Lawmakers Must Make Independence Meaningful To Nigerians – Okechukwu

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency of Imo State, Hon. Chieme Okechukwu, has said the National Assembly must enact laws that strengthen institutions, protect citizens, expand economic opportunities and ensure accountability if Nigeria’s independence is to translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, Okechukwu, who is seeking election to the House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections, said the country’s 66 years of nationhood had been accompanied by significant potential but also persistent challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, poverty, inequality and inadequate infrastructure.

He made the remarks in a message issued in Abuja on Wednesday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

According to him, the National Assembly has a critical role to play in addressing these challenges through legislation, oversight and measures aimed at strengthening democratic institutions.

“But a functioning democracy is not built by the executive alone. Legislation matters,” Okechukwu said.

“The National Assembly has the responsibility to make laws that strengthen institutions, protect citizens, promote economic opportunity, ensure accountability, and make government work for the people.”

Okechukwu said sustained governance challenges had contributed to growing disappointment among citizens over the country’s Independence celebrations.

“I feel pain that majority of Nigerians and our constituents have lost hope in our independence celebration as a result of sustained misgovernance by the political elite,” he said.

“I agree that our independence and democracy have not produced happiness for the greatest number.

“It is more worrisome that this situation has persisted and so much degenerated without appropriate legislative interventions.”

The US-based biotechnology expert said his experience living in an advanced economy had given him an opportunity to observe how democratic institutions could contribute to public welfare.

“Parliaments in advanced, industrialised economies serve the people and act as bridges that return public good,” he said.

“I have the privilege of living in such a society and I can attest to what democracy and freedom do for their people.”

Okechukwu said his decision to seek election to the House of Representatives was driven by his desire to contribute to improving Nigeria’s governance system despite his professional commitments in the United States.

“Although I am quite comfortable and contribute gainfully to the development of the strongest economy in the world, I decided to be a part of fixing the Nigerian system through the House of Representatives which I aspire to represent Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency of Imo State,” he said.

He said that, if elected, his legislative agenda would focus on using constitutional and legislative mechanisms to promote greater responsiveness in government.

“I believe in the legislative instrument and its capacity to bring transformation and turn freedom to gain. That is my primary focus if voted into office,” he said.

“Part of my assignments will focus on making legislative input that constitutionally coerces our government to be responsive.”

Okechukwu also identified poverty, unemployment, inequality and insecurity as issues that require effective government intervention, alongside welfare measures for vulnerable Nigerians.

“Government is meaningless without solutions to poverty, unemployment, inequality, insecurity and total absence of welfare for the underprivileged,” he said.

He further said the 2027 general elections would provide an opportunity for voters to determine the direction of representation and governance.

“Legislation can change the narrative and restore gains to our independence going forward and that is the opportunity that 2027 general elections offer,” he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027.

Okechukwu urged Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country’s future and called for stronger representation of citizens’ interests in the National Assembly.

“A better Nigeria is possible. A stronger constituency is possible. And with purposeful representation, our people can have a stronger voice in the National Assembly,” he said.