By Victor Nwegede
The endorsement followed an extensive inspection and commissioning tour of projects executed across Abakaliki, Izzi and Ebonyi Local Government Areas by Senator Nwebonyi.
Party leaders, traditional rulers and grassroots stakeholders witnessed a wide array of completed and ongoing infrastructure and empowerment initiatives.
Speaking at multiple project sites, Emegha expressed astonishment at the scale and completion level of the projects, noting that the tour, which commenced at about 8:00 a.m., could not cover all locations due to their spread and volume.
“I thought we were coming to inspect projects under construction; instead, we are commissioning completed ones. The reward for good work is more work,” he said.
He noted that the senator’s achievements within less than a full term demonstrated capacity, competence and alignment with the APC’s people-centred manifesto.
Emegha further hinted that, while party guidelines require due process, the groundswell of support for Nwebonyi points toward continuity.
“If he has done this within a short time, then giving him more responsibility is justified. The people will ultimately decide, but performance like this speaks loudly,” he added.
The APC chairman also urged the senator to extend developmental interventions to other zones, particularly Ebonyi South, underscoring the need for inclusive growth.
In his remarks, Senator Nwebonyi reiterated that effective representation goes beyond lawmaking to delivering tangible benefits.
“When laws do not translate into solutions for the people, they become mere academic exercises,” he said.
He explained that his strategy leverages zonal intervention projects to bridge development gaps, particularly in underserved rural communities, adding that the initiatives are designed to complement federal and state government efforts while addressing immediate grassroots needs.
The senator listed key achievements, including over 10 kilometres of concrete-paved roads constructed with reinforced stone base and asphalt overlay; distribution of more than 300 motorcycles, 70 tricycles and 50 buses to empower farmers and youths; installation of solar-powered street lighting systems, including over 400 poles in Izzi LGA; construction and furnishing of classroom blocks in rural primary schools; and provision of motorised boreholes, alongside support infrastructure for community leaders and vulnerable groups.
He assured constituents that “the best is yet to come,” pledging sustained focus on infrastructure, agriculture and human capital development.
The Deputy Leader of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Deacon Joseph Ononu, described the projects as unprecedented in the district’s history.
“Action speaks louder than words. What we have seen is practical governance that directly impacts the people,” he said, stressing that performance would remain the key determinant in future electoral decisions.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Forum of Development Centre Coordinators, Chidi Ogbonna, commended the senator’s widespread infrastructural footprint.
“These are not abstract or ‘audio’ projects. They are visible, verifiable and impactful across rural communities,” he said, warning that any attempt to undermine such progress would be resisted by constituents.
Traditional rulers, led by HRH Eze Sunday Nkwegu Oketa, President-General of Oha Izhi, commended the senator’s alignment with the development vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru.
Oketa described his leadership as reflective of responsive governance and called for higher responsibilities for the senator at the national level.
The tour, which commenced at the APC State Secretariat along Waterworks Road, Abakaliki, covered several strategic projects.
These included the commissioning of the 1.8km Mechanic Site–Obama Road in Abakaliki, linking the spare parts hub to adjoining communities and fitted with solar streetlights; inspection of the ongoing 3km Omege–Okpitumo Road; and commissioning of a fully furnished five-classroom block at Otam Edda Primary School.
In Izzi LGA, the delegation commissioned a residential building for the APC Women Leader at Oferekpe Agbaja, inspected multiple road projects including Igbuphu Road and Ekweburu–Edukwu Achi Road and commissioned a three-classroom block with administrative offices and sanitation facilities at Mkpuma Ekwaoku Primary School.
They also inspected the ongoing installation of over 400 solar streetlight poles from Sharon Junction to Iboko.
In Ebonyi LGA, the team inspected and commissioned several road networks, including Obegu/Isuophumini Road, Ohagelode Road and Azuodidi Road, as well as motorised boreholes and classroom blocks in selected schools.
They further inspected extensive rural connectivity projects, including the 15km Ogbutaruoku–Uloanwu–Ephoenyim Road corridor, alongside bridges and culverts.
Representatives of the national party leadership, including an official from the Office of the National Treasurer, Mr Matthew Uguru, commended the senator’s efforts and assured continued support for the APC-led administration to enhance democratic dividends.
Community leaders and beneficiaries including HRH Eze Godwin Nwankwegu, HRH Eze Peter Ukpamazi, Chief Chris Uchaji, Sunday Ogboso, among others, highlighted improvements in security, economic activities and access to education as direct outcomes of the projects.
