BY JOEL GRANDBALL/UGHELLI
TWO of the suspended councillors in Ughelli North Local Government Council have retracted allegations against the council chairman, Olorogun Jaro Egbo.
The councillors, Hon Festus Inana and Hon Collins Arhiakpore, also tendered an unreserved apology to the chairman, their colleagues and wards.
It would be recalled that Hon Festus Inana, Hon Collins Arhiakpore and Hon Okeoghene Isodje were suspended indefinitely in a sitting presided over by the Leader of the Ughelli North Local Government Legislative Arm, Hon Prosper Ajero.
They held that they were misguided by the information they got that the council chairman induced their colleagues with N200,000 to facilitate their suspension; an allegation that was denied by the chairman.
Speaking to our correspondent, Hon Inana, who is the Chief Whip of the Ughelli North Legislative Arm, said, “Upon investigation, money was not given by the council chairman. “The council chairman is a very notable, traditional Chief and when things like this are being said from unknown sources, we have the responsibility to tell the general public.
“That allegation came from a third party to us, and out of curiosity, we went ahead without verification, and now that we have found out that it was not true, we are withdrawing that allegation.”
On his part, Hon Collins Arhiakpore said, “We are in the process of reconciliation, and there is no need to escalate the issue. The council chairman is our friend, elder brother, and we are working in synergy to ensure that a better Ughelli North Local Government Area is achieved.
“We are looking forward to a more robust relationship because if the Legislative arm is not in harmony with the Executive arm, we cannot progress.
“We have not come to display cowardice but to foster unity in the local government area, and we are currently on top of the issues.
“Our leaders in Ughelli swung into action after hearing from us, and currently, the resolution process is ongoing, and we believe it will end well.”
