The Deputy Leader of the House of Representatives, Comrade Peter Akpatason may have influenced the rousing welcome and reception accorded Barrister Natasha Hadiza Akpoti when the Okpameri traditional council of Obas honoured her with a chieftaincy title in Ibillo, Akoko-Edo local government area last week, it was learnt.
It would be recalled that Philanthropist Natasha had singlehandedly rehabilitated the dilapidated and impassable Okene-Lampese-Ibillo Road around the General Hospital-Argentina Restaurant-Omoba Hotel and Total Filling Station on Igarra-Ibillo Isua Road.
Akpatason who represents Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency was reported to have personally called some of the traditional rulers among whom is the Imah IV of Somorika, HRH Oba Sule Idaiye, community leaders, politicians, market women, personal aides among others to support and rally round Natasha during the event at the civic centre in Ibillo.
The lawmaker who was unavoidable absent was represented by former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Dele Oloruntoba.
It was learnt that the Deputy House Leader, Comrade Peter Akpatason and Barrister Natasha Akpoti have partnered to influence more infrastructural developments to the local government area especially through the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the federal government ministries, agencies and parastatals.
Among those in attendance were Mr. Ebeneza Oladele, Frank Aweh, Balogun Samuel Omokugbo, Hon Afowosoro Sunday, Hon Emmanuel Ogbofa Harrison, Joel Cletus, Adele Cletus, Oye Oloba, Hon Owolabi Samuel.
In his speech, the Chairman of Okpameri Descendants Union, Dr. Kingley Ekundayo appreciated Hon Peter Akpatason and every other person who played one role or the other to bring Barrister Natasha’s kindness to concrete forms.
Dr Ekundayo said he would never be able to let Barrister Natasha know how much the people appreciated her for rehabilitating the dilapidated portion of the federal government road in Akoko-Edo.
He said, “I know you probably do not think that you even did anything special. Indeed, you have done something special, in fact, something more than special, something more than gold to the Okpameri Nation!
“You have wiped be away the tears of our market women. You have changed the narrative of the harrowing experiences of our farmers who could not access ready market for their farm produce.