The Delta State Government on Thursday declined to comment on reports that the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, was assaulted during the recent political disturbance in Effurun, saying it would wait for security agencies to conclude their investigation.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Charles Aniagwu, stated this while responding to questions during a media briefing in Asaba.
Aniagwu said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had directed security agencies to investigate both the immediate and remote causes of the disturbance and identify those responsible.
He said it would be inappropriate for the government to speculate or reach conclusions before investigations were completed.
“The governor has directed security agencies to investigate both the immediate and remote causes of the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“It would be inappropriate for the government to reach conclusions before investigations are completed. We will allow the security agencies to conclude their work before making further comments,” he said.
The commissioner also dismissed claims on social media linking the clash to support for President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the incident resulted from disagreements among political actors and not from issues connected with the President.
He confirmed that one of Governor Oborevwori’s protocol officers sustained injuries during the disturbance.
Aniagwu spoke while briefing journalists on preparations for the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit scheduled to hold from August 3 to 5.
He said the state government was intensifying efforts to attract local and foreign investors after spending the last few years investing in roads, healthcare, education, manpower development and security.
According to him, the infrastructure and human capital investments have created an enabling environment for businesses, making it the right time to attract investors into the state.
He said investors from Brazil, China and other countries had confirmed their participation in the summit following investment engagements undertaken by the state government, including a roadshow to Brazil last year.
Aniagwu said the summit would showcase investment opportunities in agriculture, the blue economy, oil and gas, hospitality, information and communication technology, the creative industry and real estate.
He noted that Delta’s over 163-kilometre Atlantic coastline presents huge opportunities in the blue economy, while agriculture, particularly livestock production, has attracted significant interest from Brazilian investors.
The commissioner disclosed that the summit had secured the support of five Diamond Sponsors, as well as several Gold and Silver Sponsors, a development he said reflected the confidence of the private sector in the Oborevwori administration.
Responding to questions on the event’s funding, Aniagwu said the summit was not designed to raise money but to attract genuine investors capable of establishing businesses, creating jobs and boosting the state’s economy.
“We are not organising a fundraising event. We are organising an economic and investment summit to bring genuine investors into Delta State. Our focus is on long-term investments that will create jobs and stimulate economic growth,” he said.
He announced that the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, would deliver the keynote address at the summit.
Other speakers, according to him, include renowned Pan-African scholar, Prof Patrick Lumumba; Minister of State for Finance, Prof Taiwo Oyedele; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; while the Executive Chairman of AA Holdings, Engr Austin Avuru, will chair the summit.
Aniagwu added that Vice President Kashim Shettima would attend the event as the Special Guest of Honour.
