Railway Projects: Akeredolu Berates South East NASS Members
Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, a leading candidate for the Imo East Senatorial seat on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), has expressed strong disapproval towards members of the National Assembly from the South East region.
She accuses them of inactivity during the approval of major projects, such as railways, which were granted to the South West and North, leaving the South East without any benefits.
Dr. Akeredolu noted that legislators from the West, particularly those from Ondo State, collaborated with her late husband, Aketi Rotimi Akeredolu, while he was governor, to secure meaningful projects for their constituents.
In contrast, she criticized their South East counterparts for failing to deliver substantial benefits to their constituents.
She lamented that a national lawmaker from the South East would distribute sewing machines and wheelbarrows to constituents, whereas their counterparts, like Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, provide more significant support, such as housing.
Speaking at a meeting with Labour Party executives in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State on Wednesday, Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu pledged to make a difference if elected as Senator in 2027.
She stated, “Upon my election, you will witness significant changes. I question what the South East representatives at the National Assembly were doing when railways were approved for the North and West, leaving the South East with nothing.”
“In Ondo State, representatives in the National Assembly collaborated with my husband to secure genuine democratic benefits. Here in the South East, what our representatives offer is mere tokenism. I retired as a federal civil servant, so I am familiar with the processes involved.”
“It is time to hold our representatives accountable for their performance. I am not seeking meal tickets. We face challenges such as inadequate health centers and dilapidated school buildings; we must take action and become more aware.”
“I possess experience, competence, and compassion. Consider the efforts of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her constituents. She is a model Senator, actively seeking projects from ministries. Is it not the same Senate where our Senator Ezenwa Onyebuchi serves, or is he absent? I am motivated by experience, competence, courage, and compassion. We should strive to eliminate poverty.”
The aspirant emphasized that her marital status should not hinder her aspirations, citing examples like Senator Natasha, who represents her ancestral Kogi State despite being married to someone from Edo State.
Earlier, Hon. Ifeanyi Oparanozie, Chairman of the Labour Party LP in Owerri West Local Government Area, praised Dr. Akeredolu as a distinguished daughter of Owerri West Local Government Area, asserting her qualifications to occupy the Senate seat.
He assured that Dr. Akeredolu would not betray the trust placed in her, unlike Hon. Tochukwu Okere, the incumbent member representing Owerri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, who failed to meet expectations after receiving support during his election.
Hon. Oparanozie highlighted that only Hon. Ernest Ibejiako, who represented the constituency between 2007 and 2011, fulfilled expectations.
