By Chuks Eke
Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra state in the House of Representatives, has categorically denied rumours that he, alongside his other colleagues, embezzled N1 billion meant for their various constituency projects.
He therefore warned those speading such an unsubstantiated rumours to cross check their facts properly or be prepared to face the consequences of their malicious allegation.
Ogene who sounded this note of warning following widespread speculations making the rounds circulating within Ogbaru communities, particularly on social media, that he, alongside other federal lawmakers, received N1 billion each from the Federal Government for their constituency projects and diverted it for personal gain, said the rumour mongers who are probably political opponents should be ready to substantiate their allegations when called upon to do so.
Hon. Ogene vehemently debunked the rumour, stating that neither he nor any lawmaker received such funds. He attributed the false accusations to wicked blackmailers who maliciously spread unfounded claims in order to destroy reputation of others before the people.
Ogene, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, stated this in a meeting with traditional rulers, Presidents-General of communities, delegates and other stakeholders during his second anniversary town hall meeting and presentation of scorecard in Atani.
He disclosed that lawmakers were only asked to recommend projects of N1 billion each for inclusion in the 2025 budget, for their individual constituencies, which were also captured in the current budget that is awaiting implementation by the executive.
He said that his service to the people would continuously be guided by objectivity, sensibility and utmost responsibility, adding, “ss I earlier pledged, I will continue to lead from the front, prioritizing the interest, peace, development and progress of Ogbaru in every decision and step I make as your representative”.
Insisting that the number and total cost of projects for Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the current budget collaborated his position, Ogene mentioned such projects to include massive electricity projects, solar streetlights, water schemes in Ogbaru communities, provision of security vehicles for vigilante groups, provision of science equipment in schools, construction and equipping of exam halls, training and empowerment of women and youths, as well as construction of cottage hospitals, among others.
The lawmaker also revealed in his scorecard presentation that he has sponsored 19 Bills and 12 motions in two years, adding that in the past six months, he has also facilitated the installation of streetlights in 27 different communities and locations in Ogbaru Federal Constituency.
“Over 250 constituents, including women and youths have also benefited from training and empowerment programmes in different fields including solar technology, ICT, fishery and clean cooking. Each of the beneficiaries also received financial grants and relevant empowerment materials from me to establish their own choice businesses”, said the lawmaker.
Responding, some traditional rulers in the constituency and other stakeholders who distanced themselves from such baseless and unfounded allegations against Ogene, praised him for his steadfastness so far since he became their representative barely two years ago and assured him of their unflinching support, even up to 2027 general elections in the country.
