Abia rep: Planned protest against me handiwork of mischief makers

Obinna Aguocha, a member of the house of representatives, has alleged that mischief makers are behind a planned protest against him. 

In a statement issued by his media office on Sunday, the lawmaker who represents Ikwuano/Umuahia north/Umuahia south federal constituency in Abia, said a Niger Delta group is being sponsored to discredit his record as a lawmaker.

“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 statement reads.

“The Honourable member fully respects and recognizes their right to a peaceful assembly of citizens and of 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 the extant laws.

“Hon. Obi Aguocha values the safety and well-being of all his constituents, regardless of their political persuasion and urges them to ensure that their protest remains a positive and constructive engagement.”

The lawmaker said while he has secured viable infrastructure projects and human capital development opportunities in the 2024 budget for the benefit of his constituents, they can only be executed when funds are released by the federal government to contractors.

“It is significant to note that projects in the Appropriation Act do undergo rigorous due process, including their award to eligible contractors who have bid for them,” he said.

“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 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, interactive 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 lawmaker said any allegation of mismanagement against him is “entirely unfounded and is being used by mischief makers as tools of propaganda”.