…Says, “Despite Enemies It Created For Me, I Have Achieved My Development Agenda”
The member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, has declared that his relentless advocacy has successfully placed Ideato on the radar of both the federal and state governments, resulting in major infrastructural interventions across the constituency. Speaking recently, Ugochinyere said his numerous motions on the floor of the Green Chambers and persistent calls for government action have yielded tangible results, even as they have earned him political enemies. “Despite the enemies it created for me, I have achieved part of my development agenda for Ideato as their trusted messenger,” he said.
One of the lawmaker’s most significant victories came in the battle against the devastating Umuchima gully erosion in Ideato South Local Government Area. After months of persistent lobbying and advocacy, Ugochinyere’s motion of urgent public importance on the floor of the House drew the federal government’s attention to the enormous loss of properties and human lives occasioned by the rampaging erosion. The Federal Government subsequently captured the Umuchima erosion intervention in the 2024 budget, and the House of Representatives later declared Ideato North and South Federal Constituency an erosion and road disaster zone following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Ugochinyere, calling for urgent intervention from the Federal Government and relevant agencies to save the area from total collapse. Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing remedial work at the Umuchima site, Ugochinyere commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hope Uzodinma for their roles and commitment to the project. He particularly commended the resolve of the state government to take over the project from the Federal Government and link the road from Orlu through Orie Akokwa, and redress the erosion problem at the Orie Akokwa roundabout. The lawmaker noted that visible progress had been made since the federal intervention began, adding that the erosion had not exceeded an inch since remedial work commenced.
Ugochinyere also highlighted his advocacy for the Umueshi-Okwelle road, which he brought to national attention – notably as a road leading to Governor Uzodimma’s wife’s place. His persistent calls for intervention prompted the state government to commence work on the road. The lawmaker had repeatedly raised the alarm that the bypass being used for the Umueshi-Amanator-Isiekenesi-Dikenafai-Okwelle route was already sinking and needed urgent fixing. He emphasized that the State and Federal Governments must as a matter of urgency intervene in controlling erosion across the two Local Government Areas. The federal government has also committed to refunding all funds accruing to the state following the takeover of the road project.
During his second anniversary as a lawmaker, it would be recalled that Ugochinyere categorically stated that he has a record of legislative and infrastructural achievements, including reconstruction works, execution of more than 25 water borehole projects, rehabilitation of 10 schools, empowerment of thousands of constituents, and launch of critical erosion control interventions. He has also sponsored over 40 key bills which are in various stages in parliament. Through motions presented at plenary, the lawmaker has sought intervention to save communities across Ideato that were at the verge of collapse, with most of them, especially Umuchima, Oba, Akokwa, and Arondizuogu road, now receiving attention from government. “I prioritized basic amenities, completing more than 25 solar-powered boreholes across remote communities. These projects already serve over 50,000 residents,” Ugochinyere said.
In another notable intervention, the lawmaker had flagged off a 1.2km hydraulic drainage project aimed at controlling erosion and mitigating the effects of flooding in Ugwuano, Ozuomee, and Urualla communities. The construction work, which crossed 60 percent completion within weeks, channels the erosion run-off down to the Urashi River and opens the roads to make them motorable for farmers and indigenes. “My intervention measure to construct 1.2km new drainage is just to redirect the water that is causing the heavy flooding that is threatening or about to cut the only linking road,” Ugochinyere explained. While commending the Federal Government’s previous intervention at the Umuchima gully erosion site, Ugochinyere has continued to urge broader and immediate action across all affected Ideato communities, warning that if urgent steps are not taken, more lives and properties will be put at risk.
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