Concerned citizens of Delta State have called on the state government to provide a comprehensive account of funds expended on the recently concluded Delta State Economic Summit, questioning whether the high-profile event has delivered tangible economic benefits to ordinary residents.

Leading the call, the African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in the state, Isaac Eshor, an Engineer, urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to disclose the total cost of organising the summit and provide details of the investments, jobs and other measurable economic outcomes arising from the event.

Eshor, who described the summit as costly, said Deltans deserved transparency on how public resources were deployed, particularly at a time when several rural communities across the state were still confronted with deplorable roads, inadequate infrastructure and unreliable electricity supply.

“People are asking what Delta State has gained from the economic summit. How can a government prioritise such events when many rural communities remain inaccessible due to bad roads and the state continues to struggle with inadequate power supply?” he queried.

The AAC candidate also challenged the Oborevwori administration to publish a comprehensive record of road projects executed since assuming office.

He said such records should contain the locations of the projects, contract sums, contractors, commencement dates and current implementation status, arguing that the information would enable residents to objectively assess the performance of the administration.

According to Eshor, transparency and accountability are fundamental pillars of good governance, adding that citizens have a right to know how public funds are being utilised.

He questioned the rationale behind organising expensive economic and ceremonial activities when basic infrastructure deficits continue to affect communities across the state.

Eshor further criticised what he described as the tendency of successive administrations in Delta to invest heavily in “elephant projects” and ceremonial activities rather than programmes directly capable of improving the living conditions of ordinary citizens.

He argued that despite Delta’s substantial revenue profile from federal allocations and internally generated revenue, the pace of development in the state had not corresponded with the resources available to successive governments.

The AAC governorship hopeful cited figures which, according to him, showed that Delta State recorded its highest-ever allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in 2025, estimated at ₦649.67 billion.

He also alleged that the state’s domestic debt increased by approximately ₦47.6 billion within nine months, and challenged the government to provide a detailed explanation of how its revenues were expended during the period.

“Delta had its highest-ever FAAC allocation in 2025, yet domestic debt still grew significantly within the same period. If salaries and capital projects account for the expenditure, the government should publish a detailed breakdown. The Governor himself stated in January that he would not hide information from the people. We are simply asking for transparency,” he said.

Eshor further referenced reports indicating that about ₦177 billion was committed to five flyover projects, representing approximately 4.2 per cent of an estimated ₦4.119 trillion in total revenue receipts.

He argued that while infrastructure development remained important, government spending priorities should also be directed towards addressing unemployment, poverty, rural development and other challenges confronting residents.

According to him, Delta State should rank among the most developed states in Nigeria, considering its extensive human and natural resources.

“Reports suggest that Delta State has received over ₦4.119 trillion from federal allocations and other revenue sources in recent years. The question is whether the current level of development reflects the enormous resources available to the state,” he stated.

He maintained that the issue was not simply about criticising government projects, but ensuring that public expenditure translated into measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.

The AAC candidate therefore urged the state government to publish the financial details of the economic summit alongside comprehensive information on road projects and other major capital projects undertaken by the administration.

Eshor said such disclosure would promote public confidence, strengthen accountability and allow Deltans to determine whether government spending was producing the desired results.

“We must build a government that places the welfare of the people above political showmanship. Delta State needs prudent and accountable leadership that will channel resources into projects capable of lifting citizens out of poverty and driving sustainable development,” he added.