Hon. Frank Enikorogha fueling Odimodi Federated Community crisis for selfish gain – Community leaders

Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State – The peaceful atmosphere in the Odimodi Federated Community has been marred by a series of events that have raised concerns over political manipulation, community corruption, breach of public peace of the community, threat to lives, unlawful possession of sophisticated weapons, malicious damages, criminal diversion of community funds, intimidation, harassment, and a struggle for power and resources. Central to this turmoil is the former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Frank Enikorogha, whose actions are increasingly scrutinized as the root cause of the ongoing crisis.

Recent developments began when Hon. Enikorogha visited the community, purportedly to meet with the Community Chairman Mr. New-Word Endoro, who has found himself embroiled in embezzlement of community funds and defiance of a court order.

The chairman was mandated to inaugurate his vice chairman yet he followed the advice of his political boss and dishonored the mandate.

Sources indicate that the meeting of Hon. Enikorogha and Mr. New-Word transpired behind closed doors, leaving the community in a shroud of uncertainty about the nature of their discussions.

Just two days following Enikorogha’s visit, the Chairman, Mr. New-Word was incarcerated after the court acted on the accusations against him. Although he was subsequently granted bail, reports confirm that he failed to meet the stipulated terms, resulting in ongoing legal battles that have further destabilized the community’s governance. The chairman has been charged to prison for a lot of offenses and the others are at large, the police are going after them.

Community leaders said that Hon. Enikorogha is manipulating the situation to serve his own interests, particularly regarding local job opportunities and his ambitions for a political comeback in 2027. “Hon. Frank Enikorogha is the devil behind all that is happening in our community,” said a concerned community member, emphasizing how Enikorogha’s long-standing influence has morphed into a detrimental force.

Since 2012, Enikorogha has allegedly exerted control over community affairs, often placing loyalists in positions of power contrary to the community’s wishes. This strategy, community leaders argue, was implemented to secure community job slots, which would allow him to pocket significant funds linked to contracts from oil companies operating in the region.

Residents of the Odimodi Federated Community recall years of unfulfilled promises and neglect from their representatives. “Over the years, he has done nothing tangible for our community,” said another community leader. “Instead, he fuels conflicts to create opportunities for himself at our expense.”

The community’s discontent is compounded by the continued struggles for vital resources and the misappropriation of funds that were meant for community development. Members of the community are increasingly frustrated, believing that their votes and trust in Enikorogha were misplaced, as they have witnessed no well-meaning projects during his tenure.

They said he should not think of contesting in any political election because they will not waste their votes on him.

Despite facing backlash, Enikorogha remains ambitious, reportedly maneuvering to take control of the community’s contracts with the intent of funding his future political campaigns. His ambitions for 2027 have led him to prioritize self-serving actions over the welfare of his constituents, further deepening the community’s rifts.

As Odimodi grapples with these crises, the community is calling for transparency and accountability.

The Odimodi Federated Community’s future hinges on a collective response to these challenges and a commitment to reclaiming its governance from political manipulation.

Legal Proceedings Involving Hon. Frank Enikorogha Political Thugs

In a related development, the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Warri Judicial Division, is currently addressing charges against several individuals connected to this crisis under Charge No. FIC/WR/110C/2024.

The defendants include: Chief Sunday Gbegah, Doufe Justice, Teddy Benikurukuru, New-Word Endoro (Community Chairman), Solomon Gbegah, Chief Combolous Ikisa, Afidi Ebiarede, and Akin Benikurukuru.

These defendants, identified as political thugs for Hon. Frank Enikorogha, face multiple counts including conspiracy to commit a felony, assault with dangerous weapons, unlawful disconnection of electrical installations, and exhumation of a corpse without consent.

The community continues to seek justice and accountability, with additional suspects reportedly evading law enforcement. The situation remains fluid as the residents hope for a resolution to restore peace and governance in Odimodi.