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BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

Democracy, as a popular form of government practiced by many countries around the world, is anchored on three planks; executive, legislature, and judiciary. Described as the fulcrum of democracy, the legislature is the nexus between government and the citizenry. Its strategic role can be better illustrated by the realization that no nation can be described as having democratic government without the legislature. In Nigeria, the legislature is the closest arm of government to the citizenry. The main responsibilities of the legislature; Lawmaking, Oversight, and Representation are enshrined in Sections 4, 88, 89, 51, and 66 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). These provisions empower the legislature to make laws for peace, order, and good governance in the country; ensuring transparency, and accountability; to serve the interests, and needs of their respective constituents, and also the well being of all people in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s democracy, patterned after that of the United States of America has a bicameral legislature; Senate, and House of Representatives with 109, and 360 members respectively. Obio-Akpor is one of the 13 federal constituencies in Rivers state. With 17 Wards, and over 100 communities, Obio-Akpor hosts several educational institutions, media organizations, and industries. Since the birth of the 4th Republic in 1999, it has been represented by three people at various times. Chukwuma Godswill from 1999 to 2003. Chinwe Ike, 2003 – 2011. Kingsley Chinda; the incumbent, who is serving his 4th consecutive term – an unprecedented, and record-setting achievement.

It is expected that, having derived their legitimacy from the people, lawmakers should abreast constituents of their stewardship, on a regular basis. Its importance is open-ended. Such interactions promote legislator-constituents relationship; identification, and prioritization of constituency needs; mutuality of intentions, and processes towards tackling challenges. It also has a feedback mechanism that will enhance the performances of legislators. Cognisant of the need for inquisition, this treatise is geared towards examining legislative activities, and development in Obio-Akpor. Having gone halfway in his four-year term, analysis of Chinda’s performances as it relates to lawmaking, oversight, and representation becomes necessary.

As stated earlier, lawmaking and oversight remains the major functions of legislators. From verifiable records, Chinda has distinguished himself creditably on both fronts. Deploying his broad-based experiences as an attorney, administrator, and activist, he has moved numerous Motions that are people-focussed, development-driven, and targeted at good governance. It is instructive to note that, in two years, he has moved over a dozen Bills – many of these seek to strengthen the constitution, and enhance service delivery by MDAs. At oversight, and other legislative functions, he has led the advocacy for numerous forward-looking actions including payment of improved wages to workers, and other benefits towards enhancing services. Through his insightful contributions at plenary and other legislative interactions, he has positively positioned, and elevated the status of Obio-Akpor in parliamentary and national discourse.

For many people, the Representation-role of lawmakers is seen as the most important. Somehow, legislators are scored, by their constituents on how well they attract projects and programmes to their constituencies. Nigerians focus on representation as the compass through which lawmakers are assessed. Conscious of this categorization and expectations, some legislators perpetually explore opportunities to impact their respective constituents. Given the glaring implications of sectoral challenges across the country, which has led to infrastructural decay, and stunted development in the vast majority of constituencies, some lawmakers have assumed the position of interventionists.

Fortunately for the people of Obio-Akpor, Chinda is among this group of lawmakers. Since the commencement of the 10th Assembly in June 2023, he has practically continued, and improved upon what he did in the 7th to the 9th sessions. In the past two years, he has made significant achievements in critical sectors that have impacted on personal growth, and community development. In education and human capacity development, various initiatives have been done for all categories of people. Construction and equipping of classrooms in different public schools across the constituency; construction of Computer Base Centres; adult education scheme; enrollment of about 150 teachers for the University of Buckingham, (UK), International Diploma in Education programme. Not forgetting the yearly distribution of JAMB forms; training, and re-training of teachers; financial assistance to deserving and indigent students; as well as other programmes geared towards education advancement in Obio-Akpor.

Convinced that the growth of commerce, trade, and economic activities in the constituency is hinged on the promotion, and elevation of the semi formal, and informal sectors, he has organized various capacity building programmes for different vocations. On a regular basis, constituents are trained in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes on fashion designs, hair dressing, barbing, welding, snail farming, and similar vocations. Periodically, youths receive training on ICT, AI, AgricBusiness & Food Security, and other specialized fields that enhance self reliance and empowerment. One unique feature of the initiatives is that participants receive cash, start up packs, and other packages for take-off. More importantly, the programmes are all-inclusive; beneficiaries cuts across different classifications in the constituency.

Realizing the need for medical mitigation of constituents amid growing health challenges, Chinda, on a regular basis organizes health outreaches. In the last two years, thousands of people from various communities have benefitted from these medical intervention programmes which includes the examination, treatment, and provision of drugs, medications, and kits. Also, some Health Centers were equipped and furnished, as well as the distribution of medical materials. To ensure the provision of potable water by the people, Chinda facilitated the rehabilitation of the Atali Water Project; construction of solar powered boreholes at some communities including Elelenwo, Eneka, Rumuokpatati, Ogbogoro, Eligbam, Iriebe. To deepen communal relationship, women centres, town halls, and youth centres were constructed at Atali, Elelenwo, Rukpokwu, Mgbuchi, and a few other communities.

Determined to improve the infrastructure deficits in Obio-Akpor, Chinda, in 2 years, facilitated the construction of about 10 road projects. Some of these are Okworo/Odunwere Link Road; Worwumati Street, Rumueme; Chukwuodara Rigid Pavement Road, Rumuodara. The completion of these roads have seen timely movement of goods and services in and around Obio-Akpor. To boost electrification, economic activities, and security in the constituency, transformers; of various capacities were procured, distributed, and installed at Oroazi, Elelenwo, Eligbam, and other communities. Just as numerous solar powered street lights were installed at various locations across the entire 17 Wards. Training programmes were held for those in the transportation sector, and some of the participants were given buses, and tricycles to commence operations.

Indeed, there is a unanimity of opinion by many people in Obio-Akpor, and across Rivers state that Chinda has continually justified the electoral franchise invested in him since 2011. Politicians, elders, leaders, and members of different parties believe that his strings of remarkable achievements are in sync with his penchant for hard work, performance, and delivery. For Mr. Festus Harry, a Port Harcourt based public policy analyst, “Chinda’s outstanding accomplishments do not come as a surprise to many people in and around Rivers. In all his past public service careers, he has always made people the bedrock of his policies and programmes.” Chief Callistus Owubokiri, a community leader, and politician commends Chinda, “for giving meaning, and life to his campaign slogan, ‘I Win You Win’ in all sectors, and extending beneficiaries to all and sundry.” An excited Alhaji Usman Balarabe, a beneficiary of one of the programmes declared that, “I have never witnessed such compassion and openness to everybody by Chinda. For me, and many others, this is what representation should be.” Just as Chinda is applauded for his sterling performances, some of his constituents charge him not to slow down, but continue to attract projects and programmes to Obio-Akpor.

*BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.