The African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate in Delta State, Engr. Isaac Eshor, has pledged more prominent role in governance and community development if elected governor of the state.
Eshor made the commitment while addressing journalists during his consultation visit to some traditional rulers across the state, where he outlined his vision for the development of Delta and his proposed partnership with traditional institutions.
Responding to a question on his policy for the traditional institution, Eshor said his administration would work closely with traditional rulers and communities, stressing that the institution remained an important partner in achieving sustainable development at the grassroots.
He said, “Our government is going to be working with the partners, community by community, here.”
According to him, his administration would recognise the importance of traditional rulers in mobilising their communities, promoting peace and supporting government programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
On the unwritten political rotation arrangement in Delta State, Eshor argued that competence and the ability to deliver should take precedence over zoning or rotational considerations.
He maintained that political rotation was neither provided for in the Nigerian Constitution nor the Electoral Act, insisting that the central question should be who has the capacity and willingness to transform the state.
“What is important here is who has the capacity, who is ready to deliver, who is ready to liberate the people. That is what is important,” he said.
Eshor further argued that governance should not be reduced to “turn by turn” politics, but should focus on measurable development, accountability and the ability of elected leaders to improve the lives of citizens.
He also called for greater accountability in the management of the state’s resources, questioning how billions of naira accruing to Delta State had been utilised and reinvested.
The governorship aspirant said his administration would pursue an economic strategy he described as “Delta Economy Beyond Oil,” with particular emphasis on the maritime sector.
According to him, Delta State’s strategic location and maritime potential provide opportunities for massive employment and economic growth if properly harnessed.
“Delta State is a marine state. Delta State has to do with maritime. Maritime rules the world. So we just invest in the maritime industry,” he said.
Eshor specifically identified the establishment of a dry dock as one area capable of creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while also proposing the development of a maritime intelligence centre as part of his broader economic vision.
He said his professional background and experience in business and engineering had equipped him with practical ideas for transforming the state’s economy, rather than relying solely on oil revenues.
On the energy sector, Eshor said Delta’s abundant natural gas resources could be better utilised to address electricity challenges in the state.
He criticised the continued flaring of gas, describing the practice as a waste of resources that could be converted into electricity through appropriate power-generation infrastructure.
According to him, Delta should harness its gas resources to generate electricity locally, thereby reducing dependence on external sources and supporting industrial development.
Eshor said the ultimate focus of his proposed administration would be poverty eradication, arguing that economic empowerment would have a direct impact on crime and insecurity.
“My area of focus is to eradicate poverty. When you eradicate poverty, there will be lesser crime,” he said.
He added that reducing poverty would improve the mindset and living conditions of citizens and ultimately contribute to a significant reduction in crime across the state.
The consultation visit was part of Eshor’s ongoing engagements with traditional rulers and stakeholders as he seeks to present his development agenda and solicit support for his political ambition.
