By Moses Neifor, Abakaliki
The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chinedu Ogah, has dismissed what he described as “cheap propaganda” from political opponents, insisting that no lawmaker in Ebonyi State has matched his record of grassroots development and human empowerment.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki, Ogah said his entrance into politics was “divinely ordained,” stressing that his performance in office and even before his election stands as a testament to his commitment to the people. According to him, his track record in education, employment, and community projects remains unmatched.
“Since I began as National Assembly member, I have put my energy into serving the people. Show me any National Assembly member who has achieved what I have done. There is no ward where I have not done a project whether it is water, electricity, boreholes, or roads,” Ogah declared.
He recalled that long before he emerged as a lawmaker, he had paid WAEC fees for thousands of students and trained many young people in vocational and tertiary institutions. “Many of those I trained are today graduates, lecturers, and even commissioners,” he said.
The lawmaker, however, lamented that some of the very individuals who benefitted from his generosity had turned around to criticize him for selfish political gains. He accused them of “ingratitude,” noting that politics should be about presenting oneself to the people and earning their mandate, not “making noise on Facebook.”
Ogah also accused unnamed politicians from Ikwo of working against Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru during the last election, only to turn around and pretend to be loyal. He claimed that such politicians lacked the capacity to even win elections in their polling units, yet sought to undermine leaders who had made tangible impacts.
“I have tarred roads passing their houses, given their family members jobs, and paid their school fees. Yet, they now make disparaging remarks. If any of them can win me in their polling unit, I will quit politics,” Ogah challenged.
The lawmaker described himself as a grassroots politician who maintains constant contact with his people. He stated that, unlike some politicians who only operate from Abuja, he spends most of his weekends in the constituency to attend to the needs of his supporters.
On his legislative achievements, Ogah disclosed that since assuming office in November 2019, he has secured over 1,100 federal jobs for Ebonyi people in different agencies, including the military, police, and paramilitary services. He also listed over 450 students he supported through university education, with some in private institutions.
He noted that he has facilitated the establishment of the National Open University study centre at the Correctional Service in Ebonyi, arguing that such interventions would reduce crime by empowering inmates with education. “None of the inmates who passed through that centre will go back to crime,” he said.
The lawmaker further emphasized the need for human capital development, promising to push for more Ebonyians to occupy executive secretary and director-general positions in federal agencies. He also pledged to pursue policies on irrigation, mechanized agriculture, and constituency hospitals if given another mandate.
Reacting to internal party issues, Ogah said the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi has always allowed open primaries and that no candidate is ever excluded from contesting. He commended Governor Nwifuru for conducting transparent local government primaries, which he said has reduced political crises in the state.
“Our governor has carried everyone along and provided us with the necessary tools to serve. For the first time, every National Assembly member has a brand-new vehicle to reach their constituents. This has never happened before in Ebonyi,” he said.
Ogah dismissed reports of a political coalition against the governor, insisting that all major political leaders in the state have already aligned with APC. He described those still opposing the government as “feeding-bottle politicians” who lack direction and consistency.
He went further to reaffirm his loyalty to the people and to the leadership of Governor Nwifuru, stressing that his politics is anchored on service, not personal enrichment. “I was elected by the masses, not by an individual. My commitment remains to them, and I stand ready to continue serving,” he stated.
