THE Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo has carefully traversed serially all allegations laid against his administration, urging critics to criticise with facts, just as he reeled out his achievements with committed to transparency, accountability and good governance to the people of Ughelli North.
Egbo, a Senior lawyer made this revelation during a press briefing and a tour of some projects with Journalists.
The Anglican Knight trashed all allegations levelled against him by some members of his family and public over alleged misconduct and financial misappropriations.
Egbo said that It has become imperative to address the recent wave of false, malicious, and unfounded allegations against him.
“The deliberate spread of misinformation, is a calculated attempt to tarnish my reputation, discredit my administration, and cast aspersions on the government of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
“Let it be known that I will not be deterred by falsehood and character assassination, reckless and defamatory actions that pose a serious threat to public trust and governance.” He said.
Accordingly, Egbo added, “My focus remains on delivering effective governance and upholding the principles of integrity and service to the people just as I remain steadfast in my commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.
“I am confident that a thorough and objective review of this matter will expose the baseless nature of these allegations”
On contract award, he noted, “Let it be unequivocally stated that Skyviaro Properties Development Company Limited, is not a registered contractor with the local government and has not been awarded any contract, and is not personally owned or operated by me.
“I resigned from any involvement with the said company, and there has been no breach of due process or statutory guidelines in any contract awards under my administration.
“I call on relevant authorities to immediately rein in to prevent further embarrassment to the government and unnecessary tension among the people.
“Should this orchestrated smear campaign persist, I reserve the right to pursue legal action against whoever that is involved and his employer in my personal capacity.
“Let it be known that I will not be deterred by falsehood and character assassination. My focus remains on delivering effective governance and upholding the principles of integrity and service to the people.” He noted.
The council boss said that his 10-month-old administration is committed to completing ongoing projects in the local government area
These projects, he said include the renovation of his office and that of the vice chairman, leader of the house, S.L.G, H.P.M and the total renovation of the councilors’ offices and council secretariat.
According to him, he purchased eight (8) official vehicles for principal officers, stating that the construction of a children cottage hospital in Ughelli metropolis was also ongoing.
Egbo said that his administration was also carrying out the construction of doctors and nurses quarters in the children hospital, construction of ultra-modern storey building secretariat, saying that plans were underway to build either a police station or a customary court in each of the seven kingdoms in the local government.
He said further that his administration has commenced the project of solar power electrification of the chairman’s office and a solar security light for the entire secretariat premises.
While he disclosed that he has already procured the first batch of 300 writing desk/ benches for primary and secondary schools in Ughelli North, he said that he has also purchased and installed a 500KVA transformer in Ekrabovwe Quarter.
On his alleged suspension by his Abovwe family, Egbo who denied allegation levelled against him said, “Let it be known that these allegations are completely false and far from reality.
“The Abovwe family remains firmly and unequivocally behind our son, and we will not allow misinformation to tarnish his reputation or the integrity of our family.
“The purported suspension document, which has been making rounds on social media, is nothing more than a fraudulent fabrication.
“None of the recognized Abovwe Family Executive Committee members endorsed it. Instead, it bears the signatures of individuals who, quite frankly, did not comprehend what they were signing.
“We have traced the origins of these false claims to personal grievances against Chairman Egbo by one signatory, a 70-year-old elder brother sought appointment as LEA Chairman but was denied due to concerns over nepotism.
“Another key figure behind these rumours, Mr. Gowon Egoide, who continues to present himself as family Chairman despite his tenure having long expired.
“We have uncovered that Egoide and certain former executive members are attempting to divert attention from serious accusations regarding the unauthorized sale of family land at Ighwreovie and along Jaro Egbo Road.” He added.
The visible angry Egbo showed Journalists a message from the Abovwe family.
It read, “Today, in a show of unprecedented solidarity, the Abovwe family has unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Jaro Egbo and let it be known, and let it be heard loud and clear.
“We, the Abovwe family of Abovwe Quarter in Uduere Community, Ughelli, stand united behind Olorogun Jaro Egbo, any rumor of his suspension or excommunication is not only false but impossible.
“We urge the public to disregard these malicious claims and stand with us in defending the truth as It did not happen, it could not have happened, and it will never happen.” It added.
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