By Onyekachi Eze
The March 18, 2023 House of Assembly elections across the nation has come and gone but not without negative and positive remarks trailing its conduct.
Apparently unsatisfied with the processes that produced the APC candidate in his constituency, the incumbent Lawmaker representing Oguta State Constituency at the Imo State House of Assembly, and the PDP Candidate for the poll, Hon. Barr. Frank Onyebuchi Ugboma has described the exercise as a sham which must be legally rejected.
He made this disclosure in a goodwill message to his Oguta Constituents dated March 23, 2023, and obtained by Trumpeta Newspaper.
Ugboma who is the Deputy Minority Leader of the House condemned in strong terms an alleged electoral fraud by the INEC in support of the ruling party in Imo State.
He also lampooned the security operatives for allegedly aiding in the electoral malpractice in Oguta Constituency election, as well as other LGAs.
Ugboma explained that not only was the outcome of the said election was characterised by lies and manufacturing of figures, there were also a discrepancy in the total number of accredited voters.
The statement signed by the Oguta PDP Candidate reads,
“I remain your servant and I bring to you good tidings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. In 2019, you elected me to represent you in the Imo State House of Assembly. The four year mandate has been very fruitful and impactful. Even as a first term legislator, I was quick to settle down for legislative duties expected of me. Thanks to my background as a legal practitioner.
“My dear constituents it is on record that the 9th Assembly passed only two non-executive bills assented to by the Governor of Imo State. However, of the two assented bills, it is instructive to note that I sponsored one and the most viable known as ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE LAW OF IMO STATE (2020). This law is cited copiously in our courts on daily basis by lawyers, magistrates and judges. I equally have sponsored another bill known as MAGISTRATE COURT LAWS OF IMO STATE awaiting the governor’s assent. Through my representation Oguta has always been a discuss on social and print media in Imo State and beyond.
“The primary function of a legislator is (1) law making, (2) oversight and (3) appropriation. I have attracted people oriented projects to my constituency. Admittedly however, the projects so attracted and executed by my office were limited due to the financial dependence of state legislatures on the executive. I have also attracted job opportunities to over 15 youths within my constituency who are in different parastatals of government working and earning salaries on monthly basis. Since proclamation of 9th Assembly, I have not received a dime as constituency project allowance or fund. This is verifiable.
“My dear constituents, since my inauguration as your representative, I have placed your interests above my personal interest even in the face of juicy offers placed before me. I did not distort nor betray the mandate you gave to me by jumping from one political party to another just to enrich myself or enjoy personal gains. I also make bold to state that my actions as a legislator has been pro-people. Recall that a bill for financial autonomy for state judiciary, state legislature and local government system was sent by the National Assembly to State Houses of Assembly for their nod as demanded by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I led my colleagues in the minority to support this people oriented bill.
“Consequently, my antecedents in the House earned me trust from my political party, the PDP and as a result I was nominated once more as their candidate for the 2023 State House of Assembly election which was held on the 18th of March, 2023. Unfortunately, the purported election was a sham as you all know and will agree with me that the conduct of INEC as the umpire in collaboration with the ruling party in the state and security agencies was barbaric, draconian, and antiquated.
“The purported result that was announced has sent me to the study room. I wish to announce to you that it is sad to note that we did not lose a fair election in a fair contest. As an opposition party in the state our hope and trust lies in the figures of our untainted accredited voters, their votes and the tenacity of our spirit. Election does not define an individual. It defines the society and the system. Every choice, action and inaction has consequences, positive or negative. I, in conjunction with the leadership of my party, the PDP will at the appropriate time make known to you our next step of action.
“As your elected representative, I thank and appreciate all those who voted for me and my party. I also respect the right of choice of those who did not vote for me and my party. I lack words to thank PDP faithful and my supporters who stood with me without any financial inducement throughout the period of intimidation, harassment, manhandling, arrests, shootings and beatings. It is unfortunate how the ruling party with the aide of private and government armed militia and security agents turned our civic responsibilities as enshrined in our constitution into a theatre of war.
“My dear constituents, I agree with you that the process was a heist but I still enjoin you all to remain calm and peaceful as there is always light at the end of every tunnel.
