…reiterate commitment to constituents, Abia state
By Gloria Ikibah
Member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Obi Aguocha has responded to a planned peaceful protest by a group under the auspices of “Niger Delta Youth Peace Builders”, scheduled to hold in Abuja on September 4th, 2024.
Rep. Aguocha who represents Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia state alleged that the group was being sponsored by “certain individuals defeated in the last general election and vowing to declare the Abia State governorship seat vacant in 2027, whilst fully being in cahoot with an aspirant to the Abia local government election”.
According to the Abia lawmaker, the said Niger Delta group is allegedly being sponsored, all expenses paid, to fly in and host paid agents in posh hotels within Abuja to protest under the guise of lack of constituency projects, accountable representation, and the management of rice palliatives in Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency.
In a statement signed by the Media Team, Rep. Aguocha said he fully respects and recognizes their right to a peaceful assembly of citizens and of expression as enshrined in section 40 of 1999 constitution as amended.
“These rights are fundamental to our democracy. We encourage them to carry out their activities peacefully and in compliance with the extant laws”, he stated.
The lawmaker however expressed concerns on the safety and well-being of all his constituents, regardless of their political persuasion, and urges them to ensure that their protest remains a positive and constructive engagement.
In response to their demands Rep. Aguocha questioned the involvement of a Niger Delta based group in the affairs of his constituency and said it has political undertone.
He also reiterated his commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability and assured to continually provide regular updates to his constituents.
The statement reads further: “However, we would like to take this opportunity to address the concerns raised in their notice;
“Constituency Projects:
Hon. Obi Aguocha has consistently worked hard to secure viable projects, including infrastructure and human capital development opportunities in the Appropriations Act 2024, for our federal constituency. The Appropriation Act is an open source and easily verifiable. This is in line with his avowed campaign promises for projects aimed at improving the lives of our great people.
“These projects will be executed when funds are released by the federal government to contractors for their implementation. However, it is significant to note that projects in the Appropriation Act do undergo rigorous due process, including their award to eligible contractors who have bidded for them. It is also significant to understand that NO government project funding at any level is released to the account of any Honourable Member.
“Accountable Representation:
Accountability has always been at the core of Hon. Aguocha’s public and community service to his constituents. He has sponsored fifteen [15] bills to him name and co-sponsored three [3], including the South East Development Commission Act 2024. These are open and easily verifiable facts on the official website of the House of Representatives.
“He has consistently engaged with his constituents, holding regular meetings, interative radio shows and in other social media platforms listening and attentive to the needs and concerns of his constituents, including his continued bold and courageous demand for the unconditional release of his brother and constituent, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from political detention, among others, in the gap of injustice.
“Management of Rice Palliatives:
As the Honourable Member has repeatedly posited. The distribution of rice and now fertiliser palliatives will be carried out in the thirty-two [32] wards of our federal constituency with utmost care and fairness, ensuring that those most in dire need receive support.
Any allegations of mismanagement are entirely unfounded and are being used by mischief makers as tools of propaganda. We stand by the integrity of the processes we intend to use for the rice and fertiliser distribution. We welcome any genuine concerns or otherwise minded, to be brought forward through appropriate channels for redress”.
Aguocha expressed his unalloyed commit to serving the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency; even as he prayed that the planned protest be conducted peacefully.