REJOINDER TO THE OPEN LETTER BY HON. CHUKWUEMEKE K. VICTOR, THE COUNCILOR REPRESENTING DSIEC WARD 19 EZIONUM

The attention of the Councilors of the 8th Assembly of Ukwuani legislative Arm has been drawn to an open letter authored by Hon. Chukwuemeke K.
Victor and addressed to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State. While we respect every councilors right to express their views, it is
important to refute the baseless and misleading claims made in this letter,as they could misinform the public and tarnish the reputation of the council
and its leadership.
1. Claim regarding the Submission of Councilors’ Election Results Hon. Chukwuemeke K. Victor alleged that in a discussion between the Executive
Chairman and distinguished Councilors that the Council Chairman stated that results were submitted before election, we make bold to state that such
conversation never held between us and the Executive Chairman of Ukwuani LGA. Such statement was never made at any forum to hearing of any of the 19
Councilors perhaps safe to the hearing of Hon. Chukwuemeke K. Victor We state categorically that the election that ushered in present leadership of council in
Delta State was largely adjudged by international communities and civil society groups to be free, fair and credible. The process of councilors elections was
conducted transparently, in line with established electoral guidelines and timelines. All submissions were done within the legal framework and in adherence
to the prescribed dates. Any insinuation to the contrary is not only unfounded but a deliberate attempt by Hon. Victor to discredit the integrity of the process that
elevated his status in life. Hon. Chukwuemeke K. Victor's claim is utterly, wicked, false and misleading, we urge the members of the public to disregard and throw
away his imagination as captured in the said letter under review.
2. On the Welfare of Councilors
The welfare of councilors’ has always been a priority for the council leadership. Any perception of neglect or mistreatment is baseless. We challenge Hon.
Chukwuemeke K. Victor to provide concrete evidence of any instance where councilors' welfare has been ignored or mishandled. The Executive and the
Legislators in Ukwuani LGA are working very hard to deliver their respective mandates to Ukwuani people.The commitment to councilors’ welfare has been demonstrated through various initiatives, including:
1. A two-day seminar held in Delta State Capital, Asaba, focused on the theme: "Strengthening the Legislature at the Local Governments in Nigeria for Effective
Performance."
2. The delegation of councilors’ representatives to participate in the National Councilors Convention in Abuja.
3. Provision of monthly imprest to councilors for their official duties.
4. Ongoing approval of constituency projects proposed by councilors.
5. Demonstrated community engagement and support during the immediate past Yuletide season, reflecting the commitment to the welfare of councilors and
council staffs.
These actions, among others, highlight the dedication to enhancing the welfare and effectiveness of councilors within the Ukwuani LGA.
3. On Hon. Chukwuemeke K. Victor’s Suspension
The suspension of Hon. Chukwuemeke K. Victor was not dictated by the council chairman. It was a collective decision made by his fellow councilors after due
deliberation and in accordance with the House Standing Order. Hon. Victor’s suspension was based on his breach of the oath of secrecy, a serious offense that
undermines the integrity and confidentiality of the Ukwuani legislative arm. This decision reflects the councilors' commitment to uphold the principles of
accountability and discipline, which are critical to the smooth functioning of the legislative arm.
4. Claim of a Strained Relationship between Councilors and the Chairman
The assertion that the council chairman and the councilors are not in good working terms is another false narrative. To label the chairman as a “dictator” is a
baseless exaggeration, aimed at creating division where none exists. The Executive Chairman does not make decision for the Legislative arm. We only enjoy
progressive corroboration.
5. Reiterating Leadership’s Commitment
We’ll like to categorically state that the chairman and councilors enjoy a positive working relationship. Decisions are made collectively, with all members given a
fair opportunity to contribute to discussions and policy-making.
6. Clarification on Leadership Selection Process
We wish to clarify that the claims regarding the handpicking of the leadership within the 8th Assembly of the Ukwuani Legislative Arm are entirely unfounded.
The leadership was duly nominated and seconded without any dissent from the Councilors, and all nominees were affirmed accordingly.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that Hon. Chukwuemeke K. Victor participated in the process by nominating our Deputy Chief Whip, a nomination that was
seconded by Hon. Ilugo Uche. We affirm that the Executive Chairman did not engage in the alleged practice of selecting any principal officers of the Assembly.
Conclusion
Hon. Chukwuemeke K. Victor’s open letter appears to be an attempt to distract the council from its focus on governance and service delivery to the people. His
allegations are unfounded and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts intended to serve personal interests. We, therefore, urge the public and His Excellency, the
Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori to disregard these claims as baseless. In light of this, we call on Hon. Chukwuemeke K. Victor to refrain from makingfurther unsubstantiated allegations and to focus on constructive engagements that will benefit his ward. The council remains united and committed to the progress and welfare of the people we serve.

Signed,
Ukwuani Legislative Arm
1. RT HON DURELL KENCHONI OSSAI( LEADER OF THE HOUSE) ______________
2. RT HON FRANK ENEFAZU( DEPUTY LEADER) ________________
3. HON GABRIEL OTUNUYA IBOBO( MAJORITY LEADER) ________________
4. HON EKPENUMA LUCKY ( CHIEF WHIP) ________________
5. HON OSSAIUGBA GAVENTA ( DEPUTY MAJORITY LEADER) ________________
6. HON NGOZI OSAKUNI DAFE ( DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP) ________________
7. HON AWELE TENNYSON EKULE _______________ 
8. HON OGBUTA MELVIN ________________
9. HON OSSAI CHINEYE ________________
10. HON ODALONI CHRISTIAN ________________
11. HON DAMIAN ISHIE ________________
12. HON JOYCE ANWULI EBINUM ________________
13. HON AHAIJI EMEKE FELIX ________________
14. HON ELEH CHUKS ________________
15. HON FRANKMAYOR OGUYE ________________
16. HON ILUGO UCHE GOODLUCK ________________
17. HON DAMEH KELVIN ________________
18. HON PRINCESS NGOZI OLISE ________________
19. HON OJI IKECHUKWU. ________________
Cc:
1. Chief Solomon Arenyeka
PDP Chairman, Delta State
2. Comr Oscar Solomon Osakwe
PDP Chairman, Ukwuani Local
Government Area, Delta State