THE leader of the Labour Party, LP, caucus in the House of Representatives and the member representing Ogbaru federal constituency of Anambra State, Hon Afam Ogene has described his return to the national assembly as a miracle, having been out of power for eight years and considering the opposition he had to face during last year’s election.
Ogene first represented Ogbaru federal constituency from 2011 – 2015.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service at St Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Odekpe in Ogbaru local government area, Ogene recalled how he was called to join the race at a time he was virtually out of political relevance.
He told the congregation: “I was called upon to join the race even when I was not expecting it. It was my brother, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, former SSG Anambra State, who first called me and suggested that I should be prepared to join the race. I just laughed because I knew I hadn’t the resources, having been out of power for eight years.
“Later, Peter Obi himself called me for the same thing and I began to realize that both of them might have discussed it.
” I had to visit the Blessed Sacrament in this church to meditate over it, especially realizing that someone who had been representing us in the House of Representatives and who would be my opponent, had been on ground for eight years with all the political might. It was after communing with God that I made up my mind to go to Asaba for the national convention of LP and I was given the ticket to run.
“After the February 25, 2023 election, I was declared winner, but my opponents went to the judiciary to challenge my victory, which was their right anyway. But in the final analysis, God decided that I would be there through your votes.
“I therefore feel fulfilled, coming back to the same people who gave me support not once, but twice during the elections.
So, it’s right to come back, first of all, to thank God and thank the people”.
Speaking about some interventions he did recently on some roads in the constituency, Ogene added: “I’m one of those who don’t believe in state or federal roads as it is our people that traverse the roads. Even this Onitsha/ Atani/Ekwusigo road,a lot of people going down to the East- Imo, South South of Akwa Ibom , Cross River, they pass through this road.
“So, if the road is unpassable, it affects the people who live in Ogbaru and the people who pass through Ogbaru. “Whatever we can do to make sure the road is passable before the state and federal government interventions come, we’ll always do that.
“We are doing other interventions. The last one was free JAMB and WAEC for some students and we are also starting a scholarship scheme with 20 university undergraduates and it’s not a one-off thing. We will pay their tuition until they graduate and as the year goes on, we keep multiplying.”
On the problematic Ogwuikpele -Osamala federal road project, Ogene said further: “We have taken some legislative steps by raising it as a motion and then the Federal Ministry of Works and Budget were mandated to do something. But you know that the budget process takes almost a year. At the time that motion came, the budget for 2024 was almost at hand. But with the time we have now, before next year’s budget, I’m sure it will get better funding.”