By Sunday Apah
The Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, has addressed a series of allegations against his administration, urging critics to base their comments on factual information.
He emphasized his dedication to transparency, accountability, and effective governance during a recent press conference and site visit to ongoing projects.
A senior lawyer, Egbo dismissed the accusations made by certain family and community members regarding misconduct and financial improprieties.
He asserted that it is crucial to respond to the recent surge of misleading and unfounded claims directed at him.
“The intentional dissemination of false information is a deliberate move to damage my reputation, undermine my administration, and cast doubt on the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori,” he stated.
“I will not be swayed by slanderous attacks or misleading narratives that threaten the public’s trust in government.”
Egbo reiterated, “My priority is to provide effective governance while adhering to the principles of integrity and service to the citizens of Ughelli North.
“I am confident that a detailed and impartial investigation will reveal the baseless nature of these accusations.”
He specifically addressed concerns regarding contract awards, stating, “It is important to clarify that Skyviaro Properties Development Company Limited is not a registered contractor with our local government and has not received any contracts.
“I have no personal ties to this company, having stepped away from any involvement. All contract processes under my administration have adhered to due procedures and regulations.”
He urged relevant authorities to intervene promptly to avert further damage to the government’s credibility and to maintain peace among the community.
“If this orchestrated smear campaign continues, I will consider taking legal action against those involved and their affiliations,” he warned, reiterating his resolve to stay focused on delivering quality governance and maintaining integrity.
During his tenure, now spanning ten months, Egbo committed to completing various ongoing projects including renovations of his office, the vice chairman’s office, and the offices of other council leaders.
He further mentioned procuring eight official vehicles for key officials and advancing the construction of a children’s cottage hospital in Ughelli.
Egbo further highlighted efforts to build housing for doctors and nurses at the hospital and plans to establish either a police station or a customary court in each of the seven kingdoms within the local government.
His administration is also implementing solar power electrification initiatives for the chairman’s office and solar security lighting for the entire council premises.
He disclosed that he has secured the first batch of 300 writing desks and benches for primary and secondary schools in Ughelli North and has installed a 500KVA transformer in Ekrabovwe Quarter.
In response to the allegations of his suspension by the Abovwe family, Egbo firmly denied these claims, asserting that “these allegations are entirely untrue and disconnected from reality.
“The Abovwe family stands unanimously behind me, and we will not allow falsehoods to tarnish my reputation or our family’s integrity.”
He explained that the document purporting to announce his suspension is a fraudulent fabrication lacking endorsement from the legitimate members of the Abovwe Family Executive Committee.
“The signatures on this document belong to individuals who misunderstood their actions,” he clarified.
Egbo indicated that the roots of these allegations stem from personal grievances and pointed out that one individual, an elder brother who was denied an appointment due to nepotism concerns, is among those behind the rumors.
He also named Mr. Gowon Egoide, a former family chairman, as another source of misinformation, claiming they are attempting to deflect attention from serious allegations concerning the unauthorized sale of family land.
In a show of support, Egbo presented a message from the Abovwe family stating, “Today, we, the Abovwe family of Abovwe Quarter in Uduere Community, Ughelli, unanimously affirm our confidence in Olorogun Jaro Egbo.
“Any rumors regarding his suspension or expulsion are completely false and unfounded. We urge the public to disregard these malicious claims and join us in defending the truth, as there has never been such an event.”
