…Says He Has Achieved More Than Many In Their First Four Years In Just 18 Months
By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
The Honourable Member Representing Aniocha/ Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie, has clarify issues of accusations of his achievements since assuming office as Honorable Member representing the constituency.
Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie who addressed journalists at Asaba on Saturday, January 11, 2024, to set the records on the alleged accusations, maintained that he has performed and achieved more in just 18 months than many who have represented the constituency in their first four years.
In his address, Hon. Okolie said;
“Let me address some ongoing issues that have been raised, particularly by individuals who seem to misunderstood or misrepresent the facts.
“Personally, I do not enjoy press matters, but since I have been drawn into this, I’ll provide a brief explanation.”
He disclosed that, “On October 6th, a day I personally observed as Asaba Memorial Day, in remembrance of those killed during the Civil War, I discovered that the Federal Government had built a monument for the Asaba Memorial somewhere in Abuja. Curiously, I reached out to the agency responsible for the project, and i was directed to the contractor who showed me the site. Upon visiting the site, I noticed that the property was been underutilized, so I left instructions for the contractor to vacate until the rightful owners could clarify ownership.
“Subsequently, I wrote to the agency, requesting they physically verify the property for me, but unfortunately, instead of doing so, they referred the matter to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“The ICPC conducted its own investigation and sealed the property, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. About a week ago, I heard from someone, Oliver, about yet another claim involving the property. By then, I had largely moved on, trusting the government to resolve the matter.”
Continuing, he said that what baffles him most was how the claims about him appropriating someone else’s project began to circulate.
“I barely interact with most of the individuals making these allegations, except for one instance when I contacted someone for assistance with a lecture I was organizing.
“Despite the noise, I stood firm on my track record. In my short tenure of 18 months, I have achieved more than many have accomplished in their first four years. I challenge anyone to verify this claim.”
Hon. Okolie in show casing his performances, highlighted some of the bills sponsored by him including projects and achievements;
▪️(MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE ORDER) URGENT NEED TO REPAIR THE ISSELE-UKU – ASABA EXPRESS ROAD IN ANIOCHA/OSHIMILI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY.
▫️(MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE) URGENT NEED TO INTERVENE IN THE CONTINUOUS FLUCTUATION OF IMPORT DUTY BY THE CBN DESPITE THE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES FACING THE NATION
▪️ MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE ORDER 8 RULE 4
URGENT NEED TO REPAIR THE UMUNEDE/OBIOR/UBULU-UKU/OGWASHI-UKU FEDERAL ROAD IN ANIOCHA/OSHIMILI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY.
▫️NEED TO ALLOW AND ENCOURAGE STATES TO REPAIR FEDERAL ROADS IN LIEU OF REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
▪️NEED TO ESTABLISH A SYSTEM OF ELECTORAL CONDUCT THAT IS AGREED BY INTERESTED PARTIES AND ADHERED TO BY INEC
▫️URGENT NEED TO REMODEL NIGERIA’S ECONOMY WITH PARTICULAR FOCUS AND INVESTMENT ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
▫️(MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE ORDER) URGENT NEED TO REPAIR THE OKPANAM ROAD IN OSHIMILI SOUTH.
▫️ (MOTION OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE) NEED TO MONITOR THE PROTOCOL FOR REPAYMENT OF PREVIOUS LOANS OWED TO COMMERCIAL BANKS IN LIGHT OF THE INCREASE OF INTEREST RATE BY THE CENTRAL BANK.
BILLS
1. A BILL FOR AN ACT TO AMEND THE NATIONAL OFFICE FOR TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION AND PROMOTION (NOTAP) ACT TO CHANGE THE USE OF THE WORD NATIONAL INTEREST TO PUBLIC PURPOSE AND TO INCREASE THE PERIOD PROVIDED FOR A TERM OF CONTRACT AS PREREQUISITE TO REGISTRATION OF THE DOCUMENT UNDER THIS ACT FROM 10 YEARS TO 20 YEARS AND FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS.
2. AN ACT TO AMEND THE FEDERAL COLLEGES OF EDUCATION ACT CAP. F8 LAWS OF FEDERATION OF NIGERIA 2004, TO ESTABLISH FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ONICHA OLONU, DELTA STATE AND FOR RELATED MATTERS
3. A BILL FOR AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY ASABA, DELTA STATE FOR THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN NIGERIA AND MAKE COMPREHENSIVE PROVISION FOR DUE MANAGEMENT AND OTHER MATTERS (HB 721).
Projects:
1. Civic and Educational Projects:
a. Building of a 500-capacity Civic Center in Ogwashi-Uku when other localities couldn’t provide land for the project.
b. Construction of a six blocks of classrooms across four local governments, ensuring equitable distribution of development.
c. Provided 200 sets of chairs and tables to schools in Ogwashi-Uku, Ubulu-Uku, and Zappa.
2. Empowerment Initiatives:
a. Conducted three human empowerment programs, training individuals in confectionery and other skills to improve livelihoods.
3. Community Development:
a. Distributed resources directly to communities and handed over completed projects to ensure sustainability.
According to him; “These accomplishments are visible and verifiable, yet some critics alleged that I am claiming others’ projects as my own. Such accusations are baseless. I believe they stem from individuals who feel threatened by our success. The fact that people are talking about us means we are making an impact, and that’s encouraging.”
While assuring his constituents of his commitment to serve them, he said; “I want to assure everyone that our work is far from over. By the grace of God, we will achieve much more that will marvel even our critics. For now, I urge those spreading falsehoods to stop, as their actions are raising unnecessary questions.
“Lastly, I invite anyone with doubts to visit the projects themselves and verify the facts. Let’s focus on building our communities rather than tearing each other down.”. He concluded.
