Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Member representing Isuikwuato/ Umunneochi federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Ogah, on Sunday distributed 501 bags of 50kg of rice, over 10,000 bags of 5kg rice, wrappers and cash to his constituents.
The lawmaker who stood for hours, personally handing over the palliatives with the assistance of his wife and children, said that philanthropy is a hubby and passion that gives him fulfillment.
He explained that he had been into the humanitarian gesture for over a decade even before venturing into politics, and vowed never to quit even after leaving political office.
The lawmaker who said he spent so heavily at the court in defense of his electoral victory, explained that some people did not believe he could carry on with the annual exercise this year.
He said he spent over half a billion Naira to defend the petitions against his predecessor, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
Rep. Ogah further explained that his passion for the people, was the reason for embarking on the project despite the huge financial implications.
“Election case in Nigeria is not cheap. To pay sound lawyers or get a sound SAN is expensive, and I spent over half a billion Naira during the election petition trials.”
In their responses, the beneficiaries including the traditional ruler of Lokpa Autonomous Community, Umunneochi Local Government Area, HRH Eze Franklin Ohalesim, lauded Ogah for the gesture and prayed God to bless him.
He also commended the lawmaker for giving the constituents quality representation at the national assembly.
In the same vein, the Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria, Umunneochi LGA, Pastor Bethel Ehuru, thanked the lawmaker for the philanthropic gesture which he said, had renewed the hope of many.
Some widows including Mrs Calista Okorie from Nneato; Ngozi Onwuchekwa from Ovim, Isuikwuato, rained blessings on the lawmaker for remembering them in this season.
Speaking with Ikengaonline, the lawmaker’s elder brother, Chief Ifeanyi Ogah, said that philanthropy “rubs in the family.”
He said that they found fulfillment in being part of solution to people’s needs.
“We are happy when we put smiles on people’s faces. This culture runs in our family. We learnt it from our father, and our children have told us that they would surpass us in it.”
Later in an interview with the newsmen, the lawmaker advocated the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing his release as sine qua non to the return of peace in the South-East.
He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to harken to appeals for political solution to Kanu’s matter, expressing optimism that calm will return to the zone any day Kanu is released.
He said National Assembly members from the South-East were seriously worried about the adverse effects of Kanu’s continued detention on both the lives and economy of residents of the zone, and pleaded with President Tinubu to intervene.
Rep Ogah said National Assembly members from South-East were resolute in seeking freedom for Kanu, and in helping to rebuild the zone.
He decried the crippling effects of the continued Monday sit-at-homes on the economy of the zone.
The lawmaker also called on the Federal Government to consider amnesty for those behind the insecurity in the South-East, while urging them to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
He further explained that the South-East Development Commission Bill, when signed into law, would help arrest the causes of agitation and tension in the South-East.
Ogah solicited support for the proposed summit on the rejuvenation of South East economy slated for Abia State from December 28 – 30.
