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Mixed Reactions To Minority Leader's Distribution Of Garri To Constituents As Part Of Constituency Projects

February 15, 2016

Mixed reactions have continued to trail the recent distributions of garri to constituents by the member representing Isoko Federal constituency in the Federal House of Representatives and the Minority Leader of the House, Leo Okuweh Ogor.

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Last Thursday, the federal lawmaker was said to have given two baskets of garri to his loyal boys.  The boys went into the streets of Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State and distributed the garri to Mr. Ogor’s constituents, who are primarily made up of  the aged.  The boys said the garri was part of Mr. Ogor’s constituency projects for the people.

The distribution of garri went viral on the social media accounts of Isoko advocacy groups.  Several people lobbed criticism and condemnation at the lawmaker, describing his actions as unfortunate and disgraceful.

Speaking to SaharaReporters, a former Isoko south Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, accused Mr. Ogor of amassing wealth for himself to the detriment of his constituents and that he only gave back two baskets of garri to his impoverished constituents.

"Mr. Ogor is a disappointment, in fact when we saw the distribution of the garri we condemned the act which is dehumanising and painting our people in a bad light.

“For over 16 years in the National Assembly what has he achieved apart from the purchase and distribution of motorcycles, lady machines, solar street lights, and the renovation of primary schools?

“The few contracts he managed to attracted to some areas such as street lights and few others are either completed by himself or companies owned by his brothers and other cronies.

“We condemned the distribution of garri to our people by Mr. Ogor," the PDP chairman stated.

A woman, who gave her name as Mrs. Idogho, also criticized Mr. Ogor stating the lawmaker has only amassed wealth for himself and his family.

"Mr.. Ogor should be ashamed of himself.  He should tell people that he has nothing to offer and has lost focus and we will understand rather than this humiliation of his constituents especially the aged.

“My mother is not a hungry woman and I have since thrown away the two baskets of garri given to her. She doesn't need it," Mrs. Idogho stated.

A cross-section of the people who spoke to SaharaReporters, criticised and condemned in its entirety the distribution of the two baskets of garri to the constituents especially the aged in Oleh and called on Mr. Ogor to stop any further distribution of the garri to the people.

The people advised the Federal lawmaker to focus on constituency projects rather than the distribution of garri.

It was observed that photos of the distribution of the garri were posted on Facebook by the loyal boys of Mr. Ogor who carried out the distributions.  These photos received condemnation and criticism and were subsequently deleted a few hours later.