Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, has attributed the Delta State Government’s ability to execute projects without borrowing to the timely release of funds accruable to the state from the Federal Government.
Elumelu, the All Progressives Congress candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, stated this in an interview with our correspondent in Asaba as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as prudent management of the state’s resources, saying increased federal allocations had helped the state government implement development projects across the state.
“Today, my governor can boast everywhere that he is not borrowing money and he can perform.
“Why? Because, at the national level, monies accruable to the state get to it at the appropriate time,” he said.
The former lawmaker said the funds had supported projects and programmes, including youth and women empowerment initiatives.
Elumelu also credited the President Bola Tinubu administration with the restoration of local government autonomy, saying it had improved the ability of councils to function.
“Before now, the local government could not function properly. But the Tinubu administration came on board and ensured the independence of local governments by granting them autonomy,” he said.
He added, “Today, you can see the local government chairmen; the local governments are performing maximally.”
Elumelu said the opportunities created by the two administrations for youths, women and non-indigenes were among the reasons Nigerians had something to celebrate at 66.
“For that reason, we have every reason to celebrate that, at 66, we have come of age. We have been able to do things for the people who put the government in power,” he said.
He thanked Nigerians for their patience and expressed support for the Tinubu and Oborevwori administrations.
