The idea was never about disbursing money directly to lawmakers. It is about identifying needs in our constituencies and ensuring they are captured in the federal budget for execution.”
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The lawmaker representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, has strongly denied allegations that he and other federal lawmakers embezzled N1 billion meant for constituency projects.
Speaking during a town hall meeting and presentation of his scorecard on Thursday, June 3, 2025 in Atani, Anambra State, Ogene dismissed the rumour as the handiwork of “wicked blackmailers” seeking to tarnish his reputation.
“There is no truth whatsoever to the claim that I or any other lawmaker received N1 billion from the Federal Government. This is pure blackmail, maliciously crafted to destroy reputations,” Ogene declared before an audience comprising traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
Ogene, who chairs the House Committee on Renewable Energy, explained that lawmakers were only asked to recommend projects worth N1 billion each for inclusion in the 2025 national budget. These projects, he said, have been captured in the current appropriation awaiting implementation by the executive.
“The idea was never about disbursing money directly to lawmakers. It is about identifying needs in our constituencies and ensuring they are captured in the federal budget for execution,” he clarified.
Reaffirming his commitment to transparency and service, Ogene said: “As I earlier pledged, I will continue to lead from the front, prioritising the interest, peace, development and progress of Ogbaru in every decision and step I make as your representative.”
Supporting his position, the lawmaker outlined several projects included in the current budget for Ogbaru. These include electricity installations, solar streetlights, water schemes, provision of security vehicles for local vigilante groups, science equipment for schools, construction and furnishing of examination halls, women and youth empowerment programmes, and a cottage hospital.
In his two-year scorecard, Ogene noted that he has sponsored 19 bills and 12 motions in the National Assembly.
He also disclosed that, in the past six months, 27 communities in Ogbaru have benefited from newly installed streetlights. Additionally, over 250 constituents, including women and youths, have received training in solar technology, ICT, fishery, and clean cooking.
Beneficiaries were also given financial grants and relevant empowerment materials to support their endeavours.