A member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Linda Somiari Stewart says supporting women to participate and grow in politics would help them demonstrate their capacity in public office.

Stewart said this on Thursday, April 20, 2023 during the commissioning of two 5OOKVA transformers which were installed at Okochiri Community to provide electricity by linking the area to the national grid.

She noted that the support she has received from stakeholders in Okrika and beyond during her time in politics showed the disposition of leaders of the LGA in “encouraging the women to stand out in politics,” saying that because of their recognition that women in the area have continued to show capacity.

The transformers, which were installed along Messiah Road in Amangi-Ama, Okochiri Community in Okrika LGA, are said to underscore the developmental strides of the Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, Akuro Tobin.

Stewart expressed profound joy at the feat achieved by the Chairman of the LGA, Akuro Tobin, saying he was “following the footsteps of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” commending him for scaling up the development profile of the area.

“I thank the chairman, his councillors and the Chiefs of the various institution in my constituency on behalf of the women for encouraging the women to stand out in politics, I want to thank our fathers for embarking on a deliberate and intentional mission to push their daughters.”

In his remarks, Chairman of Okrika LGA, Akuro Tobin expressed gratitude to the people, especially, the “women for coming out en masse to vote and still making it out to support this huge project,” applauding Hon. Linda Stewart for “being a woman who believes in projects”.

Recounting her achievements while in office, Tobin said “she has built townhalls; she has built markets, she has built library for our students to study,” pointing out that she was an example of the aphorism; “show me your friend and I will tell you who you are”.

Speaking, a former Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, Dr. Sampson Parker said he was elated to see quality projects being emplaced in the area, stating that he is one of those enjoying the dividends of the Akuro Tobin led administration.

“It’s one of the things that is usual with him, bringing power and electricity to the community. In fact, I’m one of the beneficiaries of this electrification.”

Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Chief Dere Gogo said the LG Chairman’s “effort is highly commendable,” noting that “he has been making every necessary effort to properly fund the project,” stressing that “I know the total wage bill of our Local Government, it’s very difficult to squeeze out money like this for project”.

The Director of Works at the Okrika LG Council, Love Nwokoba, who was accompanied by a staff of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED), Allison Ajubo, said the project was conceived by the Chairman, who also ensured that all the equipment needed for the installation were provided.