A chieftain of the Labour Party in Abia State, Chief Ebin Kalu Ebin, has challenged Chief Dr David Ogba Onuoha, popularly known as Bourdex, over his allegation involving ₦14.28 billion in constituency projects attributed to the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu.
Ebin, while reacting to Bourdex’s criticism of the senator, questioned his understanding of the constitutional responsibilities of members of the National Assembly, particularly regarding the appropriation and implementation of constituency projects.
He argued that legislators do not personally award contracts or execute federal government projects, maintaining that such responsibilities fall under the relevant ministries, departments and agencies.
“You know nothing about the workings of the Senate or the rudiments of lawmaking,” Ebin said, describing Bourdex’s interpretation of constituency project allocations as misplaced.
According to him, the responsibilities of a senator include lawmaking, representation, appropriation and oversight, while procurement, contract awards and physical execution of projects 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,” Ebin stated.
He challenged Bourdex to provide specific details if he had evidence of wrongdoing, including the projects involved, amounts released and the government agencies responsible for implementation.
“If Bourdex has evidence of wrongdoing, he should identify the specific projects, the amounts released and the agencies responsible instead of throwing figures around,” he said.
Ebin Questions Bourdex’s ₦2bn Youth Enterprise Proposal
The Labour Party chieftain also questioned Bourdex’s proposed ₦2 billion revolving enterprise financing programme for youths and entrepreneurs across Abia North.
Ebin asked Bourdex to explain the source of the proposed funds, the financial institutions or investors involved, eligibility requirements and how beneficiaries would repay the money.
“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.
He said such details would be necessary for residents and potential beneficiaries to properly understand how the proposed programme would operate.
Agriculture, Healthcare Promises Raise More Questions
Ebin also challenged Bourdex to explain how his proposed interventions in agriculture and healthcare would be financed and implemented if elected to the Senate in 2027.
While acknowledging that senators could influence development through legislation, budgetary provisions, oversight and partnerships, he said the direct administration of public healthcare and agricultural programmes largely remained 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 further questioned how Bourdex’s proposals would complement the 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 said.
LP Chieftain Demands Account of Bourdex’s Time in Ohafia
Ebin also turned his attention to Bourdex’s record in public office, particularly his time as Transition Committee Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area.
He challenged Bourdex to explain what he achieved for farmers, youths, small business owners and residents during his tenure, given his current promises to empower those groups.
“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?” Ebin asked.
He also called for the publication of official records showing the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds received by Ohafia Local Government during Bourdex’s tenure, as well as details of expenditure and completed projects.
“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.
Ebin argued that the same standard of accountability being demanded from Senator Orji Uzor Kalu should also be applied to Bourdex’s record in executive office.
Ebin Raises Reported Ohafia Incident
The Labour Party chieftain also referred to a reported incident involving an Ohafia Local Government civil servant, Kalu Elekwa, at the council secretariat.
The allegation had generated public complaints and calls for investigation, including from the Abia Human Rights Initiative. However, the account remains disputed and has not been established through a judicial finding.
Ebin said the matter deserved proper clarification, stressing that anyone seeking public office should demonstrate restraint and respect for citizens.
“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.
He urged Bourdex to provide verifiable financial records backing his criticism of Senator Kalu and to explain the proposed funding and implementation structure for his own development programmes.
The exchange comes ahead of the 2027 elections, with political activity and positioning already increasing across Abia North Senatorial District.
