…Eulogises Tinubu, Mbah, Defends Defection
By Jane Daniel
ENUGU – Member representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu, has presented his three-year stewardship to the public, highlighting achievements across key sectors and defended his defection from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during a media chat in Enugu, he said elected officials owe the people periodic accounts of their stewardship, stressing that any public office holder who neglects the media neglects the voice of the people.
As a legislator, Hon Atu said he sponsored 17 bills, four motions, and two petitions aimed at strengthening governance, improving service delivery, and advancing socio-economic development of his constituency and Nigeria.
Among the bills, he listed the proposed establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Ugwuaji-Awkunanaw, a National Football Academy in Enugu State, an Erosion Control and Prevention Commission in Enugu, and a bill to repeal the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act No. 119 of 1995.
“I’ve sponsored 17 bills, four motions and two petitions,” he said.
According to him, education remains central to his representation, with over 800 public secondary school students benefiting from scholarships in three years. He added that his office facilitated admissions, tuition support, school laboratory renovations, establishment of basic science labs, and construction of classroom blocks.
“We promised our people during the campaign that we would strengthen education, and we want them to hold us accountable. Everything we have done can be verified. We have over 800 persons currently benefiting from our scholarship,” he said.
On empowerment, he said over 350 constituents were trained in chemical production, while over 200 youths gained AI skills. Farmers received fertilisers and inputs, while women benefited from poultry and related programmes.
In health and infrastructure, he said his office conducted medical outreaches in rural communities, installed solar streetlights across the 26 wards, and facilitated roads and bridge projects.
“We carried out medical outreach to take health services closer to the people in mostly the rural areas. The outreach provided an opportunity to serve the elderly in those areas,” he explained.
Solar Streetlights Installed Across 26 Wards
He also said solar streetlights were installed across all 26 wards to improve security and visibility.
“We provided solar street lights to all the 26 wards in my constituency because we understand that it could help fight insecurity,” he said.
“I made promises to my people, and I cannot fail them. Some of the scholarships we awarded were not captured in any budget. We did them because we believed it was the right thing to do,” Hon. Atu said, adding that more projects would follow as budget releases improve.
On his defection to the APC, he described parties as vehicles for service, insisting his priority is his constituents’ welfare.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiatives in the South-East, including the South-East Development Commission and federal infrastructure projects.
He also praised Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for efforts in security, infrastructure, agriculture, and education through smart schools.
“There is no need for unnecessary political conflict. What our people need is development, and we must work together to deliver it,” he said.
Hon. Atu urged journalists and constituents to verify his claims and said he remains committed to accountability and grassroots development.
NUJ Chairman in Enugu State, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, commended the briefing as a model of democratic accountability, noting the union had earlier honoured the lawmaker for legislative performance and urged other office holders to emulate him.
