The All Progressives Congress, APC candidate for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji has dismissed corruption allegations leveled against him by Hon. Obi Aguocha, the LP candidate for the same seat describing the allegations as political blackmail and resort to sensationalism.
In a statement made by his campaign strategist, Comrade Paul Njoku, during an appearance on Family Love 99.9 FM Umuahia, Orji waved aside claims that he is an ‘Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC candidate’.
Orji, the former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, maintained that “There is no judgment of conviction against me by any court in Nigeria.” And warned Aguocha to address the issues of his underperformance at the House of Representatives instead of cooking up sensational allegations against political opponents. Citing Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Orji reminded the Aguocha of the constitutional principle of the presumption of innocence.
“The law in Nigeria is firmly settled that every person accused of any wrongdoing remains innocent until his guilt is established by a competent court of law,” Orji stated.
Orji argued that the EFCC, like other investigative agencies, possesses the constitutional power to investigate, but emphasized that an investigation does not equate to a criminal conviction. He characterized his opponent’s rhetoric as an attempt to manipulate public perception rather than engage in democratic conversation
Orji drew Aguocha attention to his current tenure at the House of Representatives, describing it as “abysmally failed” representation. He challenged Aguocha to provide a verifiable scorecard regarding his legislative achievements, oversight functions, and constituency projects.
“Hon Obi Aguocha as the present member representing Umuahia/Ikwuano North/South Federal Constituency has abysmally failed in his legislative duties,” Orji asserted. “His representation is not felt by the good people of the constituency.”
He further accused Aguocha of using the name of Nnamdi Kanu for “cheap political theatrics” to distract voters from his poor legislative record.
To compare records, Orji provided records of his own performance as the former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly. He pointed to his legislative portfolio, which includes the sponsorship and passage of numerous bills aimed at Abia State socio-economic development. Key legislative accomplishments cited include:
Social & Judicial Reform: The Abia State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the Abia State Female Right of Inheritance of Property Law.
Infrastructure & Economy: The Abia State Diaspora Commission Law, the Abia State Water and Sewage Development Law, and the Abia State Debt Management Office Law.
Good Governance: The Abia State House of Assembly Service Commission Law, intended to strengthen legislative independence.
Orji also provided records of his constituency outreach, noting extensive projects delivered during his time as Speaker, comprising the construction of numerous water boreholes, the installation of electric transformers across various communities, the development of mini-stadiums, and the reconstruction of multiple internal and link roads within the Ikwuano; Umuahia North and Umuahia South LGAs
The APC candidate appealed to the electorate to prioritize the rule of law and verifiable performance over political sensationalism and hallucinatory claims
