Africa-Press – Nigeria. Former Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea and Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Rivers State, Desmond Akawor, has alleged that development in Oyigbo Local Government Area has ground to a halt since Governor Siminalayi Fubara assumed office.
Akawor made the claim on Monday during a “thank you” visit to Oyigbo by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to him, residents of Oyigbo voted for Governor Fubara with the expectation that he would build on the developmental strides recorded under Wike’s administration, but said those expectations have not been met.
He lamented that since Wike left office in 2023, the local government area has witnessed no meaningful progress, stressing that the only visible gain so far is the appointment of a commissioner from the area.
“Let me speak honestly. If these issues are not raised now, they may never be addressed,” Akawor said.
“Oyigbo people supported Governor Fubara believing development would continue, but unfortunately, nothing has changed. We have not advanced in any way. Apart from my appointment as commissioner, there has been no real benefit to our people.”
Akawor also raised concerns over reports of about N600 billion in the state’s treasury, warning that Oyigbo should not be sidelined in the allocation and utilisation of the funds.
He insisted that if N40 billion is being distributed among various groups, Oyigbo must receive its fair share.
“We are not begging for special treatment; we are demanding equity. Those who neither contributed nor supported the process should not keep enjoying all the benefits. That is unacceptable,” he said.
He added that leaders and stakeholders from Oyigbo were united in their position and had already made their stance known to the governor’s aides.
The former ambassador also expressed gratitude to Wike for what he described as the liberation of Oyigbo communities from the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He said Wike’s intervention restored peace and ended the weekly lockdowns that crippled economic and social activities in the area.
“Without your action, our communities would still be under constant lockdown every Monday,” Akawor said.
“You brought back normal life and ensured that Rivers people were no longer intimidated or profiled. For this, we remain grateful.”
Akawor further thanked Wike for entrusting him with mobilisation responsibilities, noting that the confidence reposed in him would not be taken for granted.
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