How a pledge to assist, suddenly turned into a ‘promise to build’ is clearly unfathomable.”
By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – The member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, has debunked reports that he promised to build a central mosque in Ogbaru.
In a statement signed by his Chief of Staff, Chinedu Uwolloh, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Ogene described the reports as misleading.
He said, “Last Friday, March 21, 2025, Hon. Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency visited Ogbeukwu, community within his federal constituency, to observe Iftar (the traditional breaking of fast) with the Muslim faithful and in the course of the interactions that followed, the Chief Imam of the area, Abdulmajeed Oniyan, lamented about their frustrations in acquiring land to build a place of worship.
“He also implored the legislator to ensure that his people benefit from the several empowerment programmes that his Constituency Office routinely undertook.”
Uwolloh explained that while responding to the requests of the Imam, Hon. Ogene immediately directed his staff to ensure that the Muslim faithful are carried along in subsequent programmes, whilst promising to assist the community in removing all impediments militating against securing land for their mosque project.
Hon. Ogene was quoted to have said at the meeting, “Between now and next year, if God keeps us alive, I shall endeavour to see that all obstacles standing against acquiring land for your mosque project are tackled.
“Our people live in the North and in the West and we are allowed to do our businesses and worship freely, so if you desire to build a place of worship, we shall assist you do so,” Hon. Ogene said.
He added, “How this pledge to assist, suddenly turned into a ‘promise to build’ is clearly unfathomable.
“A day earlier, Hon. Ogene had visited the Hausa community at Kara, where he highlighted the coincidence of the Christian Lenten and the Muslim Ramadan periods holding simultaneously, noting that it was a poignant reminder that both faiths worship the same supreme God.
“He then announced plans to drill a borehole and provide solar streetlights, as a demonstration of his commitment to the well-being and development of the area.
“At both places, Hon. Ogene donated cash and an array of food items, including rice, indomie, sugar and beverages.”