Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Hon. Amobi Ogah, the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, says his mission in Abuja is to attract development to his constituency, not to engage in divisive partisan politics.
Ogah stated this at the weekend during a mega empowerment programme, where he responded to insinuations that he was fraternising with political figures outside his party.
According to him, the welfare and development of his constituents remain his top priority.
“People say, ‘Oh, Ogah is a friend to this person and not that person.’ I laugh at them,” he said.
“Let me tell you, I went to Abuja to bring peace and development for you. I didn’t go there to do party politics. When I come home, I do party politics.”
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party, stressing that he enjoys a cordial relationship with both Governor Alex Otti and the Nenadi Usman-led national leadership of the party.
The lawmaker, who recalled how his mobilisation helped the LP sweep votes in his polling unit and across the constituency in 2023, vowed to repeat the feat in 2027.
He dismissed those plotting to unseat Governor Otti in 2027 as “jokers,” saying the governor’s achievements in Abia are unprecedented.
“In the last election, this constituency voted 100% for Otti and the LP. It will happen again and again. Anyone thinking of displacing the Governor in 2027 is merely joking.”
Ogah commended Governor Otti for his developmental strides, particularly for restoring security in areas that were once crisis-prone, including parts of his constituency.
He urged constituents to continue supporting both his office and the governor, saying, “I am working today because I have a supportive governor who is also working. You cannot vote for me and leave my governor.”
Ogah said his empowerment initiatives stem from a genuine passion to uplift his people, noting that benevolence has been part of his lifestyle long before politics.
He warned beneficiaries against selling the empowerment items, revealing that some recipients from last year sold theirs “even below cost price.” To curb the abuse, he announced plans to set up a monitoring committee.
“What I am doing today is to support you because I know your pains. I feel your pains. That is why I am doing all these things,” he said.
Ogah said he remains moved by the overwhelming support he received during and after the 2023 elections, adding that it reinforced his resolve to offer effective representation.
He criticised politicians who view public office as a pathway to wealth, insisting that leadership must be people-centered.
“Your support made me vow to give you effective representation. My goal is to strengthen democracy, transparency, and service.”
The empowerment items, valued at about ₦1 billion, included Sienna buses, tricycles, minibuses, motorcycles, industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, refrigerators, and farm inputs, among others.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, commended Ogah for his impactful representation. He reminded political office holders that leadership is about transforming lives.
“What is happening here today is what leadership is all about — impacting and transforming lives,” Otti said.
Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Kabiru, represented by Hon. Mark Essient, described Ogah as one of the best-performing members of the 10th National Assembly.
“Hon. Ogah has been a voice and not a noise,” Kabiru said.
Some beneficiaries — including Theresa Oluchi, Hezekiah Ujah, and Juliet Onwuchekwa — expressed gratitude and prayed for God’s blessings on the lawmaker.
