By Wealth Oghenemaro
Executive Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Olorogun Jaro Egbo has denied recent allegations of contract fraud, character defamation, and purported family suspension, describing them as malicious, baseless, and politically motivated.
The denial comes in response to media reports, particularly by Sahara Reporters, and sustained cyber attacks allegedly orchestrated by one Mr. Ovoke Akpobasa, the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Diaspora Affairs.
Egbo who addressed the issues in a press briefing in his office on Monday, categorically denied any contract dealings between the Ughelli North Local Government Council and Skyviaro Properties Development Company Limited.
He stressed that contrary to circulating reports, the company is neither a registered contractor with the council nor currently owned or operated by him.
“I resigned from any involvement with the said company long before assuming my present office,” Egbo stated. “There has been no breach of due process or statutory guidelines in any contract award under my administration.”
He condemned the media attacks as a calculated attempt to tarnish his reputation, discredit his administration, and cast aspersions on the government of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
The council boss called on relevant authorities to investigate and rein in Mr. Akpobasa and his alleged collaborators, warning that he reserves the right to pursue legal redress if the smear campaign continues.
Addressing rumors of a purported conflict with Mr. Lucky Ofomukoro, the former PDP Local Government Chairman, Egbo cleared the air, describing Mr. Ofomukoro as a personal friend and ally. “At no time did I have any public confrontation with Mr. Ofomukoro,” Egbo noted. “We worked closely during his tenure as LGA party chairman, and he was supportive of my administration.”
On his alleged suspension and being ostracized by the Abovwe Family of Uduere Community Ehbo described the alleged suspension as fraudulent and manufactured. According to him, the document circulating online bears the signatures of individuals who did not even understand what they were signing.
He revealed that the main orchestrators of the falsehoods were disgruntled individuals, including his 70-year-old elder brother who he allegedly denied the position of Secretary, Local Education Authority (LEA) to avoid nepotism, and Mr. Gowon Egoide, a former family chairman allegedly involved in unauthorized land sales.
“The Abovwe family has passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Chairman Egbo. Any rumor of his suspension or excommunication is not only false but impossible,” the statement read.
Egbo who also took journalists round some legacy projects being executed by his administration expressed his determination to transforming Ughelli North LGA.
The projects include the renovation of the Council Secretariat and offices for key officials, procurement of eight official vehicles for principal officers, construction of a Children Cottage Hospital in Ughelli Metropolis, construction of doctors and nurses’ quarters for the hospital, construction of an ultra-modern storey building secretariat, construction of the Area Customary Court in Ughelli, establishment of a police station or customary court in each of the seven kingdoms in the LGA, solar power electrification and installation of solar security lights across the secretariat.
Others include, renovation and fencing of four-unit block buildings in the DDPA Housing Estate for Operation Sweep, procurement of 300 writing desks for primary and secondary schools in Ughelli North, purchase and installation of a 500KVA transformer at Ekrabovwe Quarter Ughelli, renovation of the HPM, SLG, Supervisors and Legislative offices at the Council Secretariat, constant cleaning and regular sanitation of Ughelli metropolis and its environs, consistent payment of claims and prioritization of staff welfare in partnership with NULGE.
He maintained that he remains undeterred, vowing to continue delivering good governance and aligning with the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori. “I remain committed to service delivery and the infrastructural development of Ughelli North,” he asserted. “No amount of blackmail or distractions will derail my resolve to make this council a model for other local governments.”
