The member representing Asari-Toru Constituency 1 in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Tekenari Wellington Granville has charged the new executive chairman of Asari-Toru LGA, Chief (Hon.) Odiari Christopher Princewill, to deliver the dividends of democracy to Asari-Toru people, and resist every attempt at funds misappropriation throughout his reign.
Speaking at a town hall meeting and interactive session held on Wednesday in Buguma, the lawmaker congratulated the LGA chairman and his team on their victory at the polls and successful assumption of office.
While thanking the chairman for showing commitment to work for the general good and development of Asari Toru LGA, Hon. Wellington advised the new Council chairman not to tow the path of the former elected LGA chairman, Hon. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree.
According to the state legislator, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree’s administration was characterized with under-performance, massive misappropriation of public funds, nepotism and executive rascality.
The lawmaker in his speech pleaded with Chief Odiari Princewill and his team of administrators not to engage in conducts that will bring shame to Asari Toru people.
Citing the Book of Genesis 1:1-3, he described the brand new Chief Odiari Princewill led administration as a “Let There Be Light” proclamation. He urged the remaining few in APC to join the Governor Wike’s winning train and implored them to wholeheartedly embrace the light that has come to lose them from the bondage brought upon them by Ojukaye Flag-Amachree’s APC.
Hon. Tekenari Wellington said: “Mr. Chairman, the people of Asari-Toru LGA have reposed great trust and confidence in you by giving you their mandate. Please don’t let them down. Develop Asari-Toru LGA and her people and posterity will never forget you.
“Don’t be like the former elected LGA chairman, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, who all through his time was in one financial misappropriation scandal or the other. In his time, ASALGA Council accounts with First Bank and UBA were frozen because of legal battles with council staff and stakeholders.
“We are also aware of how Ojukaye Flag-Amachree was suspended by the then governor, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, on grounds of misconduct and financial recklessness.
“Please Mr. Chairman, don’t use Council funds to enrich yourself and family members like Ojukaye Flag-Amachree. Facts available has it that Ojukaye Flag-Amachree awarded contracts and overseas scholarships to only family members.
“It is already public knowledge that on monthly basis, Ojukaye was using ASALGA money to fund the personal project of Amaechi’s wife, for reasons best known to him. Mr. Chairman, in your tenure, lets Asalga money be for Asalga people. Our money should develop our people and our land.
“At times, when I hear someone talk carelessly because he occupies a legally yet-to-be-determined chairmanship position, I feel ashamed and feel great pity for him.
“Somebody like Ojukaye Flag-Amachree should not be the one talking about agricultural development. Why is he suddenly making a case for Buguma Fish Farm? A farm he allowed to die under his watch after the huge finance syphoned and looted through the farm project?
“May I remind us that the same new day advocate of agricultural development was a key player in the looting of the 3 Billion Naira Central Bank of Nigeria agricultural loan to Rivers State. Testimonies from a director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Grant Amadi, at the Rivers State Judicial Panel of Inquiry confirms that amongst other financial benefits, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree received 54.85 million from the loan and did no agric project with it.
“Please Mr. Chairman, lead us well and put smiles on our faces. The Lord is your strength.”
