The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has reportedly secured approval from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) for the construction of a 12-kilometre double-circuit power line in Bende Federal Constituency, alongside the installation of a 500kVA, 33kV injection substation.
The proposed power project, which is expected to run from Alaocha through Ozuitem, Igbere, Alayi and Item, has reignited discussions about infrastructure development and political representation in Abia State, particularly in Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.
In a statement issued by the Mandate 27 Group, the development was described as an example of effective legislative representation, with the group challenging the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, to pursue similar federal infrastructure projects for his constituents.
The group questioned why the federal lawmaker had allegedly not secured comparable electricity projects for his constituency, despite spending more than three years in the House of Representatives.
It specifically called on Aguocha to engage relevant federal agencies, including NDPHC, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Federal Ministry of Power, to attract projects capable of addressing electricity challenges in communities across Ikwuano and Umuahia.
Group accuses Aguocha of prioritising political exchanges over development
The Mandate 27 Group expressed concern over what it described as the growing emphasis on political disagreements and personal attacks rather than tangible constituency development.
According to the group, complaints from residents about electricity shortages, inadequate infrastructure, youth empowerment and healthcare facilities should be addressed through verifiable project updates and concrete interventions.
It also raised questions about the status of an alleged N450 million health centre project, the distribution of rice palliatives and other constituency interventions attributed to the federal lawmaker.
The group argued that constituents deserve transparent explanations and evidence of completed or ongoing projects rather than political exchanges on social media.
Controversy over alleged ethnic remarks
The group further criticised comments allegedly made by an aide to Aguocha, Promise Nwokocha, reportedly directing Ikechukwu Kelvin Okorie, popularly known as Ikukufied, to return to Ebonyi State.
It described the alleged remark as divisive and inappropriate, arguing that residents from different ethnic backgrounds contribute to the economic and social development of Ikwuano and Umuahia.
The group maintained that political disagreements should not be turned into questions of ethnic origin or belonging, insisting that every Nigerian resident has the right to express opinions about elected representatives and public accountability.
It called for greater tolerance, inclusiveness and respect for the diverse communities that make up the constituency.
2027: Group backs Chinedum Orji for Ikwuano/Umuahia seat
Amid the growing political debate, the Mandate 27 Group expressed support for the former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, as a possible candidate for the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general elections.
The group described the growing calls for Orji’s return to elective politics as a reflection of public demand for what it considers more inclusive and development-focused representation.
It cited his tenure as Speaker and his experience in the Abia State House of Assembly as reasons it believes he could provide effective representation at the National Assembly.
The group also challenged political leaders seeking the constituency’s mandate in 2027 to present clear development programmes addressing electricity, healthcare, education, youth empowerment and other pressing needs.
Group calls for accountability and development
The Mandate 27 Group concluded by urging Hon. Obi Aguocha to provide an account of his constituency projects and demonstrate measurable achievements in the remaining period of his tenure.
It argued that the reported power project secured for Bende by Benjamin Kalu should serve as a reminder that attracting federal infrastructure is an important responsibility of elected representatives.
The group maintained that the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia deserve effective representation, inclusive leadership and tangible development, adding that the 2027 general election would provide another opportunity for constituents to assess their representative’s performance and make their political choices.
It reiterated its support for the emerging campaign tagged Operation Reject Aguocha, while advocating for the emergence of Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji as its preferred candidate for the federal constituency.
