A chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State, Chief Ebin Kalu Ebin, has criticised Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha, popularly known as Bourdex, over his allegation concerning ₦14.28 billion in constituency projects linked to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District.
Ebin accused Bourdex of misunderstanding the responsibilities of lawmakers and the procedures involved in implementing constituency projects, describing his comments as disappointing for someone aspiring to represent Abia North in the Senate in 2027.
According to the Labour Party chieftain, Bourdex’s criticism failed to recognise the distinction between the legislative responsibilities of a senator and the executive functions of federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
“You know nothing about the workings of the Senate or the rudiments of lawmaking. It is shameful and embarrassing that someone aspiring to represent Abia North in the National Assembly cannot properly distinguish between the responsibilities of a legislator and those of the executive,” Ebin said.
He explained that the primary responsibilities of senators include lawmaking, appropriation, representation and oversight, while the implementation of government projects falls under the relevant executive agencies.
Ebin argued that constituency projects included in the federal budget are not funds personally handed over to senators, stressing that procurement, contract awards and project execution are handled by the appropriate government institutions.
“Senator Orji Uzor Kalu does not have a procurement department in his office responsible for awarding federal contracts. He is not the accounting officer of the Ministry of Works or any other federal agency,” he stated.
“These projects are captured in the national budget and implemented by the relevant ministries, departments and agencies. If Bourdex has evidence of wrongdoing, he should identify the specific projects, the amounts released and the agencies responsible instead of throwing figures around.”
The Labour Party chieftain maintained that public accountability should be based on verifiable records, including budgetary allocations, releases, implementing agencies and the actual status of projects.
He challenged Bourdex to provide documentary evidence supporting the ₦14.28 billion allegation rather than, in his view, making sweeping claims against the Abia North senator.
Ebin also questioned Bourdex’s proposed ₦2 billion revolving enterprise financing programme for youths and entrepreneurs across Abia North, demanding details of how the initiative would be funded and managed.
He said the proposal raised important questions about the source of the money, the financial institutions involved, eligibility requirements, repayment arrangements and the sustainability of the proposed scheme.
“Where is the ₦2 billion coming from? Has any bank or investor committed this money? Who will manage the fund, who will qualify for the loans and how will the money be recovered?” he queried.
“These are serious questions that require serious answers. You cannot simply announce ₦2 billion and expect everyone to accept it without asking how the programme will work.”
Turning to Bourdex’s proposals for agriculture and healthcare, Ebin questioned how the programmes would be implemented within the constitutional responsibilities of a senator.
He acknowledged that members of the National Assembly could facilitate development through legislation, budgetary provisions, oversight and partnerships, but insisted that the direct management of public healthcare and agricultural programmes remained largely the responsibility of executive institutions.
“Is Bourdex going to the Senate to make laws or to take over the responsibilities of the executive?” Ebin asked.
“He is talking about transforming agriculture and healthcare as though a senator personally runs the Ministry of Agriculture or the Ministry of Health. If he believes these sectors require urgent transformation, he should explain what he expects the executive to do and what he intends to achieve through legislation, appropriation and oversight.”
The Labour Party chieftain also questioned how Bourdex’s proposed interventions would complement existing programmes of the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti.
“Is Bourdex suggesting that the administration of Governor Alex Otti has failed to invest adequately in agriculture and healthcare? If that is his position, he should say so clearly,” Ebin stated.
“If it is not, he should explain how his proposals will complement the work of the state government rather than presenting executive responsibilities as though they belong exclusively to a senator.”
Ebin further challenged Bourdex to publicly account for his stewardship during his tenure as Transition Committee Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area.
He argued that someone seeking to represent Abia North in the Senate should be prepared to explain his previous achievements in agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure and youth empowerment.
“He has been around for years. What has he done for the farmers he is now promising to empower? What has he done for the youths he is promising ₦2 billion? Why must everything wait until he wants to become a senator?” he asked.
“He had an opportunity to serve as caretaker chairman of Ohafia Local Government. Let him tell the people what he achieved in agriculture, healthcare, youth development and infrastructure during that period.”
The LP chieftain demanded a comprehensive account of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds received by Ohafia Local Government during Bourdex’s tenure, including expenditure records and details of projects executed.
According to him, the same standard of transparency and accountability being demanded of Senator Kalu should also apply to Bourdex’s previous public service.
“Let us bring out the FAAC records. How much did Ohafia Local Government receive every month while Bourdex was chairman? What were the council’s statutory obligations? How much was available for capital expenditure, and which projects were executed?” he asked.
“These are questions that can be answered with official documents. The same standard of accountability he demands of Senator Kalu should apply to his own stewardship.”
Ebin also revisited a reported incident involving an Ohafia Local Government civil servant, Kalu Elekwa, who was allegedly slapped at the council secretariat.
The allegation, which had reportedly attracted complaints and calls for investigation, including from the Abia Human Rights Initiative, remains disputed, with no judicial finding establishing the claim.
Commenting on the matter, Ebin said individuals seeking public office must demonstrate discipline, tolerance and respect for citizens, irrespective of political differences.
“The Senate is not a boxing ring. The reported incident involving an Ohafia civil servant deserves a proper explanation, and the facts should be established,” he said.
“Anyone seeking public office must understand that leadership requires patience, discipline and respect for the people, including those who disagree with you.”
Ebin concluded by challenging Bourdex to substantiate his allegations against Senator Kalu with verifiable financial records while also providing clear explanations of the funding sources and implementation strategies behind his proposed development programmes.
He maintained that political debates ahead of the 2027 general elections should focus on facts, accountability, legislative competence and realistic development plans rather than unsubstantiated accusations.
The ₦14.28 billion figure remains an allegation attributed to Bourdex, and the claims raised by Ebin concerning his previous public service have not been independently established in this report. Bourdex’s response to the latest criticisms was not included in the information available at the time of writing.
