Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, representing the Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency, has voiced concerns over the lack of public power supply in Ohafia for the past five years. Speaking at a press conference in Umuahia, he expressed shock that despite the prolonged blackout, the community received a bill of N2.1 billion from the power distribution company.
The lawmaker criticized the instability in the power sector, highlighting that over 60% of production costs in the country are due to power expenses. He argued that addressing the power sector issues could significantly reduce Nigeria’s economic problems and boost economic activities.
Discussing his achievements in the National Assembly, Rep. Osonwa expressed optimism about his bill to convert Ohafia General Hospital into a Federal Medical Centre, which would serve the local population and neighboring states of Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom. He also mentioned that six of his projects included in the 2024 budget have been awarded; though they await funding, 15 others are still pending.
Rep. Osonwa revealed that approximately N2 billion had been proposed for erosion control in the constituency, pending presidential approval. He also noted the deplorable condition of the Umuahia-Bende-Ohafia federal road and disclosed that the contract for its repair had been revoked due to the contractor’s underperformance. He called for federal intervention to continue the road project and protect the Nmori Bridge from erosion.
The lawmaker announced that a contract had been awarded for constructing the Omenuko bridge before Abam, expressing hope that work would commence soon. He emphasized his commitment to equitable distribution of constituency projects, allowing communities to choose their preferred projects through town hall meetings.
He praised the harmonious collaboration among Abia National Assembly members, regardless of party affiliations, for the state’s benefit. He also commended Governor Alex Otti’s efforts to reposition Abia and expressed pride in the state’s progress under his leadership.
Regarding the debate over the new minimum wage, Rep. Osonwa supported a wage increase for workers but considered the N497,000 demanded by labor unrealistic. He suggested N100,000 as a feasible new minimum wage, citing the rising cost of living.
He advocated for a home-grown democracy to reduce governance costs, noting that consultations were ongoing to develop a system suited to Nigeria’s unique challenges. On the proposed creation of an additional state for the South East geopolitical zone, he supported the idea but suggested adopting the recommendations of the 2014 constitutional conference.
Addressing the allegation that Igbo political leaders were not doing enough to secure the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Rep. Osonwa reaffirmed the South East National Assembly caucus’s stance for Kanu’s unconditional release and expressed hope for his imminent freedom and good health.
