By Ameh Gabriel
The camp of Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe has dismissed allegations made by Hon. Obinna Ichita, stressing that the senator’s contributions to Abia South and Nigeria remain verifiable and impactful.
In a rejoinder signed by Anderson Osiebe, Executive Director of HallowMace Foundation Africa, Abaribe was credited with a consistent record of legislative engagement, constituency development, and fearless advocacy for democracy and justice.
Legislative Record
According to the statement, Senator Abaribe has sponsored and co-sponsored several bills of national significance, among them amendments to the Electricity Act, a bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Petroleum and Geological Sciences in Ukwa West, and the proposed Out-of-Home Media Practitioners Council of Nigeria.
He also moved a motion to immortalize Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, the electoral umpire who conducted the historic June 12, 1993 election.
Beyond legislation, Abaribe has served in key roles within the Senate, including Minority Leader (2019–2022), Chairman of the Committee on Media and Publicity, Vice Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Affairs Committee, and currently Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power.
Constituency Projects
Responding to accusations of underperformance, the rejoinder detailed projects delivered between 2023 and 2025 across the six local government areas of Abia South.
Highlights include:
Installation of solar-powered streetlights in 139 communities.
A ₦235 million, 33KVA transmission line from Ovom to Azumini.
Distribution of transformers to multiple communities.
Rehabilitation and construction of 18 roads in Aba North, 32 in Aba South, and the Opobo Road linking Aba to Azumini.
Educational interventions, including school supplies and a sports center in Obehie, Ukwa West.
Secured federal job placements in NEMSA, NDPHC, REA, TCN, and NDDC.
Youth and women training programs captured in the 2025 Federal Appropriation Act.
“These interventions show a deliberate and multi-sectoral approach to development,” the statement stressed.
Political Stance and Advocacy
Abaribe’s move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was described as a principled decision aligned with the aspirations of his constituents.
The statement also recalled his 2018 arrest after standing surety for IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, framing it as evidence of his willingness to defend constitutional rights at personal risk.
His past calls for former President Muhammadu Buhari to resign over insecurity, alongside his condemnation of threats against Labour Party leader Peter Obi, were highlighted as proof of his consistent stand on accountability and democratic values.
Addressing the Allegations
On Ichita’s specific claims, the rejoinder stated that:
The “zero scorecard” accusation was refuted by documented projects.
Allegations of ingratitude ignored Abaribe’s open endorsement of Governor Alex Otti as a performance-based gesture.
Assertions of exploiting the Nnamdi Kanu issue were misleading given his role as surety.
Criticism of solar-powered streetlights dismissed their contribution to security and local livelihoods.
Call for Issue-Based Debate
The statement urged political actors to engage in constructive debate rooted in facts rather than resorting to “insults and false narratives.” It also referenced Abaribe’s published booklet, My Service (now in its sixth edition), which details his interventions.
“Senator Abaribe remains steadfast in his service to Abia South and Nigeria, guided by integrity, courage, and a commitment to development,” Osiebe concluded.
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