Ngozi Okolie Debunks Claims of “False Projects” in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency

By: Elizabeth Elemi

The member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ngozi Lawrence Okolie, has dismissed allegations of embarking on and showcasing “false projects” in his constituency.

Okolie’s statement followed allegations made by a group known as Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency Concerned Citizens, who claimed that none of the projects attributed to Okolie by his press team were actual.

The group specifically questioned the distribution of streetlights, school furniture, and fertilizers to farmers, as well as the empowerment programs for constituents, including skill acquisition and cash grants.

The statement issued by the group read in part, “From the reports coming to our group, no community in Aniocha/Oshimili had testified to having received any streetlights or school furniture from Hon. Okolie. However, there are reports of such intervention by other well-meaning entities to certain communities. We hope that Hon. Okolie’s handlers are not plotting to claim credit to such interventions.”

In response to this, Okolie dismissed the allegations, describing them as “false” and challenging his critics to verify his works. He stated that he had always maintained a low profile, but no more.

Okolie also provided specific details of his projects, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights in several communities, such as Ebu, Idumogo, and some areas in Asaba and camps. He added that more installations were planned for the year.

Furthermore, Okolie listed other projects executed by his office, including: The construction of the 500-capacity civic center building in Okpanam, a six-block classroom in Aboh-Ogwashi, the donation of 200 chairs to Zappa and Ibusa Mixed Secondary Schools, human empowerment, and the provision of N100,000 scholarship grants to 300 Tertiary institution students, mostly from Aniocha/Oshimili.

Okolie also claimed to have attracted repairs to the Asaba-Onitsha expressway. He explained that when the report of the bad road condition got to him, he raised the issue with the Speaker, who sent his chief of staff to confirm the situation, leading to the prompt remedial works.

The representative’s reaction comes amidst growing concerns over his perceived inactiveness in green chambers and across his constituency by the group.

Okolie, who defeated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Ndudi Elumelu in an electoral and tribunal contest in 2023, currently faces a tough opposition in securing his seat via the Labour Party come 2027.