By Udoka Nwokoye Hoffmann
There is growing criticism trailing the recent constituency empowerment program organized by the member representing Awka South and North Federal Constituency, Professor Lilian Orugbu.
The Labour Party candidate for the same seat in the 2027 general election, Barrister Kachi Aghasili, has described the empowerment as cosmetic and politically motivated, aimed at resuscitating the political viability of the incumbent.Barr. Aghasili insisted that the package fails to address the real developmental needs of Ndi Awka North and South Federal Constituency.
Speaking after the event held at the Finotel Hotel, Awka, Barr. Aghasili said, “What was witnessed at Finotel Hotel is not empowerment, it is cosmetics. It is a political jamboree designed to score cheap points ahead of 2027. The people of Awka North and South deserve sustainable projects, not handouts that will not last three months. Where are the roads, the schools, and the health centers she promised in her manifesto? That is what true representation looks like.”
She argued that while empowerment programs are welcome, they must be strategic and targeted at job creation, skills acquisition, and infrastructure to have lasting impact.
“I observed that the cars that were distributed went to already established car owners instead of those who genuinely need them. This is not empowerment but a political settlement for her cronies,” she added.
Barr. Aghasili further urged constituents to hold their representatives accountable and demand projects that will outlive political cycles.
Professor Lilian Orugbu, a first-term lawmaker, recently flagged off the distribution of empowerment materials including cars, tricycles, grinding machines, and cash grants to constituents across the federal constituency.
