My love for young and dynamic legislators led me into writing this piece. So permit me to start with a caveat; I am not a member of Labour Party and hold no brief for anyone.
Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu’s first 100 days in office have been a period of significant achievement and progress, marked by infrastructural development, legislative initiatives, and a commitment to empowering the youth.
In the canvas of infrastructural development, he has embarked on a transformative journey. The grading of rural roads in select villages of Enugu North and South Federal Constituency stands as a testament to his dedication. As Aristotle once said, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” These once-neglected pathways now symbolize the interconnectedness of communities, fostering unity and progress.
The illumination brought by the installation of solar street lights in areas like Coal Camp, Maryland Estate, Ugwuaji, and Amechi transcends mere lighting. As Plato noted, “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” It represents a beacon of hope and safety, dispelling the darkness that once shrouded these neighborhoods.
Within the hallowed halls of the House of Representatives, Hon. Atu has been a catalyst for change. His motions, akin to philosophical musings, have sparked profound discussions. He boldly led the charge as the first among 285 opposition lawmakers, addressing the perilous issue of Gully Erosion in Ugwuonyeama-9th Mile Road. In the words of Socrates, “An unexamined life is not worth living,” and Hon. Atu’s diligent examination of this issue brings hope for a brighter future. Furthermore, he ventured into the depths of rural security, bringing to light the darkness that enshrouded Amechi Awkunanaw in Enugu South.
The legislative landscape bears the indelible mark of Hon. Atu’s intellectual prowess. His 13 submitted bills represent his dedication to refining our legislative framework. Among them, the establishment bills, including a Federal Medical Center and a School of Skills Acquisition, reflect his aspiration to empower and uplift his constituency. Simultaneously, his amendment bills seek to fine-tune existing laws, mirroring the philosopher’s quest for clarity and precision, as Aristotle once noted, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”
In the arena of sports, Hon. Atu’s under-15 tournament transcends the boundaries of recreation. It serves as a philosophical reminder that investing in the youth is an investment in the future, deterring them from the abyss of crime and drug abuse.
As Aristotle emphasized, “The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know,” and Hon. Atu’s initiative offers young minds the opportunity to discover their potential.
The Constituency Office, strategically located at Agric Bank Junction Enugu, symbolizes accessibility. It consists of six departments, each representing a facet of human existence, all united under one roof.
This unity echoes the words of Immanuel Kant, “Two things fill the mind with ever-increasing wonder and awe, the more often and the more intensely the mind of thought is drawn to them: the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me.”
Appointments are the threads of collaborative governance. Hon. Atu’s roles, such as Chairman of the Parliamentary Friendship Group between Nigeria and Greece, echo the philosophy of diplomacy and international cooperation.
His membership in various committees is a testament to his multidimensional approach to governance. As Confucius wisely remarked, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
In the realm of justice, Hon. Atu’s legal triumphs at the Tribunal and Appeal Court mirror the philosophical idea of the triumph of truth and justice in the face of adversity.
Plato’s words, “Justice means minding your own business and not meddling with other men’s concerns,” find resonance in Hon. Atu’s commitment to upholding justice.
Lastly, Hon. Atu’s appointments of legislative aides and special advisers represent a commitment to fostering growth and providing opportunities for others.
This aligns with the words of John Locke, “The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.”
As we reflect on these remarkable achievements, we are reminded of the timeless wisdom found in the book of Proverbs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu’s journey thus far reflects a path illuminated by both philosophy and faith, with the promise of a brighter future for his constituents.