…as the alleged beneficiaries of the false empowerment expressed utter disappointment in the Deputy Speaker
By: Princess Anukwu
There is disquiet in the ancient Ihiala community as several youths have debunked the claims by the Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly and Member Representing Ihiala II Constituency, Hon Paschal Agbodike that he recently empowered hundreds of them.
Hon Agbodike is the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) House of Representatives candidate for Ihiala in the 2023 National Assembly elections.
The lawmaker according to some Ihiala youths had claimed that he facilitated training and provided funds for start up to hundreds of them and allegedly put up a random picture taken at an event in Awka some years ago to justify his claim.
Reacting to this claim posted on Hon Agbodike’s official Facebook page, the alleged beneficiaries of the false empowerment expressed utter disappointment in the Deputy Speaker.
A furious Mr Declan Okeke (Lord Sugar) who was spotted on the picture said “This is absurd and very insulting. This group picture was taken at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka when we went for World Youth Day.
Ada Ohanebo from Okija also spotted in the picture maintained that the programme was never organized by Hon Agbodike and that she was never a beneficiary of any cham empowerment.
Mr Ifeanyi Ihedimbu from Isekke who was also angry about the development said he was ready to appear anywhere to defend himself as he only attended a youth event and never an empowerment by the Deputy Speaker.
Hon Stanley Ugwumba who incidentally stepped down for Hon Agbodike in the 2019 election when asked to comment on the alleged empowerment program stated that the antics of posting pictures of an entirely different outing for empowerment outreach is a new low in politics.
He said as a matter of fact that since the Anambra State Deputy Speaker was elected member representing their constituency, he has never benefitted anything from him.
Hon Ugwumba however warned the lawmaker to stop using pictures they took at a state function for campaign.
Another constituent, Mr Choke Ukaigwe while commenting on the alleged empowerment initiative noted that the lawmaker is a failure who is struggling to stage manage his failure.
He said, “So conscience allow some politicians come out again to beg for vote!”
Mr Eze Ozoemena stated equivocally that the false claim betray a ‘yahoo yahoo represention’ which the people have rejected.
The Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Pascal Agbodike could not be reached for his comment over the alleged hoax as his cell phone was not reachable.
