Delta State government recent delegation’s visit to Ebu community in Oshimili North Local Government came amid growing concerns by residents over the condition of roads connecting the agrarian community to neighbouring towns and commercial centres.

The African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in Delta State, Isaac Eshor, is among those who raised concern over the deplorable roads, seeking urgent intervention to restore the routes and ease movement of people, farm produce and goods.

Eshor expressed disappointment over the inspection of the deplorable roads in Ebu Community, by a delegation of the Delta State Government, describing the exercise as a political gimmick aimed at creating false hope among residents ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Eshor, in a statement reacting to the government delegation’s visit, alleged that the inspection was politically motivated and questioned why urgent attention was only being given to the community’s deteriorating infrastructure after years of complaints and neglect.

The AAC governorship hopeful said the condition of roads in Ebu was a reflection of the broader infrastructure crisis confronting several rural communities across Delta State, where residents, according to him, continue to grapple with poor roads, inadequate social amenities, limited healthcare services and worsening economic hardship.

He particularly criticised the government’s visit to Ebu as “political window dressing,” arguing that residents need actual projects rather than repeated inspections and assurances.

“The government’s visit to Ebu was nothing more than political window dressing. Once again, the people have been given assurances that their roads will soon be fixed, but the question remains: why are these promises coming only after years of neglect?” Eshor queried.

The AAC candidate maintained that successive administrations in the state had failed to adequately address the infrastructural needs of Ebu and other rural communities despite Delta’s significant financial resources and its position as one of Nigeria’s major revenue-generating states.

He consequently challenged the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to provide a transparent account of how state revenues had been utilised over the past three years, insisting that the availability of public funds should translate into visible development and improved living conditions for citizens.

Eshor argued that the poor condition of rural roads was not merely an infrastructure problem but also an impediment to economic development, particularly in agrarian communities such as Ebu.

According to him, deteriorating roads restrict the movement of farmers and goods, increase transportation costs, discourage commercial activities and make it difficult for rural producers to access larger markets.

He specifically drew attention to the Ebu–Ezi–Ukala Road, a key route linking the community with neighbouring towns and commercial centres, which residents have repeatedly complained is in a deplorable condition.

He also expressed concern over the state of the Ogbolu–Illah–Ebu Road, a federal road serving the area, stressing that the deterioration of both federal and state roads had adversely affected transportation, commerce and agricultural activities within the community.

The AAC governorship candidate urged the state and federal authorities to move beyond inspections, political engagements and promises and commence immediate rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected roads.

He said government performance should be measured by completed projects and tangible improvements in the lives of citizens rather than official visits or public assurances.

“What the people are witnessing is another round of political deception. Ebu deserves action, not endless inspections and assurances. Development must be visible, practical and impactful,” he said.

Eshor further called for a comprehensive rural development strategy across Delta State, insisting that communities outside major urban centres should not be left behind in the provision of basic infrastructure.

He listed functional road networks, quality healthcare facilities, potable water, improved educational infrastructure and sustainable economic opportunities among the essential interventions required to transform rural communities and improve the standard of living of residents.

He maintained that the state’s challenge was not fundamentally a lack of resources but the inability of successive administrations to translate available revenues into projects with direct and measurable impact on ordinary citizens.

“The people have waited long enough. What they need now is action, not another cycle of political promises. Government must demonstrate its commitment through tangible projects that will improve the welfare of the people and stimulate economic growth,” Eshor added.