By: Goodluck Osama Ogbeide
Abudu: Elder Statesman and immediate past Chairman of Orhionmwon Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, Elder Ben Oghumu has described the Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Hon. Sylvester Okoro as a grassroots mobilizer whose exemplary role has invited numerous development to the council.
Elder Oghumu said this on Friday, while addressing the audience at Abudu, the administrative headquarters of Orhionmwon local government area, during the Orhionmwon Economic Summit, organized by Orhionmwon Youths Alliance, a socio-economic pressure group in Edo State.
Elder Oghumu, while adding his voice to other notable leaders on the need for political leaders to build their homes in the Council, said the successes recorded in Orhionmwon Local Government today in Hon. Sylvester Okoro's administration is traceable to the fact that he resides in the Local Government which to him, has avail him the opportunity to know exactly what bothers the people in terms of absolute governance, adding that Orhionmwon Council is not a place for foreigners without accurate knowledge of the trace of their roots.
Elder Oghumu, however said Hon. Sylvester Okoro who reside in his hometown with accurate business runnings cannot pay deaf ear to the cry of Orhionmwon people over herdsmen crisis because, he knew he will be at risk if he refuse to act fast.
In his words, Elder Oghumu said, "Hon. Okoro's exemplary role has invited numerous development to Orhionmwon. He is a leader by example. He knows the nitty gritty and needs of the people. Unlike some political leaders who have served the local government without having a building in the Council, who indulge in the act of let's eat and go, without considering the fortunes of the council"
"Hon. Okoro cannot afford to pay deaf ear to the cry of Orhionmwon people, this is because he resides in the locality. We are all aware of how the council Chairman is winning war again the herdsmen in the Council. How many Local government Chairmen in Nigeria has been so bold to read the riot act to the herdsmen. This was the rist Hon. Okoro took for the generality and safety of all"
"I agree, we are all human beings with various shortcomings, however, Hon. Okoro must be applauded for his sagacity of purpose. The achievement is visible because he is a grassroots leader. There is no way he can take the herdsmen crisis without seriousness. This is because nobody knows who will be the next target" he added.
On the other hand, Elder Oghumu lambasted Orhionmwon sons and leaders who have served in the huge agencies like NDDC, EDSOGPADEC, who could not use the opportunity to attract development to Orhionmwon nor employ Orhionmwon indigenes as staff (s) of the various parastatals in previous times, adding that with goal-oriented, grassroots and selfless Politician like Hon. Okoro, Orhionmwon will surely take her pride of place, irrespective of the discouraging internally generated revenue which the council gets.
Source:
*Mega House TV *