An Otukpo based socio-political group, “Idoma Network for Good Governance (INGG) has lamented the total collapse of infrastructure and the lack of social amenities in Benue South Senatorial district.
The group which claimed to be concerned with good governance and not about any political party turned the heat on member representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency, in the House of Representatives, Hon. Blessing Oyenche Onuh as not doing enough to attract social amenities and infrastructure to her Constituency since she assumed legislative activities in 2019.
In a statement issued in Otukpo which was signed by Mr. Adakole F. Enenche and made available to CAPITAL POST in Abuja, the group claimed that they were tracking each representative at the upper and lower legislative chambers, but noted that the female lawmaker wasn’t forthcoming, hence, they advised her not to re-contest in 2023 as she may not command support anymore.
The group described the lack of water, electricity and dilapidated road network as an unfortunate development that has drawn the zone to the primitive days.
The statement reads: “The six kilometre Makurdi – Otukpo – Enugu road is in bad state. There is no electricity in Otukpo; there is no pipe borne water and nothing to show that we have government.
“Our lawmakers are doing nothing. The member representing Otukpo directly has gone to sleep. She is not at best for us in terms of lobbying.
“When Hon. Blessing assumed legislative duty newly in 2019, she tried to make us proud, but since then, she no longer represent her Constituency, the way other lawmakers are trying.
“We are not a political party, but stakeholders which cut across Ohimini and Otukpo and we are in the best position to advise our leaders. Today, move from Otukpo to Local Governments and communities in her Constituency, you will discover that there is nothing to suggest that we have a representative.
But reacting to the allegation in a telephone conversation with CAPITAL POST, the lawmaker absolved herself of any blame for the collapse of infrastructure in Otukpo.
She explained that as a representative, she doesn’t possess executive powers, but could only lobby, which she did with regards the kilometre six, Makurdi – Otukpo – Enugu road.
According to her, she met with officials of the Federal Ministry of Works which they had a fruitful discussion, while she said, she has also raised a motion in the Green Chambers which was adopted for the repairs of the road.
The lawmaker claimed to have attracted constituency projects,adding that some male and female groups have been empowered by her so far.
She regretted the lack of water and the unavailability of some infrastructure that would have better the lives of her constituents, noting that certain things were beyond her control, particularly that she doesn’t have the financial resources to fix those things the Constituents are complaining about.
She explained: “Concerning the road, I have lobbied, I met with officials of the Federal Ministry of Works. It’s now left for the Federal government, which I think, they are trying to work on it.
“I have also raised a motion on the floor of House which I have my evidence on video (I can even send it to you) to confirm.
“I have raised the issue of road from Otukpo to Onyagede and I those complaining about me are not abreast of my effort”, she said.
Though, she didn’t send the video materials to CAPITAL POST as promised, the female lawmaker maintained that “the soil of Otukpo generally doesn’t produce water”, hence, it wasn’t her fault.
The lawmaker, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) recently, said she has large followership which could be seen from the ongoing APC membership revalidation exercise.
Meanwhile, some aggrieved youths, on Tuesday, took to the major roads in Otukpo to protest what they called lack of basic amenities in the ancient town.
According to them, Otukpo, a major town in Benue State, has been wallowing in lack of electricity, water scarcity, and especially bad roads which have earned the town the mockery slogan of “Red dust city”.
