Former House of Representatives member and APC senatorial candidate for Abia Central, Hon. Emeka Atuma, has outlined his legislative experience and development priorities, pledging to focus on rural roads, agricultural development and grassroots engagement if elected to the Senate in 2027.
Atuma spoke during an interactive programme on Love FM, where he reflected on his representation of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency between 2003 and 2007 and discussed his plans for communities across Abia Central Senatorial District.
He said his approach to representation would centre on direct contact with residents, identifying their needs and pursuing practical interventions to address them.
Atuma Recalls Constituency Office, Plans Ward Visits
The former lawmaker said he established a functional constituency office during his tenure, describing it as a platform for effective representation and engagement with constituents.
According to him, the arrangement attracted commendation from the then Chief of Staff to the Abia State Government, Chief T.A. Orji, who reportedly expressed satisfaction with the office and pledged support for the initiative.
Atuma also disclosed plans to sustain consultations across the 108 electoral wards in Abia Central, with a view to identifying local challenges, determining priority projects and developing solutions tailored to the needs of individual communities.
Rural Roads, Farmers Top Development Priorities
Speaking about his engagements in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, Atuma expressed concern over the condition of rural roads and what he described as inadequate government presence in some communities.
He noted that many residents depend on farming for their livelihoods, arguing that improved access roads would make it easier to transport agricultural produce and expand economic opportunities.
Atuma said residents welcomed his visits and presented him with farm produce, including plantains and vegetables, describing the gesture as a demonstration of their hospitality.
He pledged to pursue practical interventions in rural infrastructure and agricultural development, with particular attention to challenges affecting farming communities.
Pledges Collaboration With NDDC, Federal Agencies
Atuma said he would explore opportunities to work with federal development institutions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to attract projects to underserved communities.
He argued that effective representation should extend beyond campaign promises to identifying government programmes and institutional resources that could improve living conditions.
During the radio programme, a caller also raised concerns about infrastructure deficits in parts of Osisioma Ngwa and appealed for urgent government intervention.
The concerns highlighted the demand for better roads, improved access to public infrastructure and more sustained engagement between communities and government institutions.
Atuma Advocates Federal-State Cooperation on Roads
On road infrastructure, the APC candidate stressed the importance of cooperation between federal and state authorities in delivering development projects.
He cited the Ikot Ekpene Road project as an example of collaboration between the two levels of government, acknowledging the Federal Government’s role in its reconstruction while commending the Abia State Government for its contributions.
Atuma also expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging residents to back the President and arguing that cooperation between the federal and state governments could create opportunities for additional development projects in Abia.
He maintained that the removal of fuel subsidy had increased the resources available to state governments for development, although the extent to which additional funds translate into projects depends on government spending priorities and implementation.
The former lawmaker also referred to comments attributed to the Abia State Government on a Channels Television programme concerning support for the President’s policies, presenting cooperation between both governments as important to the state’s development prospects.
Revisits Local Government Autonomy Debate
Atuma also addressed local government administration, recalling his involvement in constitutional reform during his time in the House of Representatives.
He said he moved a motion on the floor of the House on May 26, 2006, calling for constitutional amendment.
He further discussed the challenges surrounding local government administration in Nigeria, highlighting the responsibilities of state governments and the importance of effective grassroots governance.
Atuma referenced President Tinubu’s pursuit of Supreme Court intervention on local government autonomy, placing the issue within the broader debate over the financial independence and administrative effectiveness of local councils.
2027: Focus Shifts to Accountability, Grassroots Development
The Love FM programme provided a platform for Atuma to outline his experience in the House of Representatives and explain the development priorities he intends to pursue across Abia Central.
His remarks placed rural road infrastructure, agricultural support, engagement with federal agencies and local government administration at the centre of his proposed approach to representation.
As political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum, the concerns raised during the programme reflect demands from communities for improved infrastructure, better access to markets and farmlands, and more visible government intervention.
The extent to which candidates can demonstrate verifiable past achievements and present clear, measurable plans is likely to remain an important consideration in the debate over representation in Abia Central.
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