Former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, has pledged to provide effective, transparent and people-oriented representation to the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency if elected to the House of Representatives in 2027.
Orji, popularly known as Ikuku-Oma Abia, gave the assurance during an interactive session with stakeholders and community leaders from Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South Local Government Areas, held at his country home in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
The former Speaker, who is seeking to represent the constituency in the National Assembly, said the people deserve a lawmaker who will not only make their voices heard in Abuja but also maintain a strong connection with communities at home.
According to him, the era of what he described as “accidental representation” must give way to purposeful leadership driven by competence, accountability and measurable achievements.
“Ikwuano/Umuahia has suffered for too long from representation that is absent in Abuja and absent at home. I am coming to stand in the gap.
“If you elect me, Ikwuano/Umuahia will witness quality and accountable representation. Representation that you can see. Representation that you can touch. Representation that will bring home results,” he declared.
Unveiling his legislative agenda, Orji identified four priority areas that would form the foundation of his representation: quality lawmaking, accountable leadership, infrastructural development and human capital development.
On lawmaking, the former Speaker promised to sponsor and support legislation aimed at improving the welfare of farmers, traders, students, artisans, civil servants and other residents of the constituency.
He pointed to his experience as Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, during which, according to him, the legislature passed more than 17 significant laws, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and the Abians in Diaspora Commission Law.
Orji maintained that his legislative background had adequately prepared him to contribute meaningfully to debates, lawmaking and oversight responsibilities in the House of Representatives.
Speaking on accountability, he promised to introduce regular town hall meetings across the three local government areas to enable constituents to assess his performance and make inputs into legislative priorities.
He explained that the proposed quarterly engagements would provide opportunities to present reports on his legislative activities, voting records, constituency projects and the utilisation of public resources.
“My representation will be open. No secrecy. My people will know what I am doing for them. That is accountability,” he assured.
On infrastructural development, Orji recalled projects he said were executed during his tenure as Speaker, including the grading of more than 14 rural roads, construction of nine mini-stadia, provision of electricity transformers and water projects, as well as empowerment programmes benefiting youths and women.
He expressed confidence that securing a seat in the National Assembly would provide greater opportunities to attract federal projects and development initiatives to Ikwuano/Umuahia.
The former Speaker listed road construction, school rehabilitation, healthcare interventions and agricultural support among the areas he would prioritise if elected.
Orji also pledged to expand his human capital development initiatives, particularly through his Direct Touch Initiative, which he said had supported numerous individuals and families.
He promised to introduce additional programmes covering Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training, vocational skills acquisition, startup grants for small and medium-sized enterprises, scholarships for indigent students and targeted assistance for widows, farmers and persons living with disabilities.
Emphasising his preparedness for the legislative assignment, Orji said his experience in public office, leadership and political engagement would enable him to deliver effective representation without requiring a prolonged period of adjustment.
“My people, I am not coming to Abuja to learn on the job. I have been tested. I stabilised the Abia State House of Assembly for four years without crisis.
“I transformed the Assembly complex into a world-class facility. I led an Assembly described as the Assembly of Many Firsts.
“I know how to lobby. I know how to negotiate. I have friends across party lines. I will use that network for the benefit of Ikwuano/Umuahia,” he stated.
Addressing the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections, Orji urged constituents to evaluate aspirants based on their track records, competence and capacity to deliver rather than what he described as propaganda and personal attacks.
He particularly maintained that the forthcoming contest should be centred on the development needs of Ikwuano/Umuahia rather than political disagreements involving his father, former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji.
“I am not contesting against anybody’s father. I am contesting to give Ikwuano/Umuahia a voice that has been missing.
“Give me your mandate and I will give you quality and accountable representation that you will be proud of,” he added.
Orji further appealed to residents of the constituency to support his ambition, assuring them that his leadership would prioritise accessibility, inclusiveness and development across the three local government areas.
Some stakeholders who spoke during the meeting reportedly commended the former Speaker’s leadership experience and previous empowerment initiatives, describing him as a politician with a record of public service.
They also expressed support for his 2027 House of Representatives ambition, expressing optimism that his experience could strengthen the constituency’s representation at the federal level.
The meeting formed part of Orji’s ongoing consultations with political stakeholders and community leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
