As the flood season looms once again, the Member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, Hon. Afam Ogene, has called on both the federal and state governments to take urgent and practical steps to protect lives, properties, and livelihoods in riverine communities like Ogbaru.
Speaking during his second anniversary town hall meeting and scorecard presentation in Ogbaru on Thursday, Ogene emphasized the need for “intentional action” by the government to mitigate the annual devastation caused by floods. He advocated for the construction of elevated holding centers across the constituency where displaced residents can shelter for up to three months.
“Flooding is not something you can control with your hands,” Ogene stated, adding that “it requires huge resources, and 29 states are affected yearly. Every tier of government must act ahead of time, especially the state governments. Caring for the people begins with them.”
The lawmaker also urged governments to intervene in post-harvest food preservation during flood periods by acting as offtakers for farm produce that would otherwise be destroyed. “When the rains rush in, you lose most of the crops,” he warned. “If you build a road but farmers can’t evacuate their products, the benefit is lost.”
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Amid his calls for flood mitigation, Hon. Ogene also used the event to firmly debunk viral allegations that members of the National Assembly had embezzled ₦1 billion each meant for constituency projects.
Describing the rumour as “malicious blackmail,” Ogene clarified that the ₦1 billion per legislator was only recently appropriated in the yet-to-be-implemented 2025 federal budget. Furthermore, he revealed that he had personally lobbied and attracted an additional ₦1.3 billion for various projects in Ogbaru beyond the standard allocation.
“The federal government has not even started implementing the 2025 budget, and contractors are still being owed for 2024 projects,” he said. He urged constituents to verify such claims through official government channels before believing or spreading misinformation.
The Labour Party caucus leader and Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, stressed that transparency and service delivery would remain the cornerstone of his leadership.
Presenting his scorecard, Hon. Ogene said he had facilitated 27 streetlight installations in different communities, sponsored 19 bills, and moved 12 motions in the House of Representatives. He listed key 2025 budgeted projects for the constituency to include:
Water schemes and boreholes
Solar street lighting
Provision of security vehicles
Exam hall construction and equipment supply
Youth and women empowerment schemes
Supply of science lab equipment
A cottage hospital project
Over 250 constituents have so far benefited from training and empowerment programs in solar tech, ICT, fishery, and clean cooking, each receiving both grants and tools.
Addressing further rumours about misusing public funds, Ogene disclosed he had personally taken a ₦120 million loan from a commercial bank to build his private residence, rejecting claims that constituency funds were involved.
“We create jobs and invest in people, yet we face abuse online. I urge everyone not to fight on social media but to ask questions directly,” he appealed.
He reaffirmed his commitment to serve Ogbaru with “objectivity, sensibility, and utmost responsibility,” and encouraged well-meaning individuals to contribute to local development.
The well-attended event drew traditional rulers, market leaders, political stakeholders across party lines, and security personnel. SP Andrew Gabriel, Ogbaru DPO, appreciated the lawmaker for renovating officers’ quarters but requested additional support, including office renovation, borehole drilling, and a vehicle upgrade, all of which Ogene promised to attend to urgently.
Community leaders like Chief Mike Chukwurah and Chief Emma Obi also highlighted pressing needs such as security enhancement and oil exploration in Ogbaru. Igwe Awogu of Osamalla Kingdom called for greater transparency at all levels of government.
On budget implementation, Ogene reminded constituents that an appropriation is not a guarantee of disbursement. “Budget is a statement of intention. The question is, did the revenue come in, and if it did, was it used for the intended projects?” He called on the federal government to ensure 90–100% implementation for real impact.