Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
A federal lawmaker representing Ishielu/Ezza North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Joseph Nwobasi, has backed the re-election bids of President Bola Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nwobasi said President Tinubu has delivered massive infrastructure to the South-East geopolitical zone and would, therefore, enjoy overwhelming support in the region in 2027.
He disclosed that his decision to defect from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was informed by the inclusive governance style of President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru.
The lawmaker, who stated this during an interview with journalists in Abakaliki, said that upon assumption of office, Governor Nwifuru united stakeholders across the state, irrespective of political affiliation.
According to him, the governor’s first major action was to ensure peace across the state, adding that he also paid backlog pensions and gratuities running into billions of naira owed to retired civil servants.
“The performance of Governor Francis Nwifuru since he assumed office has been impressive. He ensured peace across the state by moving swiftly to resolve crisis-prone areas,” Nwobasi said.
“He also brought together all stakeholders of Ebonyi State, irrespective of party affiliation, and paid pension and gratuity arrears owed to civil servants.”
He explained that his defection was not borne out of fear of losing his seat but out of conviction.
“It is not as if I would not have won my second term if I remained in APGA. No, that was not the issue. But because of what the governor is doing, I felt it would be better for us to work together. That was why I joined the APC, so that we can plan together on how to move Ebonyi State forward,” he said.
Nwobasi also highlighted his achievements as the representative of Ishielu/Ezza North Federal Constituency, including the award of scholarships to university students, distribution of cars, sewing machines, grinding machines, vending machines, and empowerment of widows.
“If I begin to recount my achievements at the National Assembly, they may be too numerous to mention, but let me highlight a few,” he said.
“I have carried out empowerment programmes which, as far as Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency is concerned, are unprecedented. These include the distribution of motorcycles, vending machines, cars, sewing machines, and other items. The empowerment programme was declared open by the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State.”
He added that the scholarship scheme, which began in 2024, covers beneficiaries from their first year until graduation, depending on their course of study.
“I have also extended support to widows, helped some of them establish businesses, and today, many of those businesses are thriving,” he disclosed.
The lawmaker assured that he has plans to further empower his constituents in subsequent years.
On capital projects, Nwobasi said he has constructed and furnished a six-classroom block at Community Secondary School, Oshiegbe, and attracted other infrastructure projects to the constituency.
“In terms of projects, I have completed a six-classroom block, fully furnished with desks, at Community Secondary School, Oshiegbe,” he said.
“I also have the ongoing construction of the Amuzu–Izzo Road. The drainage has been completed, and in no distant time, the road will be asphalted.”
Nwobasi further commended President Tinubu for the economic policies rolled out by his administration, which he said have helped to revive the economy and improve security.
He noted that the President has addressed claims of marginalisation of the South-East through key appointments, including the appointment of a Minister of Works from the region.
According to him, the inclusion of the South-East in the coastal highway project and the rehabilitation of several federal roads in the region show that the area is not marginalised under President Tinubu’s administration.
“As soon as President Bola Tinubu came on board, he considered the South-East in appointments, giving the region the Minister of Works, which is unprecedented.
“In terms of infrastructure, roads such as the coastal highway have been awarded to include the South-East, alongside the rehabilitation of other federal roads.
“So, I do not think the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is marginalising the South-East, as far as I am concerned,” he said.
