Desmond Akawor, former Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea and Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Rivers State, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of stalling development in Oyigbo Local Government Area.
Akawor made the claim on Monday during a “thank you” visit by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to the local government area. He said the people of Oyigbo had expected Fubara to continue the development projects initiated under Wike’s administration.
“Permit me to speak frankly. 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,” Akawor stated.
He also raised concerns over the allocation of the N600 billion state treasury, warning that Oyigbo must not be excluded from benefiting fairly from the funds. “We are not asking for favors; we are asking for fairness. Oyigbo must not be shortchanged,” he added.
Akawor expressed gratitude to Wike for restoring normalcy in Oyigbo, particularly in ending the weekly lockdowns imposed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). “Your intervention ensured that no Rivers person was profiled or harassed by IPOB. For that, we are deeply grateful,” he said.
The ambassador acknowledged the trust Wike placed in him for mobilizing Oyigbo stakeholders, promising to continue fulfilling that responsibility.
The visit highlighted concerns over equitable development and security in Oyigbo, with calls for the state government to ensure that local communities benefit meaningfully from state resources.
