BY JERRY OMOKRI
THE Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Chief Jaro Egbo has inaugurated a 21-member Eminent Persons Advisory Committee, charged with guiding the council on governance, peace building and development matters.
The inauguration was attended by political stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents, who pledged support for the new advisory committee.
Speaking at the inauguration, Egbo described the committee as a group of respected elders and professionals carefully selected from various sectors, including academia, oil and gas, traditional institutions and the public service. He emphasised that his administration recognises that it does not have all the answers and requires the wisdom of seasoned leaders to navigate complex challenges.
“The committee is selected strictly on merit. We have Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba, from the oil sector, Engr. Anthony Ekpruke, who is a staff of Chevron. We have people from under the law profession, such as Barr. Andrew Ovikuroma Oru.
‘’That is the criteria, it is a mixture of the oldest and the youngest people who are the best in the local government area”
Egbo noted that the idea was borne out of past crises in the area, such as disputes at local markets, where respected elders intervened to restore peace.
He said the advisory council will help prevent communal conflicts and provide input on commerce, education, development and empowerment.
While stressing that the committee is not a political organ, he said “although I am a strong believer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but this is not for a political party, some of them there are not politicians, the leader of the group, our most senior chief here is not a politician but he is a leader of communities. It is not an APC thing, it is for everybody.”
The Council Chairman acknowledged that the committee’s guidance could also strengthen democratic governance and political stability in the region.
Egbo also spoke on voter mobilisation ahead of future elections, revealing efforts to address overcrowding at polling units and improve voter education.
According to him, “Ughelli North already records one of the highest voter turnouts in Delta State, but the council is encouraging residents to register in underpopulated polling units.’’
