Stories by Paul Effiong, Abuja
Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Obinna Aguocha has alerted the public to a planned protest against his personality.
A statement signed by his media team which was made available to journalists Monday in Abuja alleged that a group, Niger Delta Youth Peace Builders is being used by some political opponents to question his contributions to his constituents.
The statement titled: “Peaceful Protest and Clarification of Concerns,” blamed the planned protest on his political enemies who lost out in the last general elections.
The statement reads in part: “It has come to my attention that a little known and hastily put together group, Niger Delta Youth Peace Builders is being sponsored by certain individuals I defeated in the last general election and are vowing to declare the Abia State governorship seat vacant in 2027, whilst being in cahoot with an aspirant in the Abia Local Government election to conduct a protest and cast aspersions against Aguocha in Abuja on September 4.
“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 constituency”.
The lawmaker wondered why the group is concerned about the affairs of his people and constituency.
“The lawmaker fully respects and recognizes their right to peaceful assembly 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 in compliance with extant laws.
“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 peaceful”, the statement added.
However, on the issue of constituency projects, he 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 bided for them.
“It is also significant to understand that no funding at any level is released to the account of any lawmaker.
“We are committed to maintaining transparency and accountability. We will continue to provide regular updates to our constituents”, he assured.
