Planned protest by group meant to discredit me, says Rep. Aguocha

Rep. Obi Aguocha (LP-Abia) says the planned protest by a group was meant to discredit him on allegations bothering on lack of constituency projects and accountability.

Aguocha, member, representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituencies of Abia State, said this in a statement in Abuja on Monday

”A group going by the name of Niger Delta Youth Peace Builders, is being sponsored by certain individuals to cast aspersions on my person in Abuja.

“The said group is being sponsored to protest under the guise of lack of constituency projects, accountable representation, and the management of rice palliatives in our great constituency.

He queried the business of the Niger Delta youths in the affairs of Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituency.

He said: “while I respect and recognise their rights to a peaceful assembly of citizens and freedom of expression as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

“These rights are fundamental to our democracy. We encourage them to carry out their activities peacefully and in compliance with the existing laws.”

Aguocha said that he valued the safety and well-being of all his constituents, regardless of their political persuasion.

He urged them to ensure that their protest remained a positive and constructive engagement.

He said that the concerns raised in their notice were not out of place, adding that he had consistently worked hard to secure viable projects for the constituency.

The lawmaker added that this includes infrastructure and human capital development opportunities in the Appropriations Act 2024 for the federal constituency.

“The Appropriation Act is open source and easily verifiable. This is in line with his avowed campaign promises for projects aimed at improving the lives of our great people.

He said that the projects would be executed when funds were released by the federal government to contractors for their implementation.

He, however, stated that it was significant to note that projects in the Appropriation Act do undergo rigorous due process, including their award to eligible contractors.

”We are committed to maintaining transparency and accountability. We will continue to provide regular updates to our constituents,” he said.