“There’s more to National Assembly than Projects Execution” – LP Senatorial Candidate
Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka.
Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for Anambra-Central senatorial zone in the upcoming 2023 general elections, Chief Victor Umeh, says there is more to the National Assembly than mere execution of projects.
Speaking at his Udoka Estate, Awka campaign office, Umeh noted that the task of a legislator is not what is being showcased to the people through billboards and social media platforms.
According to him, a senator should be able to represent his or her people with boldness and courage as well as the tenacity of argumentative acumen.
Umeh, who was the former Senator representing Anambra-Central senatorial district at the National Assembly, described the parliament as a place where debates are being held, and representatives have the latitude to speak vehemently on all issues affecting their constituents and the country generally.
“If a Senator can not address the plights of his people at the National Assembly, then of what use is such representation?
“Representation in the National Assembly is not about building two bedrooms for widows or starting a road that will not be completed.
“The execution of road projects can only be done by the federal and state governments.
“A lawmaker does not build roads.
“Sometimes legislators would lobby projects into the budget and they would not be completed because there would be no money to execute such projects.
“…The functions of the National Assembly are clearly stipulated in the constitution.
“The constituency projects that were introduced in recent times are not the National Assembly members’ major tasks.
“The major task of a legislator is to assist in making laws.
“When I was the Senator representing Anambra-Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, I opposed the oil subsidy bill and advocated for the building of refineries across the country, amongst other numerous meaningful contributions,” he stated.
He said if elected into the Senate in 2023, he would help bring Nigerians’ needs to the attention of the President.
Umeh described himself as an apostle of equity and fairness for all people of Nigeria, not only the Igbo people.
“What will make Nigeria a great country is inclusiveness.
“Nigeria is sharply divided at the moment across various lines.
“And a country that is divided cannot pursue development, which is the major task facing those who will go to the National Assembly to make laws that will unite the country and also be in a position to carry out oversight function on the Executive,” he noted.
He said the agenda of the National Assembly should be the pursuit of good governance through quality legislation.
