Former Ambassador to South Korea and Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Rivers State, Mr Desmond Akawor, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of stalling development in Oyigbo Local Government Area since assuming office in 2023.
Akawor made the allegation on Monday during a thank-you visit by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, to Oyigbo Local Government Area.
He said residents of the area voted for Governor Fubara with the expectation that he would sustain and expand the developmental projects initiated under Wike’s administration, but lamented that the local government had recorded no tangible progress since the change of leadership.
“Permit me to speak frankly. If these things are not said now, they may never be said,” Akawor declared. “We elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara believing that Oyigbo would continue to enjoy meaningful development. Sadly, development in Oyigbo has stalled; we have not moved an inch forward.”
According to him, the only noticeable benefit the area has received under the current administration is the appointment of a commissioner, a development he said fell far short of the expectations of the people.
“The only tangible benefit Oyigbo has received is a commissioner’s slot, which was given to me. Beyond that, nothing substantial has come to our people,” he said.
Akawor also raised concerns over the reported N600 billion in the state treasury, insisting that Oyigbo must not be sidelined in the utilisation of state resources.
He warned that any allocation of funds across political or regional groupings must include Oyigbo, stressing that fairness, not favouritism, should guide government spending.
“We are not asking for favours; we are asking for fairness. Those who neither contributed nor supported the process cannot continue to dominate the benefits,” he said, adding that stakeholders from the area had unanimously agreed on the demand.
The former ambassador further commended Wike for what he described as the liberation of Oyigbo from the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), saying his intervention restored normalcy and ended weekly lockdowns in the area.
“Without your intervention, our communities would have remained under lockdown every Monday,” Akawor said. “You restored peace and ensured that no Rivers person was profiled or harassed. For that alone, we are deeply grateful.”
He concluded by thanking Wike for the confidence reposed in him through his mobilisation role, reaffirming the continued support of the people of Oyigbo for the minister.
