The Mandate 27 Group has challenged the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, to account for two alleged trailer loads of rice reportedly distributed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to federal lawmakers as palliatives for their constituents.
In a statement issued by the group, it claimed that each of the 360 members of the House of Representatives received two trailer loads of rice for distribution to their respective constituencies.
The group cited a video allegedly released by the lawmaker representing Etsako Federal Constituency in Edo State, in which he reportedly acknowledged receiving the rice and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the gesture.
According to Mandate 27 Group, the development has raised questions about whether Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency received its allocation and how the items were distributed.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave each member two trailer loads of rice. Etsako confirmed. Ikwuano/Umuahia is asking: Where is our own?” the group queried.
The group argued that such a quantity of rice should have been distributed transparently across communities and wards within the constituency, with records showing the beneficiaries.
It specifically called for the publication of distribution lists, photographs and other relevant documentation to establish whether the alleged allocation reached the intended beneficiaries.
Mandate 27 Group further alleged that the rice meant for the constituency may have been diverted and sold, although it provided no documentary evidence to substantiate the allegation.
The group maintained that the allegation required clarification from the federal lawmaker to address concerns among constituents.
It also accused Aguocha of failing to adequately address several developmental challenges facing the constituency, citing concerns over electricity supply, road infrastructure and other constituency projects.
Among the projects mentioned were the electricity situation in Ofeke-Azueke Ndume Ibeku, the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene Road and the Olokoro-Ahiaukwu-Amangwo-Umuajata Road.
The group questioned the status of the projects and called for greater transparency regarding constituency interventions and federal government allocations.
Turning to the political situation ahead of the 2027 general elections, Mandate 27 Group defended former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, against criticisms allegedly directed at him by supporters of the incumbent lawmaker.
It argued that neither the former Speaker nor his father, former Abia State Governor Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, should be held responsible for explaining the whereabouts of any rice allegedly allocated to the constituency under the current administration.
According to the group, accountability for constituency resources rests with those currently holding public office.
The group also praised Chinedum Orji’s record in public office, citing youth empowerment programmes, electricity projects and sporting facilities as examples of interventions it believes benefited communities.
It maintained that the former Speaker remains a credible political alternative for the constituency ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mandate 27 Group subsequently urged Aguocha to publicly clarify whether he received the alleged rice allocation and, if so, provide details of its distribution.
The group insisted that constituents deserve explanations concerning federal government interventions intended to cushion the effects of economic hardship.
It further warned that accountability, constituency development and the management of public resources would become major issues in the 2027 National Assembly election.
“2027 will be a referendum on rice,” the group declared.
