TDThe former Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress (APC) Candidate for Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, has told the seating member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, that no court in Nigeria has found him guilty of corruption or any financial crime.
The remarks followed an accusation by Aguocha that the former Abia Speaker of House of Assembly is a candidate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) hence would not engage him.
“It is obvious that Obi Aguocha is not aware that no court in Nigeria has found Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji guilty of corruption or any financial crimes but I will school him briefly.
“To set the record straight and prevent unsuspecting members of the public from being misled, it has become necessary to respond to the deliberate distortions and legal misconceptions.
“The presumption of innocence is codified in various international, regional and national documents and could be seen as a universal principle widely supported in a multiplicity of international instruments.
“At the international level, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights set the pace when it provides in Article 11(1) as follows:
“Everyone charged with the penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for defence.”
“In the same par with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 14(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights also guaranteed the right to presumption of innocence, as follows: “Everyone charged with a criminal offence shall have the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law.”
“Regional human rights instruments such as Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights also state that:
“”Every individual shall have the right to have their case heard. This comprises: The right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court.”
“In the same vein, Article 48 of the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights guarantees the presumption of innocence in criminal proceedings: “Everyone who has been charged shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law.”
“In Nigeria, the presumption of innocence is explicitly recognised as entrenched in section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which provides unequivocally that:
“Every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed to be innocent until he is proved guilty.
“The law in Nigeria is firmly settled that every person accused of any wrongdoing remains innocent until his guilt is established by a competent court of law.
“The presumption of innocence is a cardinal principle of the common law based on the accusatorial system. It remains one of the strongest pillars of Nigeria’s democratic and judicial system.
“It is therefore legally irresponsible, politically mischievous and morally indefensible for anybody to portray Chinedum Orji guilty when no court in Nigeria has convicted him of any offence whatsoever.
“There is no judgment of conviction against Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), like every investigative agency, possesses constitutional powers to investigate allegations.
“Investigation does not translate to guilt, just as filing charges does not amount to conviction.
“If mere investigation or trial were enough to destroy political aspirations, then several prominent Nigerian political figures who faced investigations, prosecutions, or politically charged trials would never have occupied public offices or continued their political careers. Examples abound in Nigeria’s political history.
“It is also important to state that the law recognises the distinction between accusation and conviction. Until a competent court delivers a final judgment establishing criminal liability, every citizen retains his full constitutional rights, including the right to participate in politics and aspire to public office.
“The Supreme Court has consistently warned against trial by media and public conviction without judicial pronouncement.
“The EFCC narratives by his opponent is nothing more than an attempt to manipulate public perception and achieve through political blackmail what opponents cannot secure through democratic participation.
“Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji remains constitutionally qualified, legally competent, and politically entitled to participate in any electoral process unless and until otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“I urge people to disregard the allegation and allow the rule of law, constitutional democracy, and internal party processes prevail over political vendetta and sensationalism by Aguocha”, he declared.
Orji who spoke during an interview on Family Love – FM, (Umuahia) Open Parliament platform on Tuesday through his political adviser and campaign strategist, Comrade Paul Njoku, added that Obi Aguocha is made up of poor delusional representation with an emergency mantra of name – dropping Nnamdi Kanu for cheap political theatrics.
“Obi Aguocha is repeatedly demonstrating his crass height of delusional representation with an emergency mantra of name-dropping Nnamdi Kanu for cheap political theatrics which will not save him from failing the poll.
“For the fact that Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji is an introvert does not mean he must be pretentiously loud like Aguocha. Within the political class of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led-APC government, Engr. Chinedum does overtly and covertly advocate for the release of Nnamdi Kanu who is his beloved brother too.
“He does things very diligently as he communicates to his people of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in a good and fruitful manner devoid of pretense, deceit and sabotage.
“Aguocha’s purported University scholarships to over 700 people from his federal constituency and the alleged houses he claims he built for the indigents are unfounded.”
The former Speaker noted that the people of Ikwuano/ Umuahia Federal Constituency are bitterly angry in Aguocha’s poor performance concerning oversight functions, representation and legislation.
“The present member representing Umuahia/Ikwuano Federal constituency has abysmally failed in his legislative duties.
“His representation is not felt by the good people of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.
“People are aware he lacks the accountability, transparency, verifiable projects, empowerment and oversight functions in the green chamber of the House of Representatives.
“His legislative record cannot match the giant strides of Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji as a member of Abia State House of Assembly and Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly. I challenge him to list his verifiable scorecard and stewardship”, he fumed.
The Umuahia/ Ikwuano Federal Constituency APC candidate listed his activities as a former member of Abia State House of Assembly and his readiness to represent his constituency at the House of Representatives.
“Ikuku is the most qualified, experienced and dedicate person to serve and represent the good people of Ikwuano/ Umuahia Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Assembly. He has his campaign manifesto ready to be unleashed for immediate and visible implementation.
“Let me mention some of his scorecard amongst others”.
DRILLED AND RETICULATED WATER PROJECTS
1. World Bank Estate, Health Centre Road, water project
2. Finbarrs Road water project
3. Umuagom water project
4. Amaokwe Ugba water project
5. School road primary school water project
6. Amuzukwu Mbaraukwu water project
7. Orie Ogwu Okwulaga Afaraukwu water project
8. Amuzukwu Girl’s Secondary School water project
9. Ohobo Afaraukwu water project
10. World Bank primary school water project
11. Methodist primary school, Umuwaya road water project
12. Umuobasi Ugba water project
13. Union primary school, Afaraukwu water project
14. Awolowo Street by Okigwe road, Urban Ward 3 water project
15. Ugwunchara primary school, Urban Ward 3 water project
16. Saint Stephen’s, Urban Ward 2 water project
17. Ohokobe Enyiukwu water project
18. Umuohu Ndume water project
19. Mission Hill water project
20. War Museum junction water project
21. Afara correctional Centre water project
22. Holy Rosary Girl’s Secondary School water project
23. Agbama Housing Estate water project
24. Ozuitem Street Extention water project
MINI STADIUMS
25. A mini stadium of 1,000 capacity at St Stephen’s Urban School II
26. A mini stadium of 1,000 capacity at St William’s Memorial Secondary School, Afugiri, Umuahia North LGA.
27. A mini stadium of 1,000 capacity at Umuabali Primary School, Umuopara
28. A mini stadium of 1,500 capacity at Ubakala Primary School, Old Umuahia
29. A mini stadium of 1,000 capacity opposite Santa Crux Secondary School, Olokoro, Umuahia South LGA.
27. A mini stadium of 1,000 capacity at Ikwuano Local Government Headquarters
28. A mini stadium of 1,000 capacity at Ariam Usaka, Ikwuano LGA
29. A mini stadium of 1,500 capacity at Isieke Community Model High school, Isieke Ibeku
RECONSTRUCTED ROAD PROJECTS
30. Uchenna junction – Afara technical school, Afaraukwu road
31. Amuzukwu Internal roads
32. Amuzukwu Umuokoo road
33. Asaba street – junior girls – bishops court, Umueze road
34. Bende road – orie ugba road
35. Amuzukwu to Umuezeagwu road
36. Umuezearota Amuzukwu road
37. Umuwaya Mbaraukwu Link road
38. Michael Okpara road, Ofeme
39. Ariam usaka link road
40. Mbom Afarata Ibeku to Ubani Emede Ibeku Link road (the unique thing about this new road created by Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji is that residents and indigenes coming from Amuzukwu, Umuezeagwu, Isiadu, Ugba, Nkata, Ahiaeke, Ohokobe, Ndume, Iyienyi, Amaeke, Okwoyi, Agbo, Umueze and some part of Umuahia metropolitan area will have no business going to Ubani Int’l market through the town because this new road will serve as a direct link to the aforementioned communities.
41. Ubani Emede Ibeku internal road.
42. Agbo to Ubani Emede Ibeku internal road.
43. Umueze to Umuakanu internal road.
44. Ata Emede to Emede Mkpuru Ibeku internal road.
45. Uzo Iyita Umuoch Okaiuga Nkwoegwu.
46. Ochie Uhu Umuochi road, Okaiuga Nkwoegwu.
47. Nkata Umuokorie road, Okaiuga Nkwoegwu.
48. Ochie Ogbururuaja Umuochi road, Okaiuga Nkwoegwu.
49. Umuokorie to Umuenweneze road, Okaiuga Nkwoegwu.
50. Okwoyi Isieke to Ozuitem, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Link road.
51. Okwoyi Isieke Ibeku internal road (the internal road, Uzo Iyi Oteghe) which was a pathway was opened up for the people of Okwoyi.
52. Umule link road.
53. Ekeokwuru to Amaogwugwu to Express link road.
54. Ekeokwuru to Nkata Nkwoegwu road.
55. Amaogwugwu internal road.
56. Isingwu to Mbato, Ofeme road.
57. Oriendu Ohuhu internal road.
58. Umuagungolori internal roads.
59. Umuda Isingwu internal roads.
60. Umudiawa internal roads.
61. Ajata Okwuru Ibeku internal roads.
62. Umuhu Ajata link road.
63. Umuosu Umuegwu Afugiri internal roads.
64. Umunwanwa internal road.
65. Ehume to Ogbuliebe Ogbodiukwu internal road.
66. Umuntu Olokoro road.
67. School signboard to Ahia Nkwunkwu road, down to Nsukwe community, Ubakala.
RENOVATED AND CONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOLS
68. Ugba Primary School
69. Urban Mission Hill Nursery/Primary School.
70. Union Primary School, Afara
71. School Road Primary School
72. Saint Stephen’s Primary School (Perimeter fencing and classroom blocks)
73. World Bank Primary School
74. Amuzukwu Girls’ Secondary School
75. School of the Blind, Afara
76. Urban Primary School 2
77. Ugwunchara Primary School
78. Umuwaya Primary School
79. City Nursery/Primary School
80. Saint Michael’s Primary School
81. Methodist Girls’ High School
82. Afara Techincal School
83. Amuzukwu primary school
ELECTRIC TRANSFORMERS INSTALLED AND ELECTRIFICATION PROJECTS FOR VARIOUS COMMUNITIES
84. Isieke Ibeku, Umuahia North LGA
85. MbaraUkwu Amuzukwu, Umuahia North LGA
86. Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Umuahia
87. Umuobasi Ugba, Umuahia North LGA
88. Nkata Ibeku, Umuahia North LGA
89. Ubakala Street, Umuahia
90. Uwalaka Street by Enugu Road
91. Igbo Street by Uzuakoli Road
92. Umuguru Ipube Ubakala
93. Amaoba Ikputu Oboro Ikwuano LGA
94. Amaogwugwu Ohuhu, Umuahia North LGA
95. Umuawa Alaocha, Umuahia North LGA
96. Umuizu Okwulaga, Umuahia North LGA
97. Umuda Isingwu, Umuahia North LGA
98. Agbama Housing Estate, Umuahia South LGA
99. Umuosu Umuegwu Afugiri, Umuahia North LGA
100. Umuajiji Isieke Ibeku, Umuahia North LGA
101. Amizi Olokoro, Umuahia South LGA
102. Okwuta Ibeku, Umuahia North LGA
103. Umuezearota Amuzukwu, Umuahia North LGA
104. Ahiaeke Ibeku, Umuahia North LGA
105. Awolowo street off Owerri road, Umuahia
106. Kaduna street off Umuwaya road, Umuahia
107. Item street off Niger road, Umuahia
108. Palm Lane Extension, Umuahia
109. Ariam Usaka Ikwuano LGA
110. Umuagom Ugba, Umuahia North LGA
111. Amachara, Umuahia South LGA
112. Umuagu Ibeku (Big man Estate)
MEDICAL
113. Free Eye/Medical Outreach across his immediate constituency
114. World Bank Health Centre
ABIA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
115. Renovation of Abia State House of Assembly Complex to a world class standard.
EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMES
FREE ICT TRAINING OF ABIA YOUTHS
116. Over 500 youths trained and 1500 youths undergoing training in the following ICT departments :
✅Website Development
✅Graphics Design
✅Digital Marketing
✅Computer Appreciation
✅Mobile Application Development
117. Scholarships were awarded to indigent students
118. Start-up capital were given to young entrepreneurs
119. Small/medium sized enterpreneurs were empowered with needed work tools like Power Generating Sets, Barbing Kits, Grinding Machines, Hairdressing equipment etc
120. Vehicles and Tricycles were also gifted to youths as Empowerment items
121. Rt Hon Engr Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji has given out several Toyota Sienna minivans to various youths and leaders of Umuahia Central State Constituency and beyond.
122. Six-room convenience facility, and water borehole drilled and reticulated at Obioma Quarters, Umuagu
123. Over 100 indigent students of Umuahia Central State Constituency awarded scholarship to University level
124. Had over 300 youths on his payroll while he was the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly.
125. School block and water project at School of the Blind, AfaraUkwu
AWARDS
126. Champion Newspapers Awards: Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji Emerged Most Outstanding Speaker of the Year 2021.
127. Abia Online Media AGM/Bloggers Week: Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji Named Man of The Year 2021.
128. The Immediate Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Engr Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji was decorated as the Best Speaker in South East by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council in 2022.
129. Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji emerged as IGBERE TV Leadership Excellence Awards Best Speaker of the Year for 2020/2021.
130. Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji was honoured as the “Distinguished Friend of the Media” at the Press Freedom Awards 2021 organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
131. Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji received Vision Africa Radio Personality Awards 2021.
132. Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji FNSE, FNICE emerged the Winner of The Sun Newspaper Public Service Award 2020.
132. On 3rd November, 2022, The Nigeria Society of Engineers Conferred the Fellowship Award to Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji.
133. 2020: Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji Received Award of Excellence/Pillar of Democracy from Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria on Leadership and Good Governance
Note: Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji FNSE, FNICE, received hundreds of Awards from religious, cooperate and governmental organisations.
LEGISLATIVE STRIDES
Bills which the 7th Abia State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji has passed into Law include but not limited to the following:
H.A. B 1: The Abia State House of Assembly Service Commission, 16th July 2019
This is to promote the true Independence of the Legislature as practised in advanced democracy
H.A.B. 3: The Abia State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 2019, 3rd December, 2019
H.A.B. 4: The Abia State University Teaching Hospital Management Board Bill 2019, 17th November, 2020
H.A.B. 5: The Abia State Donor Agency Trust Fund, 10th February, 2020
H.A.B. 6: The Abia State Consumer Protection Agency Law 2019, 17th November, 2020
H.A.B. 8: The Abia State of Nigeria 2019 Supplementary Appropriation Law, 10th December, 2019
H.A.B 9: Local Government Councils of Abia State Appropriation Law 2019, 10th December, 2019
H.A.B. 10: The Local Government Health Authorities of Abia State Appropriation Law 2019, 24th December, 2019
H.A.B. 11: The Abia State of Nigeria 2020 Appropriation Law, 24th December, 2019
H.A.B. 13: The Abia State Orientation Agency Law, 4th January, 2020
H.A.B. 16: The Abia State Agency for Free Home Healthcare Services for the Elderly, 17th November, 2020
H.A.B. 17: The Abia State Security Fund, 23rd March, 2020
H.A.B. 18: The Abia State of Nigeria 2020 Local Government Councils Approriation Bill for a By-Law, 17th November, 2020
H.A.B 21: The Abia State Diaspora Commission Law, 22nd March, 2021
H.A.B. 30: The Abia State Water and Sewage Development Law, 16th March, 2021
H.A.B. 34: The Abia State of Nigeria Supplementary Apprpropriation Law 2020, 7th December, 2020
H.A.B. 37: The Abia State of Nigeria 2021 Appropriation Law, 29th December, 2020
H.A.B. 41: The Abia State Audit Law 2021 (A Law to Provide for the Appointment of a State Auditor General and an Auditor General for Local Governments in Abia State), 28th June, 2021
H.A.B. 42: Abia State Judiciary Fund Management Law, 2021, 5th July, 2021
H.A.B. 49: Abia State Government of Nigeria Supplementary Law 2021, 22nd March, 2021
H.A.B. 57: A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Fifth Alteration of the 1999 Constitution, 8th June, 2022
H.A.B. 14: The Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency Law 2019
The Abia State Homeland Security Watch Law 2020
H.A.B 23: The Bill for a Law to Establish the Abia State Commission for Disabled Persons Law, 31st August, 2022
H.A.B. 12: The Abia State Electricity Power Authority (ABSEPA) and Power Stations Bill, 2019
H.A.B. 15: The Abia State Number Plate Production Authority Bill 2019
H.A.B 24: The Abia State Industrial Cluster Establishment Bill 2020 (A Bill to Establish Industrial Clusters in the three Senatorial Districts of Abia State)
H.A.B. 28: The Abia State Public Procurement (Amendment No 1) Bill 2020 (A Bill for a Law to Amend the Abia State Public Procurement Law No 5 of 2012)
H.A.B. 29: The Abia State Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Abolition and Prohibition) Bill 2020
H.A.B. 36: The Abia State Watershed Management Bill 2021
H.A.B. 38: The Abia State Safety
Management and Building Control Agency Bill 2021
H.A.B. 43: The Abia State Registration of Industries Operational Permit Bill
H.A.B. 45: The Abia State Debt Management Office Bill 2021
H.A.B. 46: A Bill for a Law to Establish the Abia State Education for Employment Agency
H.A.B. 51: A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Establishment of Abia State Economic Planning Board
H.A.B. 53: A Bill for the Establishment of the Abia State University of Medical and Health Management Technology.
H.A.B. 55: The Abia State Tele-Health Care Agency Bill 2022
H.A.B. 56: The Abia State Food Banks Bill 2022
H.A.B. 61: Abia State Female Right of Inheritance of Property Law, 2022.
H.A.B. 23: Law for the Welfare of Disabled Persons.
