Legislation, Advocacy, Educational Empowerment Are Major Thrusts of My Representation: Hon Aguocha Speaks to Newsmen, Set to Unveil Projects

Hon. Obi Aguocha, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, has listed Legislation, Advocacy and Educational Empowerment as the major thrusts of his representation. Hon Aguocha also reiterated his optimism to be re-elected in the forthcoming general election.

Speaking to Newsmen at his Nkwoegwu country home on Tuesday, the fearless lawmaker stated that he has no issues with the former Speaker as he is a friend and brother but still an aspirant and not yet the All Progressive Congress candidate for the seat.

“He’s still an aspirant. There are many people who have expressed interest alongside him in the APC. Once they conclude that contest, then we can speak. I have been on this journey with him before; he also emerged as the candidate of the PDP in the last election, so this will be our second journey. We will present our record to the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency and let them decide.”

He maintained that he respects the former Speaker and other aspirants and would not undermine them. He added that the constituents understand the principles of representation and service.

Obi Aguocha mentioned that his dearest project is the ability to aid his constituents to get good education. In his words, “Mine is a lifetime of empowerment. I have helped about 700 students from indigent homes to access education. I am building homes for indigent women and restoring the dignity of their families. We will conduct validation exercises in the upcoming weeks.”

Describing his impact, he highlighted advocacy, for embattled constituents and on constitutional issues, as very important. “Advocacy is very important to me, because it is the reason why we are elected in the first place, to be able to stand in the gap for your people in difficult times.”

On the leadership crisis within the Labour Party and rumours of defection, Honourable Aguocha stated that he remains with the Labour Party and has no plans to defect, reaffirming that Senator Nenadi Usman is the recognised National Chairman, with Senator Darlington Nwokocha serving as the National Secretary.

He affirmed that even Governor Alex Otti is not defecting but is running under the Labour Party.

Regarding the aspiration of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, he maintained that every citizen has the right to vote and be voted for.

“It is his right to seek election, whether as a Lawmaker or a Governor, but we differ on the opposition’s choice. Governor Alex Otti has a covenant with Abians, and they can see the good works he has done. I believe that Governor Alex Otti should be voted for as he has done exceedingly well in the governance of the State.”

He mentioned that the impactful work of the Governor led the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency to organise a grand civic reception to show their appreciation for his good deeds. He dismissed the criticisms as baseless, asserting that the Governor has done well for the people of the State, but also noted that God grants power to whom He wills.

On legislative duties, he revealed that apart from the deputy speaker Rt Hon. Kalu, he has the highest bill tally among legislators from Abia state.

Hon. Aguocha also revealed that his bill aimed at converting Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, to a conventional university, has passed the first, second, and third readings.

“MOUAU will now become a Federal University, and the Federal Medical Centre at Oboro will be designated as a teaching hospital. When the House resumes seating, it will be sent to the Senate.”

He further urged Ndi Abia Abia to keep fate with Governor Alex Otti who has shown the capacity and will to obliterate the worst nightmares of the people.