The purposeful representation of Hon. Barr. Harrison Anozie Nwadike, the pilot of the equity project in the Isu/Njaba/Nkwerre/Nwangele federal constituency, has exposed the weaknesses and unproductive years in office of his predecessor and the camp of dissidents. In just one year, Nwadike’s astute leadership has made a significant impact, leaving a trail of progress, while highlighting the failures of those who came before him.
Taking office during an off-cycle inauguration and without the benefit of the 2024 budget appropriations process, Hon. Nwadike could have easily blamed his predecessor for any gaps in representation or development. Instead, he chose to act with integrity and determination. Rather than dwell on past shortcomings, Nwadike proactively swung into action, addressing the needs of his constituency with a clear vision and a strong sense of purpose.
This article is not here to delve into a comparative analysis between two men—one who has earned his position through hard work and dedication, and the other who, as a former deputy speaker, was marred by allegations of land racketeering and a 2019 election largely funded by the state government. We also refrain from probing the projects allocated to the constituency between 2019 and 2023, as that would require referencing facts with codes, figures, and specific details.
What we do know, however, is that Hon. Nwadike’s year of impactful representation has silenced the critics and dissidents, who are now questioning the lack of productivity during the tenure of their former boss. The question that resonates is: How has Nwadike successfully sponsored four productive bills in his first year, whereas his predecessor, a former deputy speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, couldn’t even raise two bills in his four year and six months sojourn at the House of Representatives spannin the whole 9th Assembly and 10th Assembly?
Some persistent critics, unwilling to accept progress, have resorted to exposing more about the unproductive days of their former boss. Interestingly, these critics have started circulating pictures of empowerment programs held in 2021 as evidence of their boss’s efforts. However, the real question remains: As a lawmaker, whose primary duties are lawmaking, representation, and oversight, how many meaningful bills did their former boss sponsor during his first year in office?
One pressing issue that was largely ignored by the previous representative was the gully erosion affecting communities in the federal constituency. For years, this environmental disaster went unnoticed, with no motion raised to call the federal government’s attention to the urgent need for intervention. It wasn’t until 2023, when Hon. Chinedu Nwakaibeya stepped forward and exposed the erosion menace, that the issue received public attention through media coverage.
In stark contrast, Hon. Nwadike, in his first year, raised the concerns of affected communities in the House of Representatives, bringing the issue of gully erosion to the forefront of national discourse. His prompt and purposeful action on this matter speaks volumes about his commitment to improving the lives of his constituents.
While some may continue to spread misinformation and deflect attention from their former boss’s shortcomings, it’s clear that Hon. Barr. Harrison Anozie Nwadike’s first year in office has been one of progress and accountability. His representation has addressed the real issues, sponsored productive bills, and taken the necessary steps to bring about positive change.
We could go further, but we choose not to, unless forced to expose the embezzlement of projects by the predecessor—projects with specific codes, figures, and agencies that will be cited in due time.
Hon. Nwadike’s one year in office is a testament to hard work, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve his people. It’s a year that has set a high standard for what representation should be, and it’s a year that has made a tangible difference in the lives of his constituents. As for the opposition, they may continue to focus on the past, but the future is being shaped by the work of a leader who understands the true meaning of service.
Prince Maduba Chukwudi Francis.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
