperative for Continuity: A Delta-Centric Case for the Re-election of President Tinubu and Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori”, Tonye emphasised the need to protect progress already made in the country.

“Gov.  Oborevwori has shown commitment to every part of Delta. 2027 is about protecting our progress. We have waited too long for meaningful development to start playing politics with progress.

“What we are building today must be protected tomorrow.

“2027 is not about personalities. It is about projects, peace, and progress. Let us vote to continue the journey. Let us vote to complete the work. Let us vote for stability, development, and unity.

He noted that from the creeks of Burutu to the streets of Asaba, and Warri to Agbor; Ndokwa to Isoko land, one truth united all residents of the state as Delta was moving forward.

“We know what it means to wait for the government. We know what it means to hear promises without progress. But today, we are seeing something different.

We are seeing projects on ground, peace where there was once tension, a government that listens, consults, and delivers.

“That is why 2027 must not be about trial and error. It must be about continuity,” he said.

He also said that for many years, the South-South felt forgotten at the centre, adding that today, the region could clearly say that it was back on the national development map.

“President Bola Tinubu is remembering the South-South in action, not words. He has demonstrated this not through speeches, but through policy decisions that matter to our people.

“The establishment of the South-South Development Commission is one of the most significant milestones in the history of our region.

“This commission means focused development for oil-producing communities, targeted infrastructure for riverine and coastal areas, environmental remediation for polluted lands and waterways, and jobs and opportunities for our youths. This is not charity but justice,” he said.

The SSDC executive director added that Tinubu’s action showed a president who understood that the South-South deserves its own development vehicle just like other regions.

He also said that however institutions like the SSDC needed time to grow and could not be abandoned halfway.

Also speaking of economic reforms of the president, Tonye said everyone felt the effects of the subsidy removal,

He said that however the old system was not serving the people but enriching middlemen while roads, schools, and hospitals suffered.

“Today, resources are
being redirected toward development and social support, and with continuity, these reforms will translate into better infrastructure funding, and expanded youth empowerment programmes.

“It will also translate into stronger support for small businesses and farmers, and Delta as a state stands to gain more when these reforms are fully stabilised,” he said.

He further said that the Delta governor in his own way was doing his best as development was not concentrated in one area, but spread across the state.

He noted that the restructuring of the state Ministry of Works had ensured projects move faster and contractors were held accountable, adding that this was why Deltans could see progress, not excuses.

He emphasised that peace was the foundation of development and the state was more peaceful today.

“Political quarrels have reduced. Stakeholders now sit together. Communities are calmer. Investors are
more confident. This peace is not accidental. It is the result of the governor’s inclusive and
consultative leadership,” he said.

He added that with Asaba and Abuja aligning, Delta benefits.

According to him this alignment is strategic, and breaking it would only slow down development.

Responding, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Chief Funkekeme Solomon, Delta Coordinator of the Renewed Hope initiative, congratulated the programme initiators.

Tinubu also praised the developmental efforts of the Delta government and encouraged the large gatherings to turn it to votes during elections.

According to him one good tenure, deserves another.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA