Chief Moni Faults Delta Govt For Removing Ojobo/Torugbene Road Project from 2025 Budget, Threatens Massive Protest

By Peters Monday, Abuja, senior correspondent

Renowned Niger Delta Opinion leader, Chief Ebis Moni, the Sukereowei 1 of Operemor Kingdom, has expressed outrage, threatening peaceful protest over the Delta State Government’s decision to exclude the Ojobo/Torugbene road project from the 2025 budget. Moni, a prominent leader in the Niger Delta region, described the omission as a “slap” to the Ojobo community and the entire Delta Ijaw people.

The Ojobo/Torugbene road project, which spans just 9 kilometers, was previously included in the 2022 budget but was mysteriously removed from the 2025 budget. Moni questioned the rationale behind this decision, emphasising that the project is crucial for the Ojobo people and the surrounding Ijaw communities.

The traditional chief gave the governor of Delta State, RT. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori six months to add the project in the budget, citing that failure to adhere to their call, the community will stage massive protest to disrupt oil operations in Benisede flowstation.

He further called for establishment of either a varsity or state Polytechnic in Ojobo regarding the massive oil revenues accruing to the state from the community and coupled with the political support rendered to the governor in 2023.

The opinion leader, argued that since the creation of Delta State in 1991 till date, the Ojobo/Torugbene communities had not been considered for any meaningful development.

A Matter of Justice and Equity

Moni argued that the exclusion of the project is a clear example of the government’s neglect of the Ojobo and Torugbene people. He pointed out that despite the Ojobo’s significant contributions to the federal revenue through oil production, the government led by Chief Sheriff Oborewori had failed to provide basic amenities such as roads, water, and education.

“This is a matter of justice and equity,” Moni said. “We are not asking for favours; we are demanding what is rightfully ours. The government must explain why this project was excluded from the budget., he noted.

Threat of Protest and Consequences

Moni warned that if the government fails to include the project in the budget, the Ojobo community will be forced to take drastic measures. He threatened to lead a protest to the Beniseide flowstation, which could disrupt oil production and have severe economic consequences.

“We will not be silenced or ignored,” Moni said. “We will fight for our rights and demand justice. The government must take our demands seriously and act promptly to address our concerns.”

Moni also called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to intervene and award landmark projects in Ojobo and the surrounding communities, emphasising that the commission has a responsibility to develop the region.

He also appealed to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo to intervene by compelling the Delta State government to be committed to the development of Ojobo and other surrounding communities in Burutu LGA.

However, the people of Ojobo and the surrounding communities remain vigilant, awaiting a response from the Delta State government and the NDDC.