By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
A high-powered delegation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State, led by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has commended the performance of the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and lawmaker representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, signaling strong political backing ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor, represented by the APC State Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, described the senator’s record as “exceptional and verifiable,” following an extensive inspection and commissioning tour of projects executed across Abakaliki, Izzi and Ebonyi Local Government Areas.
The delegation, comprising party leaders, traditional rulers and grassroots stakeholders, yesterday toured a broad range of completed and ongoing infrastructure and empowerment initiatives.
Speaking at multiple project sites, Emegha expressed surprise at the scale and completion status of the projects, noting that the tour, which began at about 8:00 a.m., could not cover all locations due to their spread and volume.
“I had expected 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 demonstrate capacity, competence and alignment with the APC’s people-centred manifesto.
While emphasising adherence to party processes, Emegha hinted at growing support for the senator’s continuity in office.
“If he has delivered this much within a short period, then entrusting him with more responsibility is justified. Ultimately, the people will decide, but performance of this nature speaks volumes,” he added.
He also urged the senator to extend development interventions to other zones, particularly Ebonyi South, underscoring the need for inclusive growth.
In his remarks, Senator Nwebonyi stressed that effective representation must transcend lawmaking to deliver tangible benefits to constituents.
“When laws do not translate into solutions for the people, they become mere academic exercises,” he said.
He explained that his development strategy leverages zonal intervention projects to bridge infrastructural 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 to include the construction of over 10 kilometres of concrete-paved roads with reinforced stone base and asphalt overlay; distribution of more than 300 motorcycles, 70 tricycles and 50 buses to farmers and youths; installation of solar-powered street lighting systems, including over 400 poles in Izzi Local Government Area; 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 witnessed is practical governance with direct impact on the people,” he said, stressing that performance would remain central to future electoral choices.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Forum of Development Centre Coordinators, Chidi Ogbonna, commended the senator’s widespread infrastructural footprint.
“These are not abstract projects; they are visible, verifiable and impactful across rural communities,” he said, warning that constituents would resist any attempt to undermine such progress.
Traditional rulers, led by HRH Eze Sunday Nkwegu Oketa, President-General of Oha Izhi, lauded the senator’s alignment with the development vision of the federal and state governments, describing his leadership as responsive and people-oriented.
The tour, which commenced at the APC State Secretariat along Waterworks Road, Abakaliki, covered several strategic projects. These included the commissioning of the 1.8-kilometre Mechanic Site–Obama Road in Abakaliki, fitted with solar streetlights; inspection of the ongoing 3-kilometre Omege–Okpitumo Road; and commissioning of a fully furnished five-classroom block at Otam Edda Primary School.
In Izzi Local Government Area, the delegation commissioned a residential building for the APC Women Leader at Oferekpe Agbaja, inspected 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 installation of over 400 solar streetlight poles from Sharon Junction to Iboko.
In Ebonyi Local Government Area, 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 the 15-kilometre Ogbutaruoku–Uloanwu–Ephoenyim Road corridor, including bridges and culverts.
Projects in Ohaukwu Local Government Area and other parts of the state are scheduled for commissioning at a later date.
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 pledged continued support for the APC-led administration.
Community leaders and beneficiaries, including traditional rulers and local stakeholders, Eze Iboza Adum, Eze Peter Ukpamazi, Eze Godwin Nwankwegu, Chris Uchaji, Sunday Ogboso, among others highlighted improvements in security, economic activities and access to education as direct outcomes of the projects.
