Oyigbo devt stagnant under Fubara, Akawor alleges during Wike’s visit

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Former Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea and Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Rivers State, Desmond Akawor, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of halting development in Oyigbo Local Government Area since taking office in 2023.

Akawor made the assessment on Monday during a “thank you” visit to the area by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Fubara’s predecessor as governor.

Residents of Oyigbo, he said, voted overwhelmingly for Fubara expecting continuity in the infrastructure push that marked Wike’s tenure. Instead, the local government has seen no progress.

“Permit me to speak frankly. If these things are not said now, they may never be said,” Akawor declared. “We elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara with the expectation that Oyigbo would benefit meaningfully from development. Your Excellency, development in Oyigbo has stalled. We have not moved an inch forward. 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.”

The criticism comes amid reports of N600 billion in Rivers State’s treasury. Akawor warned against excluding Oyigbo from any allocations, demanding equity in fund distribution.

“We are not asking for favors; we are asking for fairness. Some people who do not contribute or support the process cannot continue to dominate the benefits. That cannot be allowed,” he insisted. “All Oyigbo stakeholders present here have spoken with one voice. The few aides with him already know our position.”

Akawor used the occasion to laud Wike’s legacy, crediting him with freeing Oyigbo from Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) sit-at-home enforcements.

“You restored normalcy and ensured that no Rivers person was profiled or harassed by IPOB. For that alone, we are deeply grateful,” he said. “Our people are not dissatisfied with what you have done for us. Far from it, we are grateful; we are thankful. You entrusted me with mobilization responsibilities, and I acknowledge that confidence.”