Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, representing the Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency, has decried the plight of his constituents in Ohafia, who have been without public power supply for five years yet billed N2.1 billion by the local power distribution company. Addressing a press conference in Umuahia, Osonwa expressed shock at this billing, criticizing the power company’s lack of empathy.
The lawmaker condemned the instability in the power sector, noting that the high cost of production in Nigeria is primarily due to power issues. He stressed that resolving these power challenges could significantly boost economic activities.
Discussing his achievements, Osonwa highlighted his efforts to upgrade Ohafia General Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre to serve the densely populated constituency and neighboring states. He also mentioned six of his projects included in the 2024 budget, with 15 more pending.
Osonwa revealed that about N2 billion had been proposed for erosion control in his constituency, awaiting presidential approval. He also expressed concern over the deplorable state of the Umuahia-Bende-Ohafia federal road, noting that the contract had been revoked due to the contractor’s underperformance. He called for federal intervention to address the erosion threatening the Nmori bridge and announced the awarded contract for the construction of Omenuko bridge before Abam.
The lawmaker emphasized his commitment to equitable distribution of constituency projects, allowing each community to select their preferred projects during a January town hall meeting.
Osonwa praised the cooperative efforts of Abia’s National Assembly members and commended Governor Alex Ott’s efforts to reposition the state. He supported an increase in the minimum wage to N100,000, considering the rising cost of living, and advocated for a tailored democracy to reduce governance costs in Nigeria.
On the bill for an additional state in the South East geopolitical zone, Osonwa recommended adopting the 2014 constitutional conference’s recommendations. He also reaffirmed support for the unconditional release of IPOB Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, expressing hope for his freedom and good health.
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