Aforji Obey: “It’s No Longer About Party, It’s About Rivers State”

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Hon. Igwe Aforj Obey PhD


When Prime Heritage Magazine caught up with Chief Hon. Igwe Aforji Obey PhD, the Member representing Eleme Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Education, at the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters, he was in a reflective but determined mood.

The lawmaker, who recently returned with his colleagues after months of legislative suspension during the emergency rule, described the period as one of silence and frustration for his people.

“We lost the voice of representative government, including the voice of Eleme,” he recalled. “I tried to keep in touch with our traditional rulers and opinion leaders, but it wasn’t the same. The sole administrators weren’t elected by our people. My constituents truly felt the absence.”

Now back in the chamber for his second term, Aforji says the mood in Eleme is one of renewed hope.

“The day we resumed plenary, our people were jubilant. We promised to hit the ground running, and that’s exactly what we are doing,” he said with a smile.

On politics, Aforji was clear: party divides will not stand in the way of Eleme’s progress. Though an APC lawmaker, he works closely with Chief Obarilomate Ollor, the PDP chairman of Eleme LGA.

“Party is just a vehicle,” he insisted. “What matters is development. Tomorrow, nobody will ask me what I did for APC; they’ll ask what I did for Eleme. That is why I collaborate with Chief Ollor. His agenda aligns with Eleme’s growth, and that’s what matters.”

He extended the same sentiment to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, praising his conciliatory style.

“The governor has chosen peace and put Rivers State first. We’ve fought too many battles on party and ethnic lines, and it got us nowhere. We’ve learned the hard way. Now it’s about Rivers first.”

On their first day back in session, the Assembly wasted no time, inviting Governor Fubara to present commissioner nominees and the appropriation bill for the year. For Aforji, that was a strong signal of a new beginning.

“We are ready to work with the governor for the good of Rivers people,” he declared.

As the conversation ended, it was clear that for Hon. Igwe Aforji Obey, the message was simple: development above politics, unity above division, Rivers State above all.

Nwafor Oji Awala 

(c) Prime Heritage Magazine 

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