Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Hon. Barr George Ariolu has described as total failure the lingering strike action of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and inability of the All Progress Congress, APC-led federal government to revitalise the dying educational sector, forcing students to remain at home.
He described the continuous depreciation of naira against dollars and increasing cases of unrest and insecurity in parts of the nation as worrisome, adding that immediate attention from relevant federal government agencies is required to tackle the menace.
Ariolu made this declaration on Thursday when he received a delegation from the National Network Newspaper led by Pastor Jerry Needam, a renowned journalist and newspaper publisher at the Council Headquarters, Rumuodomaya.
He said it is the duty and responsibility of citizens to make meaningful contributions which will bring about development that will impact greatly on the lives of people, especially in areas where most leaders have failed.
He suggested that the society needs to cultivate the culture of projecting leaders who act right in the eyes of the law, adding that its impact on the people is enormous and unprecedented.
He observed the role of National Network Newspaper in societal development, advising them to always lay emphasis on public yearnings and drawing the attention of the government to issues that needs urgent attention.
Ariolu extolled the National Network Newspaper for its doggedness, urging them to ensure adequate spread of goodwill messages to the masses because he believes there is hope for all.
He remarked while receiving a nomination letter from the group that his election as Chairman is for the interest of the masses. He added that his administration has carried out remarkable projects that will continue to attract applause from the masses.
Pastor Jerry Needam, a renowned Journalist and Publisher of National Network Newspaper during his address, described Ariolu as the best performing Chairman in Rivers State.
He commended the Chairman for the outstanding projects embarked by his administration, delivering dividends of democracy to the people.
He used the occasion to intimate the Chairman on the event marking the 18 years anniversary of the National Network Newspaper where he will be recognised for his outstanding works in the Local Government.
According to Needam, the decision to honour him was reached after an opinion survey from the masses.
