Ofeme Road: Chinedum Orji Has Record of Performance, Aguocha Must Account for His Representation — Mandate 27 Group

The Mandate 27 Group has defended the political record of former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, insisting that his achievements in public office give him the moral standing to question the representation of the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha.

The group made its position known in a statement responding to criticisms from Obi Aguocha Frontliners over the deplorable condition of the road leading to the Federal College of Education, Ofeme, in Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

According to the group, attempts to question Orji’s political credibility while defending Aguocha’s handling of the Ofeme road situation amount to selective criticism.

Mandate 27 Group argued that political credibility should be measured by visible achievements rather than explanations or promises, maintaining that Orji’s eight years in the Abia State House of Assembly were marked by projects and legislative contributions.

The group cited the provision of mini-stadiums, electricity transformers, road projects, school rehabilitation, healthcare interventions and empowerment programmes as achievements associated with Orji’s representation of Umuahia Central State Constituency between 2015 and 2023.

It also credited the former Speaker with legislative contributions aimed at protecting workers’ interests and strengthening local government autonomy.

The group questioned what it described as the absence of visible federal intervention on the Ofeme road despite Aguocha’s nearly three years in the House of Representatives.

While acknowledging that Aguocha is neither the Governor of Abia State nor the Federal Minister of Works, the group maintained that his responsibilities as a federal lawmaker include legislative advocacy, oversight and lobbying for projects that benefit his constituents.

It challenged Aguocha’s supporters to provide evidence of motions, correspondence with relevant federal ministries, budgetary interventions or oversight activities undertaken by the lawmaker concerning the road.

The group further dismissed criticisms surrounding the political influence of the Orji family, arguing that holding public office across different generations should not automatically be considered wrongdoing.

It pointed to the tenure of former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, highlighting projects such as the state secretariat, International Conference Centre and diagnostic centre as examples of his administration’s contributions to infrastructure development.

According to the group, the relevant question should be how political officeholders use their positions to deliver development rather than the length of time their families have participated in governance.

Speaking on the controversy surrounding the Ofeme road, Mandate 27 Group maintained that the concerns were initially raised by an indigene of Ohuhu, Chinedu Obialor, popularly known as Iyierioba Fayose, whose video drew attention to the condition of the road.

The group insisted that amplifying the concerns of residents should be regarded as public advocacy rather than a politically motivated attack against Aguocha.

It also reacted to claims that the ongoing public bidding process under the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Programme (ABSIIDP) represents progress towards addressing the road’s condition.

While acknowledging the procurement process as a positive development, the group argued that bidding should not be confused with completed construction.

According to the statement, residents and students of the Federal College of Education, Ofeme, require a motorable road rather than assurances about procurement procedures.

The group further maintained that any intervention initiated by the Abia State Government should be distinguished from the responsibilities and achievements of the federal lawmaker representing the constituency.

It called on Aguocha to engage the Federal Ministry of Works, Federal Ministry of Education and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to secure appropriate intervention and a clear timeline for addressing the road’s condition.

Mandate 27 Group also defended Chinedum Orji’s political ambition ahead of the 2027 general election, describing his legislative experience as an advantage in the contest for the Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency seat.

The group argued that Orji’s experience as Majority Leader and Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly had equipped him with knowledge of legislative procedures, budgeting and government relations necessary for effective representation at the National Assembly.

It maintained that the constituency requires a representative capable of attracting federal projects, facilitating development and responding to the infrastructure needs of communities.

The group, however, acknowledged that the Ofeme road controversy should ultimately be resolved through practical intervention rather than prolonged political exchanges.

It urged relevant authorities to ensure that the ongoing procurement process translates into actual construction, while calling for greater accountability from elected representatives.

“Ofeme needs a good road, and students deserve safe transportation. The ongoing ABSIIDP procurement process offers a pathway but must translate into actual construction,” the group stated.

Mandate 27 Group concluded that Orji’s record in public office remains open to public scrutiny, insisting that Aguocha should equally provide an account of his legislative interventions since assuming office in 2023.

The group maintained that the people of Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South deserve effective representation, improved infrastructure and measurable development rather than political disagreements that fail to address their immediate needs.