Abaribe’s Camp Refutes Ichita’s Claims, Reaffirms Senator’s Record in Abia South

By Iyojo Ameh

The camp of Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe has debunked allegations by Hon. Obinna Ichita, insisting the claims misrepresent the senator’s record of service to Abia South and Nigeria.

In an official rejoinder signed by Anderson Osiebe, Executive Director of HallowMace Foundation Africa, the senator was credited with consistent legislative work, notable development projects, and a strong history of democratic advocacy.

Legislative Contributions

The rejoinder listed Abaribe’s legislative interventions, including:

Sponsorship of bills amending the Electricity Act to improve power supply.

A bill to establish the Federal University of Petroleum and Geological Sciences in Ukwa West.

A bill proposing the creation of the Out-of-Home Media Practitioners Council of Nigeria.

A motion to immortalize Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, who oversaw the June 12, 1993 election.

It also cited his roles in the Senate as former Minority Leader (2019–2022), Chairman of the Committee on Media and Publicity, Vice Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Affairs Committee, and his current role as Chairman of the Committee on Power.

Development Projects in Abia South

On constituency development, the statement outlined projects facilitated between 2023 and 2025 across all six LGAs of Abia South. These include:

Solar-powered streetlights installed in 139 communities.

A ₦235 million, 33KVA transmission line from Ovom to Azumini.

Distribution of transformers across several communities.

Rehabilitation and construction of 18 roads in Aba North, 32 roads in Aba South, and the Opobo Road linking Aba to Azumini.

Distribution of school bags, uniforms, and teaching materials.

Completion of a sports center in Obehie, Ukwa West.

Facilitation of federal job placements in agencies such as NEMSA, NDPHC, REA, TCN, and NDDC.

Training and empowerment programs for women and youths captured in the 2025 Federal Appropriation Act.

“These projects reflect a multi-sectoral approach to development, addressing immediate community needs while investing in long-term infrastructure and human capital,” the rejoinder stated.

Political Alignment and Advocacy

The statement explained Abaribe’s move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as a strategic decision aimed at aligning with the aspirations of his constituents.

It also recalled his 2018 arrest after standing surety for IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as evidence of his willingness to risk personal liberty in defense of the rule of law.

The rejoinder further cited his call for former President Muhammadu Buhari’s resignation over insecurity and his condemnation of threats against Labour Party’s Peter Obi as examples of his democratic advocacy.

Response to Allegations

Addressing specific claims made by Hon. Ichita, the rejoinder stated:

The allegation of a “zero scorecard” was contradicted by detailed constituency projects.

Claims of ingratitude to APGA ignored Abaribe’s endorsement of Governor Alex Otti, which it said was based on performance.

Suggestions that he exploited the Nnamdi Kanu issue were described as misleading, given his previous role as surety.

Criticism of solar-powered streetlights was dismissed, with the statement stressing their impact on security and rural livelihoods.

Call for Constructive Politics

The rejoinder concluded by urging the people of Abia South to reject false narratives and focus on issue-based political discourse.

It added that Abaribe’s record is documented in six editions of his service booklet “My Service”, which provides details of his interventions before and during his current tenure.

“Senator Abaribe remains committed to serving Abia South with integrity, courage, and a clear focus on development,” Osiebe said.