Former Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea and Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Rivers State, Desmond Akawor, has accused the Siminalayi Fubara administration of abandoning development in Oyigbo Local Government Area.
Akawor made the remarks on Monday during a “thank you” visit to Oyigbo by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He said residents voted Governor Fubara with the hope that development projects initiated under Wike would continue, but that expectation, according to him, has not been met.
Speaking candidly, Akawor lamented that Oyigbo had not experienced any noticeable progress since Wike left office in 2023. He described the situation as disappointing, noting that the only visible gain for the local government under the current administration is a commissioner’s appointment.
“Permit me to speak frankly,” he said. “We elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara believing that Oyigbo would move forward. But development here has stalled completely. We have not moved an inch. Beyond a commissioner’s slot, nothing tangible has reached our people.”
The former ambassador also raised concerns over the reported ₦600 billion in the state’s treasury, warning that Oyigbo must not be sidelined in the use of public funds. He insisted that if resources are being shared among groups or communities, Oyigbo deserves a fair allocation.
“We are not asking for special favours,” Akawor stressed. “We are asking for fairness. Those who did not contribute to the process should not continue to dominate the benefits. Oyigbo must not be shortchanged.”
Turning to security, Akawor praised Wike for what he described as restoring peace to Oyigbo during his tenure as governor, particularly in relation to the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He said Wike’s intervention ended regular lockdowns and ensured residents could move freely without fear of profiling or harassment.
“Without your intervention, our communities would have remained under Monday lockdowns,” he said. “You restored normalcy, and for that, our people are deeply grateful.”
Akawor concluded by thanking Wike for the trust placed in him during his time in office, noting that Oyigbo residents remain appreciative of past efforts, even as they express frustration over what they see as stagnation under the current state government.
