The senator representing Abia Central district, Austin Akobundu, has said he has not received the federal government’s N200m food palliative for Christmas/New Year for the constituency.
Sen. Akobundu announced this at a New Year gathering he organised for leaders, stakeholders, women, and youth organisations in the constituency at his country home in Amuzu Oloko, Ikwuano Local Government Area.
He was reacting to the controversy generated by the non-receipt of the palliatives by the senators, adding that the process may have been completed before his inauguration on November 15 last year.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator was declared the winner of the February 25, 2023 National Assembly election by an Appeal Court on November 4, after voiding the victory of Darlington Nwokeocha of the Labour Party.
Akobundu, a Minister of State for Defence under former President Goodluck Jonathan, nevertheless, assured them that the palliatives would be delivered to them as soon as they are made available.
“While we’re waiting for the arrival of the intervention, I have made arrangements, which, of course, are at an advanced stage to distribute my own palliatives as soon as possible,” he noted.
He described his stewardship at the Red Chamber as having been sterling within the short period which led to his becoming the Deputy Committee Chairman on National Planning and Economic Affairs.
The retired army colonel, therefore, used the forum to express appreciation to his constituents for their support during the campaign and litigations, assuring that he would not disappoint them.
In his remarks, the state chairman of the party, Asiforo Okere, represented by his deputy, Obinna Nwachukwu, described Akobundu as a seasoned administrator with the capacity to represent the district effectively.
Earlier, Akobundu’s Campaign Council director general, Emeka Inyama, had observed with joy how God gave the senator a deserved victory, adding that he is a man of destiny who is determined to serve the district diligently.