By Chukwuemerie Uduchukwu
The current members of the House of Representatives from Anambra State, elected to serve in the Green Chamber, have proven to be the most disappointing set of Honourable members chosen by ndị Anambra in the Fourth Republic. Despite receiving substantial allocations amounting to billions of naira for constituency projects, these representatives have failed to deliver tangible benefits to their constituents. Reliable sources indicate that each member of the House receives significant funds annually for constituency projects, with figures from the 2023 budget alone showing allocations of approximately ₦100 billion for constituency projects nationwide, a portion of which is disbursed to Anambra’s representatives. Yet, the impact of these funds in Anambra remains negligible, with little to no evidence of transformative projects that justify such enormous sums. Beyond their failure to utilize these resources effectively, these representatives have also fallen short in their core legislative function: sponsoring quality bills that address the pressing needs of their people and the nation at large. This dual failure (neglect of constituency development and legislative inertia) marks this cohort as a profound let-down for ndị Anambra.
The current representatives, namely Obiajulu Idu Godwin Emeka (Onitsha North and Onitsha South), Chinwe Maureen Gwacham (Oyi and Ayamelum), Clara Chinwe Nnabuife (Orumba North and Orumba South), Ifeanyi Peter Uzokwe (Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo), Ibezimako George Ozodinobi (Anaocha, Njikoka, and Dunukofia), Harris Uchenna Okonkwo (Idemili North and Idemili South), Obiageli Orogbu (Awka North and Awka South), Udeogalanya Peter Aniekwe (Anambra East and Anambra West), Ifeanyi Dominic Okafor (Aguata), Agbodike Pascal (Ihiala), and Victor Afam Ogene (Ogbaru), have collectively failed to live up to the expectations of their constituents. Their efforts, if they can be called that, have been limited to superficial gestures that insult the intelligence of ndị Anambra in 2025. Renovating a few blocks of classrooms, sharing a few motorcycles and sewing machines, and distributing 5kg and 10kg bags of rice to a handful of constituents may seem like generous gestures. However, given the scale of resources at their disposal, such actions by Pascal Agbodike, Chinwe Nnabuife, and Peter Aniekwe are not only inadequate but also shameful. These token projects, often publicized with fanfare, do little to address the systemic challenges facing their constituencies, such as dilapidated infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and widespread poverty. For representatives entrusted with billions of naira, such minimal interventions reflect a lack of vision, ambition, and accountability.
Another egregious example is Peter Uzokwe, the representative for Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency. He has claimed that the few classroom renovations and small bags of rice distributed to some constituents were personal initiatives, asserting that the current constituency budget was not drafted by him. This excuse is woefully insufficient. As an elected representative, Uzokwe is duty-bound to ensure that every kobo allocated to his constituency is judiciously utilized for projects that deliver meaningful impact. Shifting blame to the budget’s origin does not absolve him of responsibility; it only underscores his failure to advocate for and oversee the effective use of these funds. Ndị Anambra deserve representatives who proactively drive development, not those who hide behind flimsy justifications while their constituencies languish.
The dominance of the Labour Party in Anambra’s 2023 elections, which saw candidates like Emeka Idu, George Ozodinobi, Uchenna Nwankwo, Obiageli Orogbu, Udeogalanya Aniekwe, and Afam Ogene’s ride the party’s wave to victory, has proven to be a disservice to the state. The so-called “Labour Party syndrome” has inflicted significant harm on ndị Anambra, as these representatives appear either confused or ignorant of the responsibilities tied to their positions. Their blind election under the Labour Party banner, fuelled by populist sentiment rather than merit or preparedness, has resulted in a cohort of lawmakers who seem ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of legislative work or constituency development. This has led to a squandered opportunity for meaningful representation. As the next election approaches, ndị Anambra must reflect on this failure and reject the notion of voting for a party “from top to bottom.” The Labour Party’s representatives have shown that party loyalty alone does not translate into effective governance, and voters must prioritize competence and accountability over political bandwagons.
Among the representatives, Obiageli Orogbu, who represents Awka North and Awka South Federal Constituency, stands out for her particularly disappointing performance. As a professor, one would expect Orogbu to bring intellectual rigor and innovative solutions to the challenges facing her constituents. Instead, she has failed woefully to vindicate her professorship title, offering no substantive policies or projects that address the needs of her people. Her tenure has been marked by a lack of vision, with no evidence of the transformative ideas one might anticipate from someone of her academic standing. This failure is not just a personal shortcoming but a betrayal of the trust placed in her by ndị Anambra, who expected her to “profess” solutions that would uplift their communities. Instead, her representation has been reduced to inconsequential gestures, leaving her constituents to grapple with the same challenges they faced before her election.
The House of Representatives is a critical institution in any democracy, serving as the voice of the people and a platform for shaping national policy. Those elected to this chamber must embody the title of “Honourable” through quality representation, not through superficial displays on social media or self-serving photo opportunities. The current Anambra representatives have prioritized selfies and publicity stunts over substantive legislative work and constituency development. Their failure to sponsor quality bills that address critical issues such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment demonstrates a profound disconnect from the needs of their people. In a state as vibrant and resourceful as Anambra, this lack of legislative initiative is inexcusable. The billions of naira allocated for constituency projects should have translated into visible improvements: modern schools, well-equipped hospitals, reliable roads, and economic opportunities that empower communities. Instead, ndị Anambra are left with crumbling infrastructure, inadequate services, and a handful of rice bags as a mockery of their expectations.
The collective failure of these representatives raises serious questions about their commitment to the people they serve. Ndị Anambra deserve more than piecemeal interventions; they deserve representatives who can harness these funds to drive transformative change. The current crop has shown neither the capacity nor the will to do so, leaving a legacy of underperformance that tarnishes the reputation of Anambra’s representation in the Fourth Republic.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic and social challenges, the role of the House of Representatives is more critical than ever. Ndị Anambra cannot afford another term of ineffective representation. The current members must be held accountable for their failure to deliver on both constituency projects and legislative duties. The billions of naira entrusted to them were meant to uplift communities, not to be squandered or underutilized. As the next election looms, ndị Anambra must demand representatives who prioritize quality representation over political expediency, who deliver tangible development over token gestures, and who uphold the dignity of the Green Chamber through meaningful legislative contributions. The current set of representatives has failed to meet these standards, cementing their place as the worst Anambra has elected in the Fourth Republic. Their tenure serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when populism overshadows competence, and it is a mistake ndị Anambra must never repeat.
Chukwuemerie Uduchukwu, an indigene of Nnewi, Anambra State, writes from Abuja, Nigeria.
