Th lawmaker representing Ikwuano/ Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Abia State, Obinna Aguocha on Sunday, has raised concern over a planned protest against his person, allegedly sponsored by those he claimed, lost out in the 2023 general election in the State.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the media team of the Labour Party lawmaker, Aguocha alleged that a group known as the Niger Delta Youth Peace Builders is being used to question his contributions as a lawmaker and a represenative of his constituency.
Titled “Peaceful Protest and Clarification of Concerns,” the statement read in part, “It has come to the attention of Hon. Obi Aguocha, 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. Aguocha in Abuja on September 4th, 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.”
The lawmaker said he is at a loss as to what concerns the group with the affairs of his constituency.
“The Honourable member 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.
“Hon. Obi Aguocha values the safety and well-being of all his constituents, regardless of their political persuasion and urge them to ensure that their protest remains a positive and constructive engagement, ” the statement added.
However, on the issue of constituency projects, Aguocha, said he has worked hard to secure viable infrastructural projects and human capital development opportunities in the 2024 budget for the benefit of his constituents.
According to him, “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.
“We are committed to maintaining transparency and accountability. We will continue to provide regular updates to our constituents, ” he assured.
The statement also lauded the lawmaker for his sense of accountability
“Accountability has always been at the core of Hon. Aguocha’s public and community service to his constituents. He has sponsored 15 bills and co-sponsored three 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,” the statement added.
On the controverial rice palliatives, the lawmaker said, “The distribution of rice and now fertiliser palliatives will be carried out in the 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.”
He urged his constituents not to be swayed by those who seek to spread falsehoods and declare Abia State governorship seat vacant, saying “Ndi Abia know who they are and have seen through them. Going back to Egypt is neither an option nor our portion in Jesus name.”
He further pledged his readiness to continue to serve his constituents under the leadership of the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti.