REBUTTAL: EMEMANKA, IROEGBU & CO. AND THEIR DELIBERATE MISINFORMATION OF ABIANS ON REP. EMEKA ATUMA'S FACTUAL POSITION ON FEDERAL ROADS
Our attention has been drawn to the unguided, mischievous and deliberately misleading reports being circulated by Mr. Ememanka, Iroegbu and their co-travellers, twisting the factual and constitutionally grounded statement made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District, Rep. Emeka Atuma, on federal road construction and rehabilitation in Abia State.
For the avoidance of doubt and for the education of these latter-day content creators parading as analysts, *Rep. Emeka Atuma was factually correct, legally sound and constitutionally in order.*
Rep. Atuma clearly and unambiguously stated the established procedure: *No State Government can unilaterally intervene on a Federal Road and claim glory without obtaining prior approval from the Federal Government through the Honourable Minister of Works, with a defined framework for reimbursement after execution.* This is not Atuma's personal opinion. It is the extant law and Federal Government policy on federal infrastructure management.
It is on record that Abia State is a major beneficiary of this magnanimous and uncommon gesture of a working President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Several federal roads being celebrated today in Abia State were only made possible because the Federal Government graciously granted approval and continues to process reimbursement arrangements. That is a mark of a President who loves Abia State and is committed to its development.
What then is the misinformation of Ememanka, Iroegbu and Co.?
Their attempt to incite Abians against the Federal Government and distort a simple administrative procedure is cheap blackmail, pedestrian propaganda and a clear display of ignorance of how governance works.
Let them be told in clear terms that :
1. Federal Roads are under the Exclusive Legislative List. They belong to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
2. A State Government that wishes to intervene MUST seek approval from the Federal Ministry of Works.
3. Upon approval and proper execution, the Federal Government reimburses the State. This is standard practice across all 36 states and is not peculiar to Abia.
Rep. Emeka Atuma performed above expectation within only four years in the House of Representatives from *2003 to 2007*, with numerous landmark achievements, including two notable bills — the NOSDRA and NESREA Acts. He signed all necessary legislative documents on behalf of the Nigerian Government, and in terms of infrastructure, his signature projects are visible everywhere in the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.
As a high-performing former legislator with deep knowledge of legislative and constitutional procedures, he spoke as a statesman who understands governance. He deserves commendation for educating the public and for giving credit to Mr. President for what he has done for Abia State.
We challenge Ememanka, Iroegbu and their co-sponsors to fault Atuma on facts and constitutional provisions, not on emotions, sentiments and hired write-ups.
Abians are wiser now and can no longer be deceived by misinformation merchants whose only job is to defend falsehood and attack truth.
Rep. Emeka Atuma stands on facts. The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu thrives on performance.
