The member representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), Hon. Obi Aguocha, has raised the alarm over plots to stage a protest and cast aspersions on him in Abuja on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
In a statement issued by his constituency office on Sunday, the lawmaker said a faceless group known as Niger Delta Youth Peace Builders” was being sponsored by certain individuals defeated in the last general election and vowing to declare the Abia State governorship seat vacant in 2027 in cahoot with an aspirant to the Abia local government election to perpetrate the mischief.
“It has come to the attention of Hon. Obi Aguocha, the Honourable member representing you (Ikwuano, Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency) that a little-known and hastily put together group going by the name “Niger Delta Youth Peace Builders” is 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; to conduct a protest and cast aspersions against Hon Obi Aguocha in Abuja on September 4, 2024.
“The said Niger Delta group is 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 our great constituency.
“One wonders what the business of the Niger Delta youths is in the affairs of Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituency?
“The Honourable Member fully respects and recognises their right to a peaceful assembly of citizens and expression as enshrined in section 40 of the 1999 constitution as amended. These rights are fundamental to our democracy. We encourage them to carry out their activities peacefully and comply with the extant laws.
“Hon. Obi Aguocha values the safety and well-being of all his constituents, regardless of their political persuasion. He urges them to ensure that their protest remains a positive and constructive engagement,” the statement reads.
While parading his constituency projects to repudiate claims of the alleged sponsors of the protest, the office said: “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 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. We are committed to maintaining transparency and accountability. We will continue to provide regular updates to our constituents.
“Accountability has always been at the core of Hon. Aguocha’s public and community service to his constituents. He has sponsored fifteen [15] bills 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, interactive radio shows and 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.”
On managing rice palliatives, his office said: “As the honourable member has repeatedly posited. The distribution of rice and now fertiliser palliatives will be carried out in the thirty-two 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 propaganda tools. We stand by the integrity of the processes we intend to use for the rice and fertiliser distribution. We welcome any genuine concerns, otherwise minded, to be brought forward through appropriate channels for redress.
“In conclusion, we urge our constituents not to be swayed by those who seek to spread falsehoods and declare the Abia State governorship seat vacant. Ndi Abia knows who they are and has seen them through. Going back to Egypt is neither an option nor our portion IN JESUS’ NAME.
“Hon. Obi Aguocha is deeply committed to serving his constituents and ensuring that our great Abia State continues to blossom under the able and indefatigable leadership of the best performing Governor in Nigeria, HE Dr Alex Chioma Otti (OFR), now and beyond 2027.
“We pray that this planned demonstration will be conducted peacefully and that the outcome will contribute constructively and immensely to the ongoing dialogue of ensuring that our dear state remains safe in the hands of HE, Dr Alex Chioma Otti (OFR).”
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