MY STEWARDSHIP AS A STATE LAWMAKER (2019-2023)

Umunnem,

I write this letter with a heart full of gratitude and appreciation for the trust and confidence you placed in me when you elected me to represent you at the Anambra State House of Assembly in 2019. It was a great honor to be chosen to represent such a wonderful town, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve you.

The road to the 2019 elections was not an easy one. There were many challenges and obstacles to overcome, but despite all odds, you elected me, that son of a ‘nonbody’ and stood by me as I passed through even the traumatic election ligations. For this, I am forever grateful.

I set out determined to fulfill the social contract with my people and my covenant with God.

As your representative, I have done my utmost to serve you with dedication and integrity. I have worked tirelessly to ensure that your voice is heard and your needs are met. I have strived to be accessible and responsive to your concerns, and to work collaboratively with other stakeholders to bring about positive change in our community.

However, I am not oblivious to the fact that I may have unintentionally offended some of my constituents in the course of my representation. For this, I humbly apologize. I assure you that my intentions were always to serve you to the best of my ability, and I regret any actions or words that may have caused hurt or disappointment.

I am aware that there were many expectations from my office, many of which are far beyond my capacity as a House of Assembly member to fulfill. As a product of massive grassroot support, on daily basis, I was confronted with pressures from constituents seeking both personal and collective needs. Despite obvious constraints, I faced the challenges, and shouldered the demands to the best of my abilities. And, I am proud of what we have accomplished.

As I draw the curtain today, I will like to use this space to highlight some of the things we achieved within the years under review:

MOTIONS

My primary function as a lawmaker which includes moving motions on the floor of the State Assembly is one area in, which I did my best. In terms of number of motions, I am among the top three lawmakers in the 7th Assembly that sponsored the highest number of motions. Some of my motions include:

1. MOTION CALLING ON THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, CHIEF DR. WILLIE OBIANO TO INTERVENE IN THE DEPLORABLE 100-FOOT ROAD, NNEWI, EROSION SITE –

This was one of the first motions I moved on the floor of Anambra State House of Assembly.

100-Foot Road, Nnewi, which is one of the major entrances to the biggest market in Nnewi, Nkwo Nnewi, was seriously affected by gully erosion which swallowed the road, residential and commercial buildings.

Through several visits to the Governor, engagement with both Ministry of Works and Environment, and efforts of other Nnewi stakeholders, we were able to get the government to reclaim the gully.

2. MOTION URGING THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE OF EXCESSIVE ELECTRICITY BILLING OF MY CONSTITUENTS BY THE ENUGU ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION COMMISSION (EEDC) –

Following the several complaints I received from my constituents, over exorbitant electricity billing by EEDC and yet epileptic power supply, through a motion, I appealed to the Governor to direct the committee on the Rural Electrification project to liaise with EEDC to ensure that the exorbitant prices paid by Nnewi residents on electricity are reduced and power supply improved.

Aside the motion, I went further to engage the EEDC office on that and also the need to improve the power supply in Nnewi considering the industrial nature of the town. Those two efforts yielded positive result.

3. MOTION CALLING ON THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, CHIEF DR. WILLIE OBIANO TO INTERVENE IN THE DEADLY FLOODING AND EROSION MENACE IN SOME PARTS OF NNEWI

After I visited some of my constituents across different villages in Nnewi, who lost properties worth millions of Naira and other valuables to flood, I moved a motion on the floor of Anambra State House Assembly calling on the Governor to come to the aid of Nnewi and provide a lasting solution to the deadly flooding and erosion menace which affected some part of Nnewi.

4. MOTION CALLING ON THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, CHIEF DR. WILLIE OBIANO, TO RECONSTRUCT THE DILAPIDATED ROADS IN OTOLO, URUAGU, UMUDIM, AND NNEWICHI –
   On Tuesday, 2nd June, 2020, on the floor of the hallowed chamber of Anambra State House of Assembly, I sponsored a motion calling on the Executive Governor of Anambra, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, to intervene by constructing dilapidated roads in Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi.

Moving the motion, I explained that Nnewi is hard hit by road infrastructure gap, which is currently making it difficult for the town to fulfill its growth aspirations and potential as a manufacturing and business centre.

I added that to enable more development in Nnewi, the state government should make construction and rehabilitation of roads a top priority in Nnewi, the multiplicity of accessible road networks will trigger more social and economic activities.

5. MOTION CALLING ON THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, CHIEF DR. WILLIE OBIANO, TO DIRECT ANAMBRA ROAD MAINTENANCE AGENCY (ARMA) TO MAINTAIN EXISTING ROADS IN NNEWI –

For an immediate solution for the poor road infrastructure in Nnewi, I called on Governor to direct Anambra Road Maintenance Agency (ARMA) to maintain existing roads in Nnewi. A few of our roads got attention after the motion.

6. MOTION CALLING ON THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, CHIEF DR. WILLIE OBIANO, TO UPGRADE NKWO NNEWI TO AN INTERNATIONAL MARKET STANDARD –

To enhance the capacity of the market for more economic activities, I moved for the upgrade of Nkwo Nnewi to International Market Standard, especially, given the present infrastructural decay in the market which has become a serious challenge to the realization of the full potential of the market.

I urged the Governor, to upgrade Nkwo Nnewi Market in the area of building the needed infrastructure and also discussing with the operators on the need for the development of a Master Plan for the market.

7. MOTION FOR THE COMPENSATION OF VICTIMS OF THE NNEWI TIMBER MARKET FIRE DISASTER –

Moved by the sad tales of victims of the Nnewi Timber market which was razed by fire, I moved a motion calling on the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, to set up a panel of inquiry to ascertain the cause(s) of the inferno that razed Nnewi Timber Market, profer solution to avert future occurrence and compensate the affected traders.

Rising under Matter of Urgent Public Importance, I noted that Ọgbọ Osisi, the timber market in Nnewi, which is known for timbers and other forms of building materials was ravaged by fire on Wednesday, 17th February, 2021, destroying goods which reportedly worth billions of Naira.

8. MOTION CALLING ON PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI TO CAUSE A TOTAL AND THOROUGH REFORM OF NIGERIA POLICE –

I sponsored this motion during the ENDSARS protest, I called on President Muhammadu Buhari to cause a total and thorough reform of the Nigeria Police by seriously reviewing the process of recruitment, training, welfare, and operation of police officers in other to ensure the repositioning of the Nigeria Police to a modern and professional security agency.

I noted that the agitation of Nigerians especially the youths, is not against police carrying out their constitutional responsibility, but a condemnation of the way and manner most of the officers kill, brutalize, intimidate, make arbitrary arrests, and unsubstantiated allegations against innocent Nigerians.

9. MOTION CALLING ON HIS EXCELLENCY, CHIEF DR. WILLIE OBIANO, TO SET UP A WASTE RECYCLING PLANT IN ANAMBRA STATE –

This was one of my motions that triggered public reaction. With an estimated daily generation of 950, 000 tons of waste in Anambra State, and with our position as the second state with the highest population density in Nigeria, through a motion, I advised our Governor to find a more strategic and proactive approach to be adopted in tackling the surging waste generated from different households, institutions, and business premises on daily basis.

I am of the opinion that the current practice of lumping all waste both bio-degradable and others will not ensure a clean Anambra State. I pressed on the need for our state to leverage on the critical mass of solid waste being generated in the state especially in Onitsha, Awka, and Nnewi, by building a plant that will recycle solid waste and bring out raw materials.

10. MOTION CALLING ON THE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, CHIEF DR. WILLIE OBIANO, TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE COMPENSATION TO THE VICTIMS OF THE FIRE DISASTER AT UMUISIEDO OKPUNOEGBU UMUDIM-NNEWI MARKET –

Rising under Matter of Urgent Public Importance, I noted that Umuisiedo Okpunoegbu Market which is one of the busiest foodstuff markets in Nnewi, and mostly dominated by women was razed down by fire on Sunday, 1st January, 2022, destroying goods worth millions of Naira belonging to traders within the market.

I called on the Governor to provide adequate compensation for the traders and also raised the need for the government to begin discussions with operators and leaders of the market on the possibility of building a modern market in the area.

12. MOTION CALLING ON THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE, PROF. CHARLES SOLUDO TO DIRECT THE COMMISSIONER FOR WORKS TO RECONSTRUCT THE COLLAPSED UKWAKA-UMUDIM BRIDGE –

During the House of Assembly plenary on Thursday, 21st July, 2022, I urged the Governor to come to the aid of the people of Nnewi by reconstructing the collapsed bridge.

I noted that the bridge which was constructed during Dame Virgy Etiaba’s administration has collapsed thereby causing hardship for road users and affecting economic activities for residents of the area.

14. MOTION URGING THE GOVERNOR, PROF. CHUKWUMA SOLUDO TO INTERVENE ON THE COLLAPSED PORTION OF OBA-NNEWI EXPRESSWAY BY ST. JOHN THE CROSS CHURCH, EGBO, URUAGU NNEWI –

Although a Federal road, I appealed to the Governor to fix the failed portion of the Old Oba-Nnewi Expressway. I followed it up by bringing the State Ministry of Works to inspect the road for possible solution.

I learnt that the Senator representing Anambra South in the Senate, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah has taken over the construction of the roads.

14. MOTION FOR THE SUSPENSION OF THE ILLEGAL WASTE MANAGEMENT RATES IMPOSED BY ANAMBRA STATE WASTE MANAGEMENT AGENCY (ASWAMA), FOR WASTE COLLECTION –

On Tuesday, 25th October, 2022, I moved a motion on the floor of Anambra State House of Assembly, calling for the immediate suspension of the illegal rates imposed by Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA) on residents in the state for waste collection.

Rising under Matter of Urgent Public Importance, with the support of my colleagues, I maintained that the controversial waste collection rates announced by the Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA), contravenes some sections of the existent law that established ASWAMA which was passed in the 6th Assembly.

I stated that the new rates released by ASWAMA is illegal because the Anambra State Waste Management Law, 2015, stipulates in clear figures various fees payable by households and various enterprises, as such, the new rates released by ASWAMA is a clear violation of the law.

15. DECONGESTION OF PRISONS IN ANAMBRA STATE –

On the floor of the hallowed chamber, I moved for the institutionalization of speedy trials and other non-custodial measures to enhance the decongestion of prisons in Anambra State.

I decried the practice where some suspects are held in remand for extended periods, running into years. Those accused of minor offenses spent years awaiting trial. The Chief Judge of the state gave me a clear assurance that something is being done in that direction.

16. PETITION ON THE SUSPENSION OF MISS ORAMASIONWU OLUEBUBECHUKWU –

During one of our sittings, I presented the petition of one of my constituents, Miss Oramasionwu Oluebubechukwu, a 300 Level Chemical Engineering Student of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (Uli Campus), who was suspended by the school authorities after she was stabbed by a fellow student.

I urged the House, to look into the petition and call on the school management to review and lift the suspension of Miss Oramasionwu and also allow her to write all examinations she missed on the course of her suspension. I also pressed through the Ministry of Tertiary Education then to ensure justice was done to the girl. And we succeeded.

BILLS

1. ANAMBRA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND EMPOWERMENT COMMISSION, IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE YOUTH POLICY –

This was the very first private-member bill that was passed on the floor of the 7th Assembly of Anambra State House of Assembly sponsored by me.

I proposed the need to institutionalize youth empowerment and development in Anambra State as against bizarre youth empowerment programs which have been carried out in the past, which are mostly political and seasonal.

For me, youth empowerment should shift from distribution of sewing machines, tricycles, generators, and motorcycles to entrepreneurship development, technical and vocational education training, ICT training, giving soft loans to SMEs, support for entertainment and sports industry, providing funds for setups and other empowerment programs

2. ANAMBRA STATE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BILL (ICT) –

Anambra State Information Technology Bill (ICT) is one of the bills I vehemently supported. I believe that Anambra State should lead the technological advancement of Nigeria, I urged for proper funding from the state government and private sector-driven response which will facilitate the construction and equipping of ICT laboratories across the state. I believe Anambra has all the potential to emerge as the Silicon Valley of Africa.

Other bills like Onitsha, Nnewi, and Awka (ONA) Development Bill and Anambra Captive Power Bill didn’t scale through.

PROJECTS

1. BUILDING AND FURNISHING A 3-BEDROOM BUNGALOW FOR THREE CHILDLESS WIDOWS IN NNEWICHI, NNEWI –

In 2020, I heard the heart-melting story of three (3) childless aging widows who were living in terrible conditions in a thatched hut in Okpuno, Nnewichi, Nnewi, married to the same husband.

The nature of their dilapidated thatched house and struggle for likelihood which is worth pushing a flood of tears from my eyes, moved me to build a house for them.

In less than two months, I completed a 3-Bedroom Bungalow, with a Parlor, Toilet, Bath, and Kitchen. I furnished the sitting room with a set of cushion chairs, side stools, center table, and curtains fixed in the windows. I also installed a flat-screen LED TV and GOtv with a one-year full subscription.

Each of the three (3) rooms is furnished with a wardrobe, bed, mattress, bedding, and curtains. The kitchen has a sink, and is furnished. The toilet and bath are of standard.

2. BUILDING OF FOUR (4) MODERN TOILET FACILITIES FOR EKE AMANGWU MARKET, UMUDIM NNEWI –

Eke Amangwu Market is the major market in Umudim. As a young boy in my primary school days, I used to join my grandmother, Late Mrs. Elizabeth Nnabuike to sell ‘Ogiri’ (Locust bean) in Eke Amangwu Market. In those days, due to the lack of toilets in the market, open defecation was one of the ways traders and customers respond to the call of nature. Some who could not find a corner to ease themselves will have to rush back home.

During my electioneering campaign, I visited the market to meet with one of my women leaders, I felt disappointed when she told me that she was not around the market because she had to rush home to answer the call of nature. This means that the market had remained without a single toilet facility for the past thirty (30) years.

In fulfillment of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which seek to end open defecation by 2030, I built a modern toilet/sanitary facility in the market.

3. TOTAL RENOVATION OF THE BURNT HOUSE OF A WIDOW IN OTOLO NNEWI –

After I got a distress call from one of my constituents, who informed me that a house belonging to one of my constituents in Umuzu Mbana Otolo Nnewi, Mrs. Eberechukwu Igwilo, was gutted by fire.

I visited the scene of the incident, I learnt that the poor victim who has five (5) kids, lost her husband, Late Mr. Jude Igwilo, in 2011. I was further moved to pity when I saw that a major part of the house was already getting dilapidated, while the roof was filled with holes, planks were used as the ceiling. The pit toilet and bathroom were in a sorry state, the kitchen was not also different from others. Obviously, Mrs. Igwilo who has been surviving with the help of neighbors needed more help.

Under three (3) weeks, I rebuilt the house, installed new windows and doors, rewired the entire compound, tiled the house, re-roofed the kitchen, built a modern toilet and bath, painted the entire house, the kitchen, the toilet, and bath, including purchasing a set of cushion chairs and a center table, curtains, flat-screen LED TV and GOTV with a year subscription.

I also gave the beneficiary a token of One Hundred Thousand Naira to support her petty business.

4. INSTALLATION OF HIGH-QUALITY SOLAR-POWERED STREETLIGHTS IN DIFFERENT MARKETS IN NNEWI –

I solved the challenge of perennial darkness in some local markets in Nnewi with the installation of high-quality solar-powered lights.

With the installation of these solar-powered lights, the duration of economic activities in some of these local markets increased, as some of these markets are open and bubbling beyond 6pm.

The Security architecture of these local markets also improved, as traders in small discomfort can now trade at night.

OTHER LIFE-CHANGING PROGRAMS

1. NNEWI INDIGENT WIDOWS SALARY SCHEME –

This was a scheme I initiated aimed at ameliorating the plights of indigent widows in Nnewi.

Eleven (11) widows drawn from different communities in Nnewi benefited monthly for this scheme.

Despite the cash crunch, the scheme which is non-political and cuts across religious lines has continued to take care of stipends for the widows monthly and also in some circumstances, sponsorship of free medical care.

2. NOMINATION OF AN AKARA (BEAN CAKE) SELLER AS LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILOR –

I have always believed that the less-privileged should be an integral part of our society and that society should not turn a blind eye towards them.

When I had the opportunity to nominate someone to serve in the local government council as one of the councilors, I nominated Mrs. Ugochinyere Ezeh, an Akara seller without any hesitation, I forwarded her name as my nominee to represent the less privileged and the downtrodden.

It is my view that while we continue to push for good road networks, steady power supply, business-friendly policies, youth empowerment and development, improved quality of education, and other necessary infrastructures, we should not lose sight of the poor, weak, and disadvantaged.

3. COVID-19 PALLIATIVE –

During the lockdown, I shared bags of rice, cartons of noodles, tubers of yam, tin of tomatoes, and bags of beans strictly to those in need. I also gave out cash donations to Chinedu widows and other organizations.

I also distributed Covid-19 preventive materials to twenty (20) local markets in Nnewi, including churches.

The taps buckets and hand sanitizers were shared. Among the markets visited in Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi communities include; Eke Amobi, Nnofor Royal Market, Eke Amangwu, Afor Ubu, Afia Umuele, Eke Akammiri, Afia Ejiamatu, Nweke Akabokwu, Ozuru Market Obiofia, Nwafor Uruagu, Orie Agbo, Afia Okpuno Egbu, Amuko Market, Umuisiedo Market, Nwaorie Market, Odu Igbo Foodstuffs Market, Ogbo Ogwu, Ozuda Bread Market Akabo, and Afia Mgbede.

I also distributed the preventive materials to some health centers, Catholic Diocese of Nnewi and Anglican Diocese of Nnewi. In addition, I engaged the services of ten (10) public announcers to move around the different communities in Nnewi to enlighten the populace.

5. POST COVID-19 PALLIATIVE –

I purchased over one thousand bags of rice of different sizes and other food items, I was able to share a major part of the items to my constituents as part of efforts to ameliorate the sufferings of our people.

6. HEALTH –

This was one area I found challenging in the last four (4) years. On daily basis, I receive a lot of requests to intervene in the medical needs of my constituents. I spent a huge amount of money in my partnership with some selected hospitals and pharmacy shops in addressing the medical needs of some of my constituents. Worthy of note is the financing of three (3) successful life-saving surgeries.

7. EDUCATION –

This is one area, I am very passionate about. I used my office to address some challenges schools in Nnewi are facing. I also granted full scholarships to 23 indigent primary school pupils, 9 secondary and 2 university students. I facilitated the admission of over 97 Nnewi indigenes and non-indigenes into the state-owned university.

8. EMPLOYMENT AND EMPOWERMENT –

I facilitated the employment of over fifty (50) Nnewi indigenes and residents in different ministries and agencies of government. I also funded the training of some young constituents in some special skills like 3D Epoxy Flooring and blockchain technology. In addition, I donated Motorcycles, digital cameras, laptops, and other gadgets to some of my constituents to aid their businesses.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION –

The issue of road construction was another area I had a lot of challenges. Nnewi is one of the towns in Anambra State that has the worst road infrastructure. As the representative of my people, I consistently canvassed through several motions in the House, letters to and private meetings with both the past and the present Governors, that there is a need to declare a state of emergency on Nnewi roads.

I am delighted that the present Governor, His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has responded with the ongoing construction of the 3.2 KM Okpunoeze-Nnewi Hotel road, and the 2.2 KM Isaho, Umuezeagu to Permanent Site, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) road, Umudim, Nnewi.

I am positive that other roads like ASUTECH road in Otolo, Milikwe/St.Peters road in Nnewichi, Bank road to St. Mary’s road, Nkwo-to-Nkwo road, Akaboezem road, Nnewi-Oba road, Edoji road, among others, which I have personally joined him to inspect will soon receive attention. He has publicly assured me and ndi Nnewi in the last Ofala Igwe Nnewi that he will transform Nnewi infrastructure-wise.

FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY OFFICE –

I ensured that I maintained a functional Constituency Office which was open to all Ndi Nnewi and Non-Indigenes in Nnewi, this helped break down the wall of bureaucracy and make my constituents to access me freely.

STALLING THE PLANNED MOTORCYCLE BAN IN NNEWI –

Through constructive engagement with the transport Ministry of Anambra State, I stalled several attempts to ban motorcycle operations in Nnewi right from when Onitsha and Awka were banned.

I am of the view that the major economic attraction to Nnewi is the sale of motorcycle parts, it will be insensitivity on the part of the government to place a ban on motorcycle transportation in a town that has Nkwo Nnewi which remains the major import and wholesale point for motorcycle spare parts in Nigeria. Again, on the claim that stopping motorcycles will stop crimes, I beg to differ. The majority of all the high-profile crimes I have heard of were executed with cars, not bikes.

In conclusion, it will be an impossible task to list everything I have done in the course of my representation in the last four years. How can I possibly list all the calls and interventions I did each time I hear of my constituent having issues with the Police or other government agencies? How can I possibly list all the supports I extended to different villages and groups in Nnewi each time I was called upon?

I will just end this piece by saying that Nnewi went the extra mile to send me to Awka, and I went extra mile to do all within my powers, sometimes beyond my powers, to ensure I make Nnewi proud. And when assessed by an unbiased judged, I am sure we will be on the right side of history.

Once again, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for entrusting me with the responsibility of representing you at the Anambra State House of Assembly. I will always cherish the support and encouragement you have given me, and I will continue to work for the betterment of our dear community in whatever capacity I find myself.

Thank you and may God continue to bless us all.

Hon. Nonso Smart Okafor,
Member,
Anambra State House of Assembly,
Nnewi North Constituency,
(June 12, 2019 to June 11, 2023).