Ben Iwezu
Dr Cairo Ojougboh’s vituperation aimed at maligning the personality of His Excellency, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, had received commendable rejoinders from all quarters of good conscience and rational thinking, however, it is important to address the man for who he is, so that Deltans will be wary of a serpent parading himself as the voice of the people.
Cairo Ojugboh
First, how did Cairo fare as the Executive Director Projects, Niger Delta Development Commission? Was it contradictory that his stint, less than 18 months as the EDP, was fraught with financial impropriety and allegations of fraud well publicized in the media?
According to a publication by the _People’s Gazette_, “listed among questionable spendings of the Pondei/Ojougboh-led interim board included N122.9m on condolences, N3.14bn on COVID-19, N486m Duty Travel Allowance, N85.6m on foreign travels, and N1.3bn on community relations.
“Others were N248m on stakeholders’ engagement, N83m on consultancy, N220m on maintenance, N1.121bn on public projects communication, N744m on security, N8.8bn on staffing-related payment, N900m on legal service, N1.956bn on Lassa Fever, and N790.9m as imprest.”
These figures are mind boggling and speak of a serpent disguised as an angel to steal. Little wonder his stint ended with him acquiring estates and mansions across the nation at the expense of attracting meaningful projects to his immediate community, Agbor. What is as bad as a so-called leader, having graciously found himself in a position of influence, only ends up so abysmally as Cairo? The performance of Cairo Ojougboh as EDP must be forensically investigated to ascertain the level of fraud under his reign of shame in the NDDC. What more can be entrusted with Cairo?
Akinowa, as he prides himself, in more than seven years now, secured a loan to the tune of Seven hundred and sixty million Naira (N760,000,000) from the NEXIM Bank and he’s yet to fulfill his obligation to the terms of the loan. In fact, Cairo almost got the facilitator of the said loan into trouble as his assets almost got confiscated due to his unethical character of not giving account of his stewardship in all endeavours. Perhaps, he thinks this very large sum would be swept under the carpet, too?
Meanwhile, unlike Cairo, His Excellency, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, has been phenomenal in attracting development to the doors of the self-acclaimed Akinowa of Anioma. Omo-Agege had proven, time and again, his stellar worth in the administration of man and society. He sees the need for the collective well-being of ALL as the motivation to serve. This is one of many traits of the DSP they are working in vain to diminish. What else can Cairo offer a political party?
Delta North must be wary of a fellow so desperate that his name is almost associated with high-profiled political assassinations in the nation. Such fellows, as we have seen in Cairo, will only kill to steal. They’re so power hungry! The manner he hurriedly took over as PDP Deputy National Chairman, South-South, following the murder of Chief Aminasoari Kala Dikibo made him a prime suspect in the alleged assassination enquiry. He only sees through the lens of amassing illegitimate wealth at all cost. He can never stand for equity.
Cairo’s new strategy to malign the hard-earned personality of His Excellency, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, is only to gain relevance in the scheme of Delta State politics. He knows that Deltans are ready to boot out political rascals in 2023, hence, he’s trying so hard but without success to ruin men, who through dint of sacrifice and service to the people, built their standings in society over time. Cairo Ojougboh has nothing to offer the common man but his allies in financial goose chase. He prides himself as one-time PDP Deputy National Chairman, South-South. Well, that ended with his “political ruggedity” only being for his pockets. What does Cairo have to show as his 2021 General Election results despite serving as a Presidential Spokesman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council Delta State? It is little wonder he has descended so low to pull down others. Unfortunately for him, the man Cairo is attempting to pull down is already indoctrinated in the hearts of Deltans. Cairo must now put an end to his shenanigans and bow his head in shame as he’s got nothing to offer Deltans.
Dr Iwezu write from Asaba
