The political camp of Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe has issued a strong rejoinder dismissing recent allegations made by Honourable Obinna Ichita, describing them as “baseless, unsubstantiated and politically motivated mischaracterizations” of the lawmaker’s record.
In the statement titled “Setting the Record Straight on Distinguished Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s Service to Abia South and Nigeria”, Abaribe’s team outlined his legislative contributions, constituency projects, and national advocacy, insisting that his record of service remains unmatched.
Legislative Footprint and National Advocacy
The rejoinder highlighted Abaribe’s sponsorship of bills to amend the Electricity Act, establish a Federal University of Petroleum and Geological Sciences in Ukwa West, and create the Out-of-Home Media Practitioners Council of Nigeria. It also cited his motion to immortalize Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the electoral umpire who supervised the historic June 12 election.
Abaribe, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Power, was also praised for his tenure as Senate Minority Leader (2019–2022), where he led the opposition in holding the executive accountable. His fearless stance, including a historic call for former President Muhammadu Buhari to resign over insecurity, was described as proof of his “principled courage in defense of Nigerians.”
Constituency Projects in Abia South
Countering claims of underperformance, the rejoinder detailed multi-sectoral projects between 2023 and 2025, including:
Installation of solar-powered street lights in 139 communities across six LGAs.
A ₦235 million 33KVA transmission line for rural electrification from Ovom to Azumini.
Road rehabilitation in Aba North and South, as well as the Opobo Road project linking Aba to Azumini.
Provision of educational materials across schools in Abia South and support for sports infrastructure.
Facilitation of direct employment for constituents in federal agencies, alongside training programs for women and youth under the 2025 Federal Appropriation Act.
“These interventions,” the statement argued, “are not token gestures but deliberate investments that improve everyday lives while building long-term economic enablers.”
Defending His Political Choices
On allegations of “gross ingratitude” and political desperation, Abaribe’s camp maintained that his shift from the PDP to APGA was rooted in “principled politics” aligned with the aspirations of his people. His endorsement of Governor Alex Otti’s administration was framed as support for “performance over partisanship.”
The rejoinder also defended Abaribe’s role in standing surety for IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, recalling his 2018 arrest by the DSS as proof of his willingness to risk personal freedom for justice.
Conclusion
The statement dismissed criticisms of Abaribe’s solar-powered streetlight projects as “trivialization of grassroots needs,” stressing that the lights enhance security and extend economic activities in rural communities.
It urged the people of Abia South and Nigeria to reject “politics of insults and distortions” and focus instead on issue-based debates rooted in development records and policy vision.
“Senator Abaribe, known as Nmagha Ndigbo (Pride of the Igbo People), remains steadfast in his service with integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to Abia South’s development and Nigeria’s progress,” the rejoinder concluded.
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