Ginger Onwusibe should focus on his multiple political somersaults - Senator Akobundu

Our attention has been drawn to a blog post from Naijadailyng247.com, which was circulated online on the 20th of September, 2024, crediting some repulsive and disparaging sentences made by the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South, Honorable Ginger Obinna Onwusibe, against the senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Augustine Akobundu. 

Hon. Ginger Owusibe was quoted as saying, “A thief came and stole our Senate position,”. The lawmaker also alleged that Senator Akobundu has not been visible, has yet to initiate any projects, and is unrecognized by the PDP. He further asserted that "they" would never acknowledge him as their Senator, implying that the days of losing an election, being rejected by the electorate, and using the judiciary to secure a position are over.

For a lawmaker such as Ginger, his statements are not only irresponsible but also unfounded, bizarre, and obscene. Ginger’s remarks seem to undermine the credibility of the very courts that ruled in his favor. Was it not the same court that upheld his electoral victory in the 2023 general elections and dismissed the appeals filed by other candidates challenging the outcome? This is the same Onwusibe that is raising questions about the consistency and integrity of the judicial process. In a clime such as ours, when the judiciary favors a few, they declare the institution righteous, but when it doesn't, they demonize it. 

Onwusibe's campaign for Nwokocha shows the desperation for power in 2027, which is the fuel powering these careless words that hold no water. These set of politicians should stop enforcing their political will over and above the sovereign will of the people of Abia Central Senatorial District. 

Also, Onwusibe’s accusation that Senator Akobundu has not executed any projects demonstrates a lack of awareness of the Senator’s activities since the beginning of this year. Contrary to Onwusibe’s claims, Senator Akobundu has initiated numerous projects and empowerment programs that surpass the efforts of many other lawmakers.

Ginger has been a member of the House of Representatives for 15 months, having been sworn in on the 13th of June 2023. During this time, what significant empowerment programs has he initiated to justify his criticisms of the Distinguished Senator? Is it the cassava stems he distributed as palliatives or the two-day ICT training program with an N50,000 empowerment show? Acquiring any substantial ICT skill in just two days is highly questionable, suggestive of the fact that Onwusibe's actions lean more towards publicity rather than genuine capacity building. 

For the avoidance of doubt, permit us to be unapologetic to refresh the memory of Onwusibe. 

It is on record that the Distinguished Senator has personally embarked on out-of-pocket interventions to better the lives of his constituents including but not limited to the following; 

(1) In December, just a month after he was sworn in, Senator Akobundu hosted a large town hall meeting, with constituents from the six (6) local government areas attending, and financial support was given to all of them. 

(2) Distribution of personal palliatives with items such as Rice, Vegetable Oil, and direct financial support to Constituents in January 2024. 

(3) Provision of fully paid three (3) years scholarship/sponsorship of One Hundred and Thirteen (113)  students at the National Teachers Institute.

(4) Constituted an implementation Committee and launched a scholarship portal for indigent students in tertiary institutions under the Akobundu Foundation.

(5) Working in collaboration with NEPAD, Senator Akobundu trained and empowered 100 constituents in tailoring and agricultural ventures and provided sewing machines and start-up grants to enable them to commence small businesses.

(6) Working with the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, the senator trained over 400 secondary school students in Robotics and Scratch Coding, with the provision of jumbo souvenirs to the graduates of the training. 

(7) The Senator has concluded the registration for a free six (6) weeks training for 1, 000 youths in Abia Central District in different areas of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). 

(8) To support the growth of Agribusiness in Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Augustine Akobundu distributed one and half trailer load of fertilizer to constituents. 

(9)  The Distinguished Senator has also been instrumental in placing qualified youths of Abia Central in strategic positions in Federal Ministries and Agencies which has changed the fortunes of the beneficiary's families. 

These and many more have the Distinguished Senator done within the space of eight (8) months in office,  and only a crooked mind like Onwusibe, who has the intention of misinforming the populace, would blatantly ignore these projects. 

Senator Akobundu has consistently launched new projects on an average of every 6 to 7 weeks, all aimed at serving the diverse needs of the people of Abia Central. The senator’s programs are strategically designed to equip his constituents with essential skills that drive economic empowerment and self-sufficiency. With a focus on providing opportunities that foster independence, Senator Akobundu is actively working to break the cycle of poverty in the region, positioning Abia Central for sustainable growth and long-term prosperity. 

Permit us to further add that these initiatives have been strictly non-partisan, with a laser focus on community development and the empowerment of the constituents, regardless of their political affiliations. Beneficiaries of the senator’s projects span across various political divides, including members of the Labour Party, APC, NNPC, and other parties, reflecting the senator's unwavering commitment to inclusivity and unity.

Darlington, for whom Ginger Onwusibe is campaigning, served in the Senate from June to November 2023 before he was sacked. During his six-month tenure, what project did he initiate for the people of Abia Central? Did he even visit the people of Ikwuano LGA to express gratitude to those who voted for him? This is the same Ikwuano soil that Ginger stood on to make unfounded statements against the Distinguished Senator. 

We consider Onwusibe's words as mere vituperation because they are outflows that do not flow from common sense. Instead of Ginger making delusional and schizophrenic statements, let him redirect his focus and ask his colleague, Darlington Nwokocha, to provide a detailed account of the N200 million naira palliative funds from the federal government meant for the people of Abia Central. 

Let Darlington Nwokocha come out and give a clear and detailed breakdown of how these funds have been used so that the people of Abia Central can see where their money was channeled to. 

The truth is both a shield and a sword, and it must be fiercely wielded against any falsehood from any politician. 

Let it be clear that the Distinguished Senator is more concerned with providing quality representation to the senatorial district and isn't perturbed by a power-hungry rabble-rouser.  

Ginger Onwusibe should focus on his multiple political somersaults and not sell a cheap lie to the people of Abia Central. It stinks to the highest heavens and no one is buying it.

SENATOR AKOBUNDU MEDIA TEAM