The member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, Afam Ogene, has denied allegations that he and other lawmakers embezzled N1 billion allocated for constituency projects, instead highlighting N1.3 billion worth of developmental projects secured for his constituency in the 2025 budget.
The Lawmaker who made this known during his second-anniversary town hall meeting and scorecard presentation described the rumours as baseless and malicious attempts to tarnish the image of lawmakers.
He clarified that the N1 billion figure being circulated reflects the amount appropriated to each House member in the 2025 federal budget for constituency projects — a budget which the federal government has yet to implement.
Ogene further stated that through personal lobbying efforts, he secured an additional N1.3 billion in the 2025 budget for various developmental projects in Ogbaru.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youth representatives, market and landlord associations, religious leaders, and party officials from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and All Progressives Congress (APC).
As Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy and leader of the Labour Party caucus, Ogene noted that payments for 2024 constituency projects remain incomplete. He assured constituents that if the 2025 budget and supplementary provisions are fully implemented, he would surpass his campaign promises.
He urged constituents to rely on official government communications when verifying claims about constituency funds, warning against misinformation.
Reaffirming his commitment, Ogene pledged to continue serving with objectivity, responsibility, and dedication. “I will keep prioritising the peace, development, and progress of Ogbaru in every decision I make as your representative,” he stated.
He outlined key projects earmarked in the 2025 budget, including electricity initiatives such as solar streetlights, water supply schemes, provision of security vehicles for vigilante groups, science equipment for schools, construction of examination halls, women and youth empowerment programmes, and a cottage hospital.
In his scorecard presentation, Ogene reported sponsoring 19 bills and 12 motions within the period under review. He added that 27 communities had received streetlights in the past six months, and over 250 constituents had been empowered through training in solar technology, ICT, fisheries, clean cooking, and financial support.
Many attendees commended his efforts and encouraged him to sustain delivery.
In his opening remarks, Chinedu Uwolo, Ogene’s Chief of Staff, thanked constituents for their trust and called for continued support for developmental efforts.
Ogene also refuted social media claims that lawmakers received N1 billion each, reiterating that the figure was a budgetary allocation not yet implemented. He detailed how N1.3 billion secured through personal lobbying had been allocated to projects such as transformers, solar-powered boreholes, school materials, streetlights, bridge construction, financial empowerment, erosion control, health facilities, water schemes, and vocational training.
He strongly denied using public funds for personal property development, stating that his residence was built through a personal loan obtained from UBA.
The lawmaker urged constituents to avoid social media quarrels and encouraged collective efforts towards community welfare.
Speaking on the federal budget, Ogene stressed that the budget represents a statement of intent subject to revenue realities and called for implementation at 90 to 100 percent capacity.
Mr Paul Nwosu, former Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, praised Ogene’s performance and urged public support.
Chief Mike Chukwurah called on Ogene to push forward a letter submitted to the federal government advocating for oil exploration in Ogbaru.
SP Andrew Gabriel, Divisional Police Officer for Ogbaru, commended Ogene for renovating police quarters and requested further support, including borehole drilling. Ogene promised swift intervention, emphasising the importance of local security.
Chief Emma Obi, Chairman of all Presidents-General in Ogbaru, thanked Ogene and highlighted security and agriculture as ongoing challenges requiring more focus.
Igwe Awogu of Osamalla Kingdom urged transparency in governance and lauded Ogene’s commitment to public service.
PIAK