…He is Only Looking For Relevance – Lawmaker
OBINNA UCHENDU Abakaliki
Concerned Citizens of Oshiri Development Center in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have petitioned the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru accusing the Member Representing Onicha East State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Hon Ifeanyi Ogba of instigating political crisis in the development center.
In the petition signed by Comrade Moses Una and addressed to the State Governor said that the lawmaker is brewing political gang-up against the Coordinator of Oshiri Development Center, Mr. Agu Opu Odefa and called for his urgent intervention to avert an escalation any further crisis in the area.
”We write this open letter with deep concern, yet with high hopes in your swift intervention and fatherly wisdom. Our purpose is to humbly bring to your attention the unfortunate political gang-up currently brewing in Oshiri Development Centre, orchestrated by certain stakeholders against the Coordinator, Hon. Agu Opu Odefa — a man whose leadership and developmental strides deserve commendation, not condemnation.
The group maintained that the root of the present tension in Oshiri is not unconnected to the recent change in youth leadership initiated by Hon. Ogba.
“This change, perceived as forceful and divisive, has ignited unrest and created factionalism among the youths. Unfortunately, instead of working with the Coordinator to restore harmony, the said Hon. Member has chosen to disregard Hon. Odefa’s authority and embolden dissent within the community.
”What is most disturbing is the level of disrespect being shown to the office of the Development Centre Coordinator. Some stakeholders now publicly refer to Hon. Odefa as a “small boy,” dismissing not only his personality but the very institution he represents.
“This is not only degrading but undermines the Governor’s authority under whose appointment he serves as the Chief Security Officer of the Development Centre. Such insubordination, especially from someone as highly placed as a House Member, should not be encouraged in our political culture
”Your Excellency, we respectfully wish to inform you that this gang-up is spearheaded, regrettably, by no less a person than the Hon. Member representing Onicha East State Constituency, Hon. Celestine Ifeanyi Ogba.
“The motives behind this are not hidden. The crux of the matter is not performance, service, or integrity — it is envy. It pains us deeply that instead of encouraging unity and collective progress in our community, political jealousy is being disguised as critique and opposition.
”Hon. Agu Opu Odefa, since his assumption of office as the Coordinator of Oshiri Development Centre, has demonstrated rare leadership capacity, transparency, humility, and genuine love for his people.
“His achievements are visible and verifiable. He has constructed a mini-bridge that connects isolated parts of the community, bringing ease to transportation and trade. He has also provided solar-powered boreholes across the three wards of the development centre — a feat that directly addresses the water scarcity challenge in our rural areas.
”Furthermore, he has empowered many youths in the community with financial support and vocational training, giving them a chance at independence and economic stability. Ironically, among the beneficiaries is the personal assistant to Hon. Ogba himself.
“How then can a man so generous and people-oriented be labeled as selfish and non-performing? We see this as a deliberate campaign of calumny designed to frustrate his goodwill and tarnish his image.
The group called on the State Governor to urgently intervene in the matter. “We fear that if this unnecessary hostility continues unchecked, it may plunge Oshiri into deeper political unrest, hamper the progress already made, and destroy the unity of purpose your administration is working hard to promote.
“We need your wisdom and authority to call the actors to order, especially Hon. Ogba, who appears unwilling to respect due process or cooperate with existing local leadership structures.
”We plead with you, Sir, to protect and support Hon. Agu Opu Odefa, who has shown nothing but dedication to service. He deserves to be encouraged, not vilified. We believe in your administration’s commitment to justice, fairness, and peace. Please extend that justice now to Oshiri by standing with the truth and giving peace a chance.
Reacting, the Member Representing Onicha East State Constituency, Hon Ifeanyi Ogba dismissed the allegation adding that the Coordinator is only looking for relevance.
I don’t want to join issues with the coordinator. He is only looking for relevance. The appointment given to him by the Governor is causing the people of Oshiri pain and the best the Governor can do for us is to remove him.
Most of the Stakeholders are not with him because of his High-handedness. This is someone who doesn’t allow any other opinion in the Development Center apart from his own. Like I said, I don’t want to join issues with him. Ends.
