Politics
AN Imo lawmaker, Mr Frank Ugboma, has urged his constituents to remain calm and law abiding, following the outcome of the March 18 state assembly poll.
Ugboma, who contested for re-election on PDP platform, gave the advice in a statemwnt he issued in Owerri and made available to newsmen on Friday.
The lawmaker, representing Oguta State Constituency, thanked his constituents for the opportunity given to him to serve them from 2019.
He listed the sponsorship of one of the two non-executive bills passed by the house and assented to by Gov. Hope Uzodinma, the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Imo State (2020) and provision of jobs for 15 youths of Oguta, amongst others, as some of his achievements.
“As your representative, I have placed your interests above my personal interest even in the face of juicy offers placed before me.
“I did not distort nor betray the mandate you gave me by jumping from one political party to another just for personal gains.
“I have attracted people-oriented projects to my constituency, admittedly, however, the projects so attracted and executed by my office were limited due to the financial dependence of state legislatures on the executive.
“I sponsored the most viable bill, known as the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Imo State (2020).
“This law is cited copiously in our courts on a daily basis by legal experts.
“I equally have sponsored another bill known as Magistraye Court Laws of Imo State awaiting the governor’s assent.
“When a bill for financial autonomy for state Judiciary, Legislature and Local Government system was sent by the National Assembly to state Houses of Assembly for their nod as demanded by the Constitution, I led my colleagues in the minority to support this people-oriented bill,” he said.
Ugboma expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as irregularities that marred the elections.
“Unfortunately, the purported election was a sham as you all know and will agree that the conduct of INEC as the umpire in collaboration with the ruling party in the state and security agencies was barbaric, draconian and antiquated.
“It is sad to note that we did not lose a fair election in a fair contest.
“As an opposition party in the state, our hope and trust lie in the figures of our untainted accredited voters, their votes and the tenacity of our spirit.
“Election does not define an individual, it defines the society and the system.
“Every choice, action and inaction has consequences, positive or negative.
“My dear constituents, I agree with you that the process was a heist but I still enjoin you all to remain calm and peaceful as there is always light at the end of every tunnel,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Imo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Sylvia Agu, when contacted, denied allegations of complicity on the part of the commission. (NAN)
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Tags: Frank Ugboma Gov. Hope Uzodinma
