The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Comrade Chinedu Ogah, has stated that attending the National Assembly is to serve the people, not to make money, as some people are insinuating.

Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki about what he described as “cheap propaganda” from his political opponents, Ogah noted that since he became a lawmaker, he has had a positive impact on the people who voted for him. He added that no lawmaker in Ebonyi State has matched his record in leadership, development, and human empowerment.

Ogah, who is the House Chairman on Reformatory Centres, said his foray into politics was “divinely ordained,” stressing that his track record in education, employment, and community projects speaks for itself.

“Since I began as a National Assembly member, I have put my energy into serving the people. Show me any other National Assembly member who has achieved what I have. There is no ward where I have not executed a project, whether water, electricity, boreholes, or roads,” Ogah declared.

Ogah recalled that even before his election to the House of Representatives, he had consistently invested in education by paying WAEC fees for thousands of students and sponsoring vocational and tertiary training.

“Many of those I trained are today graduates, lecturers, and even commissioners,” he noted, lamenting that some of the beneficiaries have now turned against him for selfish political gains.

He accused such critics of ingratitude, stressing that politics should be about presenting one’s record to the people rather than “making noise on Facebook.”

The lawmaker took a swipe at one of the politicians from Ikwo, whom he identified as Mr Silas Orawo, accusing him of working against Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and himself in the last election, only to feign loyalty later.

According to him, politicians like Orawo and his cohorts cannot even win elections in their polling units.

“I have tarred roads passing their houses, given their family members jobs, and paid their school fees. Yet, they now make disparaging remarks. If any of them can win me in their polling unit, I will quit politics,” Ogah challenged.

Describing himself as a leader in touch with the people, he said that, unlike others who remain in Abuja, he spends most weekends in his constituency to address the needs of his constituents.

Since assuming office in November 2019, Ogah said he has secured over 1,100 federal jobs for Ebonyians in the military, police, and paramilitary services.

He also listed support for over 450 students through university education, including placements in private institutions.

Among other initiatives, he highlighted the establishment of a National Open University study centre at the Correctional Service in Ebonyi State, adding that none of the inmates who have passed through that centre will return to crime.

He further pledged to intensify efforts in human capital development, irrigation, and mechanised agriculture, as well as constituency hospitals, if returned for a third term, following his recent endorsement by his constituents.

On internal party dynamics, Ogah said the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has consistently conducted open primaries, ensuring no aspirant is excluded extolling Governor Nwifuru for transparent local government primaries, which have reduced political crises in the state.

“Our governor has carried everyone along and provided us with the necessary tools to serve. For the first time, every National Assembly member has a brand-new vehicle to reach their constituents. This has never happened before in Ebonyi,” he stated.

Dismissing reports of a coalition against the governor, Ogah said that all major political leaders in the state are already aligned with the APC, describing lingering opponents as “feeding-bottle politicians” who lack consistency.

Reaffirming his loyalty to Governor Nwifuru and the people, Ogah said his politics is anchored on service, not personal enrichment.

“I was elected by the masses, not by an individual. My commitment remains to them, and I stand ready to continue serving,” he emphasised.