The recent outing of the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Amobi Ogah, has inadvertently confirmed why Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha remains the rightful person to represent the constituency come 2027.
At a civic reception organised in his honour by Hon. Orunta in Isuikwuato on his return from the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Ogah abandoned what should have been a scorecard presentation and instead turned it into a comic comparison of his three years in office with Onyejeocha’s 16 years.
Constituents who gathered expecting to hear his achievements were disappointed. Instead of telling the people what he has done, he wasted time calling out his predecessor. The glaring truth remains that the Peter Obi wave played a major role in his emergence, and the shoes he inherited from Onyejeocha are now too heavy for him to wear.
It is unfortunate that a lawmaker who had just garnered exposure at an international event like UNGA could not speak with an accomplished tone, but resorted to gaffes, rigmarole and discrediting Onyejeocha’s achievements — losing sight of the rudiments of lawmaking which he truly lacks.
Will Amobi Ogah swear he does not know that Hon. Onyejeocha sponsored the Bill for gunshot victims? Will he pretend not to know about her numerous Bills, the employments she facilitated, the lives she touched, and the federal institutions she attracted?
While he falsely claimed Onyejeocha achieved nothing in 16 years, a support group, Isuikwuato/Umunneochi For Onyejeocha’s Return, laughed off his ignorance.
The group described Ogah’s demand for Onyejeocha’s scorecard as laughable, insisting her achievements are living institutions, not press statements.
“Why is Ogah demanding Onyejeocha’s scorecard? Those employed at the Federal Polytechnic, Ngodo Isuochi are already endorsing her and crediting her for the institution. Sons and daughters of Isuikwuato and Umunneochi who got scholarships and federal jobs through her are the living scorecard,” the group stated.
Onyejeocha’s footprint includes the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic, Ngodo Isuochi, the Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering College, Amuda Isuochi, gully erosion control in Oguduasa, the Obulo Eziama Bridge, and the High Court Complex, Nkwoagu, among others.
According to the group, these were not accidental achievements but products of legislative experience, tact and relentless advocacy that opened doors for constituents in Abuja.
“Today, the constituency is feeling the vacuum. Employment opportunities have dried up, federal presence is dwindling, projects have stalled and the voice that once resonated with dignity on the floor of the Green Chamber is no longer heard,” the group said.
Ogah forgot that constitutionally, Onyejeocha is qualified to contest and like wine, the older the better. His insistence to continue will deprive Isuikwuato/Umunneochi a lot, because the name that rings the bell in the National Assembly remains Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who knows what to do and where to navigate for things that will benefit her people.
That singular event has brought Ogah lower before discerning minds, who now know he lacks depth and the requisite knowledge to be a lawmaker.
“Hon. Onyejeocha was more than a lawmaker; she was a force. Her motions commanded attention, her bills drew respect. Isuikwuato/Umunneochi needs that experience, capacity and negotiating power back,” the group added.
Nigeria needs Onyejeocha’s experience again. More importantly, Isuikwuato/Umunneochi needs her back, since Amobi Ogah could not present any reasonable scorecard after spending over three years in office.
