Total Failure: Aniocha/Oshimili Group Intensifies Call to Recall Hon. Okolie
ISELE-UKU/Nigeria: The Concerned Citizens of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency have intensified their demand for the recall of Hon. Ngozi Okolie, citing his recent admission of minimal achievements as evidence of failed representation.
Hon. Okolie, the embattled representative of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, reportedly declared during a media engagement that he had achieved “one or two things” since assuming office 18 months ago. This statement, the group argues, confirms their stance that his tenure has been a “total failure.”
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Tony Curtis, and Secretary, Austin Madu, the group described Hon. Okolie’s tenure as a “calamitous miscarriage of leadership” marked by unsubstantiated performance claims and misappropriation of credit for projects executed by other entities.
“When confronted by the media on reports accusing him of claiming credit for projects done by others, Hon. Okolie failed to offer a direct rebuttal. Instead, he resorted to threats and blackmail, further demonstrating his inability to provide evidence for the projects attributed to him,” the group stated.
The Concerned Citizens challenged Hon. Okolie to account for all constituency project funds released to him, detailing how these funds have been utilized. They also called on him to address lingering allegations about his personal conduct, including purported connections to gambling activities and other controversies.
“Whispers in the public domain suggest questionable incidents that require clarification, including alleged cases involving law enforcement and resource mismanagement. These allegations further undermine his credibility and fitness for leadership,” the statement added.
The group criticized Hon. Okolie’s pattern of making vague and unverifiable claims through his press unit, such as plans to repair unspecified federal highways, install solar streetlights, and distribute school furniture and fertilizers. They argued that these claims lack specific details about beneficiaries or communities impacted.
The Concerned Citizens also accused Hon. Okolie of prioritizing personal interests over legislative duties, alleging that he spends more time seeking photo opportunities with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori than addressing the needs of his constituents or fulfilling his responsibilities in the National Assembly.
“His attitude towards the people is unsurprising, given that his emergence in the National Assembly was not a reflection of the people’s will but the result of electoral manipulation,” the group stated.
The group reiterated their commitment to recalling Hon. Okolie, asserting that his tenure has been marked by a lack of accountability, disregard for constituents, and an absence of meaningful development initiatives.
“The people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency are resolute in their decision to recall him from the National Assembly. No amount of blackmail, threats, or inducements can deter us from pursuing what is right for our constituency,” they concluded.
The statement underscores the determination of the Concerned Citizens to hold their representative accountable, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with his performance and commitment to ensuring effective leadership for the constituency.