Ariolu Warns Miscreants Against Vandalization Of Government Projects

The Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (OBALGA), Barrister George Ariolu has cautioned against vandalization of government projects by miscreants and troublemakers in the area. The call came amidst concerns over recent incidents of destruction and damage to public infrastructure.

Speaking while presenting two operational vehicles to Eneka and Elimgbu Police Stations at Council headquarters, Rumuodomaya on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, the Council Chairman expressed concern over the increasing number of acts of vandalism targeting government projects, and stressed the importance of preserving these vital assets which are meant for the betterment of the people.

“Let me use this opportunity to warn those criminal elements, we see them as not just enemies of the local government area but the entire State. Those who go about vandalising and stealing installation and fittings in government projects within the Local Government Area.

“It will be no longer business as usual for them. We have set up local vigilantes and this time around they will be apprehended and prosecuted. So let them be warned a-forehand to desist from vandalising and stealing those fittings and installations especially, the ones in our flyovers, he said.

Ariolu called on traditional rulers and community development councils to partner with the local government area to ensure that these criminals are brought to book.

On their part, the Divisional Police Officers in charge of Eneka and Elimgbu Community respectively expressed satisfaction in the efforts made by the OBALGA Council Chairman in curtailing crime in the area.

Barrister Ariolu had earlier presented two operational vehicles to Eneka and Elimgbu Police Stations at the councils, stating that the vehicles are necessary in order to facilitate and strengthen the security agencies to protect the lives and properties of the people.

“Sometime ago as a council, we made a promise and that promise is bordering on Security. Today we are here to fulfill the promise.

We are presenting two operational vehicles to play our role in the security of lives and properties within the local government area.”

“For us this is our own little contribution, understanding the fact that security is the responsibility of every citizen of our dear nation despite the fact that it falls under the exclusive list of the constitution which is within the primary pouvoir of the federal government.”

“On our part, we deem it necessary that we have a role to play and we will try to intervene in necessary areas to give support to the security agencies in our local government area especially, the police to enable them fight crime”, he said.

The Council Boss lauded the security agencies for their efforts in curbing crimes and urged them to use the vehicles to good effect.

“Let me also use this opportunity to thank the security agencies for doing their work. In our own assessment there has been a decline in criminal activities across the local government area.

Considering the fact that Obio Akpor is completely urbanized and considering the criminality associated with urbanization. We think it is pertinent that the logistics provided for fighting crimes should be adequate for the police Divisions.

“The vehicles are here to serve you. If you use it carefully, it will last for you. Do well to put it into good use for the interest of our people to fight crimes that are meted against our people and secure their properties”, Ariolu stated.

Expressing gratitude to the Council Chairman, the DPO of Eneka Police Station, ICSP Deborah said the act showed that Ariolu is working tirelessly to provide security of lives and properties of his people.

 Similarly, the DPO of Elimgbu Police Station, I CSP Umana Mary thanked the Chairman and his team for the gesture. Her words,  “It is true that maintenance is a general challenge for Nigerians.

We have poor maintenance culture but the Commissioner Of Police has changed the narrative and I’m assuring you that we’re going to use this vehicle properly and effectively for the reason it was provided.”

The presentation was witnessed by Principal Officers in the Local Government Area, Honourable Councilors representing the people of Ward 14 and Ward 1, Eze Chidi Wokoma; Paramount Ruler of Rumuokwurusi Community, Community Development Council Chairmen, Youth Presidents, Supervisors Of the Council and members of the Press.