Politics

How PDP Shortchanged Enugu For 24 Years – Reps Member-elect Umeha

Barrister Sunday Umeha, House of Representatives member-elect for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, in this interview with Prime Business Africa‘s correspondent, LOVETH UGWU, speaks on plans to push bills, motions and other activities that will tackle issues affecting his constituency and the state generally when the 10th National Assembly is finally inaugurated. Umeha, who won the seat on the platform of the Labour Party, says the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has shortchanged Enugu State in the last 24 years, adding that the state must return to its enviable status. He accused the current PDP-led administration in the state of poor performance, especially in the area of healthcare delivery, adequate infrastructure, education and the general welfare of the people. He stated that Enugu residents, especially the people of Udi/Ezeagu, would not remain under captivity with his emergence as the lawmaker representing the federal Constituency. Upon the declaration of his victory by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the 25th February National Assembly elections, Barrister Umeha had taken to his Facebook page to thank the people of Ezeagu, saying: “I am particularly honored to have been elected as a Member House of Representatives representing the good people of Ezeagu/Udi Federal Consistency. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to my party, the Labour Party, and all the voters who places their trust in me and gave me the opportunity to serve our Federal Constituency in this new capacity. I am committed to working tirelessly to represent your interests, bring about positive change, and make our country a better place for all. I understand that with this position comes great responsibility, and I am fully prepared to take on the challenges ahead. I believe that together, we can build a stronger, more equitable, and more prosperous future for Ezeagu/Udi, Enugu state and Nigeria.”

Below are excerpts from his telephone conversation with PBA:

How do you feel about winning the election?

Well, I am happy and I give God the glory. I also thank the people of my Constituency for the support.

So What’s next for you, having won the election?

The mantra of the Labour Party is anchored on the people; it’s about the people first. Whoever that has been elected under the Labour Party must be a servant leader. I am going to be a servant leader to the people. I will also make sure that Ezeagu people are happy.

What first challenges do you see in this new leadership role?

The society has decayed a lot; it is not what it is supposed to be, satisfying the yearnings of the people with limited resources is a major challenge, especially given the high expectation of the masses.

What steps do you plan to take on social welfare and security of the people of Ezeagu?

I Plan to push several legislative Motions and Bills to support them. The Bills will address social security needs of the people of Eziagu. I also plan to collaborate with federal and state government to provide good roads, hospitals and schools for my people.

You earlier accused the PDP of holding Enugu people back in the last 23 years or so; what do you want to see government doing differently?

Enugu used to be the pride of the Southeast. Today, Enugu is the worst in terms of infrastructure. I plan to return Enugu to its enviable status by supporting the processes that will ensure that pipeborne water is provided in Enugu. During the PDP administration, rural roads were bad. Looking at the welfare of civil servants, even the primary school teachers were on strike.

Let me simply say that, in this new dispensation, Ezeagu people will testify.