By Our
Mrs Favour Okorie, Coordinator, Ohaozara East Development Centre, has dismissed allegations that empowerment materials meant for the centre were distributed without the knowledge and consent of community stakeholders.
Okorie said the distribution was conducted openly in the presence of traditional rulers, village heads, youth and women leaders, as well as other stakeholders in the area.
Our Correspondent recalls that a former Federal Commissioner with the National Population Commission (NPC), Chief Darlington Okereke, had alleged that the coordinator diverted and distributed some Federal Government empowerment materials at the development centre without consulting the people.
However, speaking with newsmen on Wednesday in Abakaliki, the Coordinator said due process was followed before the materials were distributed.
She said: “Firstly, on July 28, I called for a stakeholders’ meeting, where all the traditional rulers, village heads, women and youth leaders were invited before the distribution. Chief Darlington Okereke himself was also invited.
“Remember that the said materials had been parked for about 20 years, and about five other persons had served as coordinators before I assumed office in 2024.
“I am telling you all these because all the processes were duly followed. The entire traditional leadership structure, including His Royal Highness, Eze Frank Agueze of Ugwulangwu, Eze Iyioku,who was represented by his cabinets, were present during the distribution.
“Mr Ernest Okorie, popularly known as AK-Black, who is the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Francis Nwifuru on Road Maintenance, Ebonyi South, and a former coordinator of the centre, was also present.
“The youth leader of OHANIVO, Chimebere George Nwoye, and other political stakeholders were also present.”
Okorie further said she personally contacted Okereke and others ahead of the distribution, but that they failed to respond to her calls and messages.
“In fact, before the distribution, I personally sent messages and made calls to Darlington Okereke and others, but they ignored the messages and calls because of their gang-up against me,” she alleged.
She maintained that the exercise was not carried out secretly, adding that she personally procured 16 additional motorcycles as part of her empowerment support to beneficiaries.
Speaking on her achievements since assuming office, Okorie said her administration had implemented several initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents of the development centre.
She said more than 100 indigent students had benefited from free registration for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations under her administration.
According to her, her administration also improved rural electrification projects in the area and constructed two mini-bridges to enhance movement within the communities.
She added that the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre was renovated, while mowing machines were procured to support environmental maintenance and other community development activities.
Okorie said the interventions were part of her efforts to improve the living conditions of residents and promote development across the Ohaozara East Development Centre.
