... Alleges Marginalisation
By Nemi Tamuno
Bolo First wishes to place on record its profound displeasure and disappointment regarding developments at the 30th Anniversary celebration of the creation of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area. While we commend the initiative of the Council Chairman, Barr. Vincent Nemieboka to celebrate this historic milestone, we are deeply disturbed by the conduct, speeches, and omissions that characterized the event. What should have been a unifying celebration was unfortunately marred by political grandstanding and a glaring lack of recognition for key figures in the history of our LGA.
It is with utter dismay that we observed the deliberate and embarrassing exclusion of Engr. Eliel Owubokiri, the immediate past Sole Administrator of Ogu/Bolo LGA, from the programme and its proceedings. Not only was Engr. Owubokiri not recognized, acknowledged or given a seat, but his photograph, name, and designation were completely omitted from all anniversary materials, displays and documentation. This was a glaring and calculated erasure of a man who served this LGA with distinction and handed over to the incumbent administration. His omission from an event designed to reflect on our thirty-year journey is not only disrespectful but also an insult to the people of Bolo and all those who contributed to the stability, peace and progress of the LGA during the period under review. This omission was not accidental; it was deliberate and did not go unnoticed by the people of Ogu/Bolo.
Bolo First further observes with grave concern the several political statements made by key political actors at an event that should have been strictly commemorative and unifying. The anniversary was not a political rally. It was an occasion to reflect on our collective history, celebrate our achievements and look to the future. Instead, it was used as a platform to make statements that were divisive, politically motivated and capable of inciting tension within the LGA.
We wish to set the record straight regarding the claim that the present LGA Chairman was elected under Ele and not Ogu. This Ele narrative is inappropriate and is a clear attempt to rewrite history. Such a narrative is not only false but a deliberate distortion of the political reality of Ogu/Bolo LGA. Ogu/Bolo people do not suffer amnesia. Have we forgotten so soon when a young chairmanship aspirant from Wakama was told by the political leader of the LGA at the time that the chairmanship rests in the two communities of Bolo and Ogu? The question must be asked, where is this Ele narrative coming from now, two years to the expiration of the tenure of the present Chairman and for what purpose?
This brings us to the question of selective recognition and intent. If Barr. Vincent Nemieboka could boldly address the gathering regarding the spread of elected Chairmen since creation, why did he not in the same vein mention the spread of the Rivers State House of Assembly and other Representatives since 1996? This selective narrative raises serious questions. Was the speech intended to incite Wakama against Bolo? Was it intended to pour aspersion on Bolo as a component part of Ogu/Bolo LGA? Or was it designed to rewrite history and diminish the contributions of Bolo to the growth and development of the Local Government? Bolo First views this as a deliberate attempt to undermine the unity preached and the historical contributions of Bolo to the Ogu/Bolo project.
Let it be clearly stated that we are happy with the celebration of the 30th Anniversary. However, we condemn the deliberate exclusion and non-recognition of Engr. Eliel Owubokiri and we reject the false Ele narrative being propagated. Bolo First demands that the history of this LGA be told truthfully and without political manipulation.
In light of the foregoing, Bolo First hereby demands a public apology from the managers of the event and the Ogu/Bolo Local Government Council for the embarrassing omission of Engr. Eliel Owubokiri, the unwarranted political statements made at a non-political event, and the false and misleading Ele narrative regarding the emergence of Barr. Vincent Nemieboka as Executive Chairman. This apology should be made publicly in writing and on all relevant social media platforms within seven days from the date of this statement. Failure to do so will leave Bolo First with no option but to take further necessary legal actions to protect the integrity, history and interests of Bolo and its people.
Once again, Bolo is a proud and integral part of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area. We have contributed immensely to the growth, stability and development of this LGA. We will not stand by while our contributions are erased, our leaders are disrespected and our history distorted for cheap political gains. We remain committed to the unity, peace and progress of Ogu/Bolo LGA. But unity cannot be built on falsehood, exclusion and political manipulation.
Engr. Bertwell Nyeduko,
Spokesperson, For and on behalf of Bolo First reiterated that the protest goes beyond protocol breach. It highlights a deeper structural imbalance. Presently, all strategic political offices linked to Ogu/Bolo LGA at the state level are occupied by persons of Ogu extraction. The Executive Chairmanship is held by Ogu, the Rivers State House of Assembly seat for Ogu/Bolo has been held predominantly by Ogu since 1999, and party leadership and major appointments are also skewed.
This creates a feeling of total political exclusion for Bolo, which is co-equal in the creation of the LGA. The LGA was created as Ogu/Bolo, implying partnership. When one component consistently holds all offices, the principle of rotation and equity is defeated. The erasure of a Bolo son who was the immediate past Sole Administrator from the anniversary history appears to confirm this pattern of marginalisation.
Dr. Tamuno is the President Rural Initiative for Community Empowerment, RICE
