Former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Delta State, Deacon Ken Pela, has unveiled a new civic initiative dubbed the ‘Vision Better Delta Movement’ (VBDM), aimed at tackling what he described as governance failures under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Pela, who addressed journalists in Asaba during the official launch of the movement, said the VBDM was not a political party, but a people-powered civic platform focused on restoring integrity, rebuilding institutions, and unlocking inclusive prosperity in the state.
“This is not a personal declaration. This is a collective civic affirmation aimed at restoring integrity in governance, rebuilding functional institutions, and unlocking inclusive prosperity across Delta State,” Pela said.
He added that the VBDM was birthed through extensive community consultations and consensus-building efforts.
According to him, the movement is guided by three core principles: Righteousness, Harmony, and Prosperity, which will serve as the foundation for its engagements and accountability structure.
Speaking of the current administration in Delta State, Pela announced plans to publish the third edition of his widely followed ‘Letter to Deltans’, which he described as a ‘mid-term report card’ on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s tenure. The upcoming edition, he said, would assess achievements, expose shortcomings, and highlight the growing disconnect between the government and the people.
In criticism of the Oborevwori-led administration, Pela accused the government of lacking vision and mismanaging public funds. He claimed that Delta State received a staggering N626.8 billion in revenue in the first half of 2024, allegedly the highest in the country, but yet lacked commensurate developmental progress.
“The citizens of Delta State deserve to know how state funds are spent, what achievements have been made, and who truly benefits from these allocations,” he said.
“Until we instill accountability in our resource management, the cycle of waste will persist.”
He also decried what he termed an “alarming lack of transparency”, pointing to inconsistencies in reported debt figures and the absence of accessible financial records.
On security, Pela raised concerns over rising insecurity in the state, reiterating the VBDM’s commitment to justice and the protection of vulnerable communities.
“Governance must prioritize the protection of lives and property. We must shield the most vulnerable from harm,” he said.
In a direct message to Governor Oborevwori, Pela challenged the governor to rise to the occasion during the remainder of his tenure.
“You have two remaining years to lead boldly, or risk being remembered for missed opportunities. Choose legacy over loyalty, reform over routine, and transparency over theatrics. The time to act is now, and the people of Delta are watching,” he declared.
Pela called on Deltans at home and abroad to rally behind the movement and demand better from their leaders.
“This is your movement,” he said. “It is a call to action for every Deltan to advocate for meaningful change.”
