President-General of Otor-Ogor Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Comrade UK-Tobi Emmanuel Edirin, has defended his administration against allegations of financial misconduct and poor governance, insisting that his tenure has been defined by improved electricity supply, enhanced security and sustained community development.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists, Edirin said he assumed office when the community was faced with prolonged electricity challenges and immediately convened meetings with the Council of Elders, Council of Chiefs and other stakeholders to chart a way forward.
According to him, the community’s three major quarters mobilised funds for the purchase of a transformer, armoured cables and other electrical materials needed to restore power supply, while an agreement was reached with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, to gradually offset an inherited electricity debt.
He disclosed that a committee was constituted to oversee electricity collections, maintenance of facilities and remittances to BEDC, adding that the arrangement has helped sustain electricity in the community.
The President-General denied allegations of financial impropriety and mismanagement, maintaining that development projects executed during his administration were approved through the appropriate community structures and carried out transparently.
He also clarified that the patrol vehicle currently used by the community vigilante was acquired after members of his executive recommended the purchase of his privately owned Sienna vehicle for security operations.
Edirin said one of the major achievements of his administration was the establishment of a structured vigilante outfit to complement the efforts of the police and other security agencies in safeguarding lives and property.
He noted that the community had continued to collaborate with security agencies to strengthen law enforcement and improve public safety.
Highlighting projects executed under his leadership, the community leader listed the installation of transformers, expansion of electricity infrastructure, construction of a community roundabout, grading of roads, renovation and furnishing of the town hall, installation of solar-powered street lights, execution of a solar-powered water project and rehabilitation of public facilities.
He added that his administration also introduced scholarship support for outstanding pupils, carried out repairs in public schools and facilitated the return of the Customary Court to Otor-Ogor Community.
While acknowledging that some of the reforms introduced by his administration attracted criticism, Edirin maintained that the decisions were taken in the overall interest of the community and aimed at promoting accountability, peace and sustainable development.
He called on residents to continue supporting efforts to build a peaceful, secure and united community, stressing that meaningful development can only be achieved through cooperation and collective responsibility.
“We remain committed to providing purposeful leadership, strengthening security and improving the welfare of our people. Our focus is to consolidate the gains already recorded and ensure that Otor-Ogor Community continues on the path of progress,” he said.
