Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr. Gift Worlu, has urged politicians to shun hatred and focus on building systems that will empower citizens to become self-reliant.

Worlu said political differences should not breed hatred or defamation among politicians, noting that healthy competition should centre on promoting party ideals and candidates rather than attacking opponents.

He stressed that leaders must concentrate on policies and programmes that would enable citizens to grow economically instead of creating dependency.

“I can’t hate you because we are not in the same political party. It is wrong and we should grow beyond that. I would rather look for ways to market my party and demarket my opponents party. That is how to play politics, not through hatred or violence,” he said.

The council boss spoke on Monday in Port Harcourt while disclosing plans to unveil his administration’s blueprint for the local government.

According to him, the blueprint will address key challenges confronting the council, including insecurity, inadequate motor parks and markets, as well as poor waste management.

Worlu also highlighted ongoing efforts by his administration to curb multiple taxation and improve traffic management within the council area.

He noted that indiscriminate stopping of vehicles along roads contributes significantly to traffic congestion, stressing the need for designated bus stops and improved transport regulation.

“Transporters and motorists are sometimes guilty of stopping at random points to drop passengers, which worsens traffic congestion. We must begin to observe designated bus stops once they are created,” he said.

On market management, Worlu lamented that traders often prefer displaying their wares along major roads instead of using available market spaces.

He cited the Choba Market and other locations where shops remain largely empty while traders operate along the roadside, creating obstruction and safety concerns.

According to him, the council is not driving traders away carelessly but encouraging them to operate within designated spaces provided for commercial activities.

He added that the council’s budget presented last month made provisions for the construction of additional markets and motor parks to address the shortage of such facilities.

Worlu further emphasised the need to change entrenched practices that encourage disorder in public spaces, noting that building a new culture of compliance and order would require consistent enforcement and public cooperation.