By Pere Alfred
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!When a leader commits to the principles of truth, equity, and justice, they possess rare qualities that empower them to navigate life’s challenges and emerge bright, much like the sun.
Hon. Engr. Rodney E. Ambaiowei, the representative for Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, was inaugurated on June 13, 2023, as part of the 10th National Assembly of Nigeria after winning the supplementary election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 15, 2023. This supplementary election followed the inconclusiveness of the February 25, 2023, elections, during which 27 polling units in certain wards of the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State were canceled.
Challenges Faced
Life is a journey filled with various experiences that lead us toward our ultimate purpose. Throughout this journey, challenges are inevitable.
Hon. Engr. Rodney E. Ambaiowei can be likened to the biblical David, who defended the people of Israel against formidable adversities. In the recent 2023 general elections, he successfully led his party to victory despite significant obstacles, ultimately winning the supplementary election on April 16, 2023, with 13,992 votes against his closest rival from the APC, who garnered 12,992 votes.
Hon. Ambaiowei faced several legal challenges, including five litigations: one pre-election matter at the Federal High Court in Yenagoa and four post-election cases at the Bayelsa State National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal. The APC took matters further, escalating some cases to the Court of Appeal, resulting in a legal battle that extended for about nine months, concluding on December 21, 2023.
Unlike many who view leadership as a contest for authority, Hon. Rodney emphasizes collaboration, hard work, open dialogue, and a willingness to learn from stakeholders to achieve optimal results. His approach enabled him to triumph in all litigations against him.
Achievements
- Sponsored Motions
- Addressing the issue of frequent boat mishaps on July 20, 2023.
- Urging action against oil spills from offshore facilities on January 31, 2024.
- Advocating for the completion of the Amassoma shoreline protection project on February 20, 2024.
- Seeking urgent attention for oil spills in Olugboboro Community on July 23, 2024.
- Sponsored Bills (February 27, 2024)
- Establishment of a Federal College of Education in Oporoma.
- Establishment of a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Amassoma.
- Establishment of a Federal College of Health and Sciences in Enewari.
- Empowerment Initiatives
- Distributed 700 bags of rice and cash palliatives for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
- Provided extensive relief materials to oil spill-affected communities on October 19, 2024.
- Facilitated the procurement of over 200 JAMB forms for local students on January 22, 2024.
- Assisted in the recruitment of two male constituents into the Nigeria Army in June 2024.
- Offered financial support for weddings, child dedications, funerals, and transportation for constituents.
- Training and Skills Development
- Trained and empowered 100 youths and women in modern fishing skills in Anyama Community on September 10, 2024.
- Provided grants and training in small and medium enterprises for 102 participants in Oporoma Community from September 11-13, 2024.
- Facilitated similar training for 100 participants in Otuan Community during the same period.
- Recommended youth for leadership training in Buruku, Benue State from October 2-4, 2024.
- Medical Outreach Programs
- Collaborated with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria to provide medical eye examinations, treatments, and customized glasses to 1,863 constituents from August 26 to September 1, 2024.
- Rural Solar Street Lighting Scheme (September 14-27, 2024)
- Installation of solar street lights across several communities, including Foinbiri, Duke-ama, and Amassoma.
- Construction and Development Projects
- Undertook the renovation of a six-classroom block in Enewari with modern facilities in October 2024.
- Constructed a solar-powered toilet facility in Igeibiri in October 2024.
- Distributed 250 desks and 60 teacher tables and chairs to select schools in November 2024.
- Constituency Offices
- Established a functional constituency office in Oporoma for constituent accessibility, along with a liaison office in Yenagoa.
- Oversight Functions
- Conducted over 60 oversight functions nationally and internationally, contributing actively to House Committee meetings and plenary debates.
Maya Angelou once said, “People may forget what you said, people may forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Hon. Engr. Rodney E. Ambaiowei has profoundly impacted his constituents in this brief period, despite several challenges faced in Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency.
As this dedicated member of Parliament continues to serve, he remains an invaluable asset to the people of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, advocating for their needs and supporting Governor Douye Diri’s administration in its quest for prosperity. We look forward to seeing further developments and community-oriented projects in the future.
*Pere Alfred is the chief of Staff to Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei
Kindly share
