What N’Assembly Must Do to Make Independence Meaningful to Nigerians — PDP Reps Candidate Okechukwu

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Hon. Chieme Kennedy Okechukwu, has expressed sadness over what he described as sustained misgovernance by the political elite, noting that it has caused many Nigerians to lose hope in the nation’s independence celebrations.

Setting an agenda for the National Assembly to reverse the trend, Okechukwu acknowledged that Nigeria’s independence and democracy have failed to produce happiness for the greatest number of citizens. He expressed concern that the situation had continued to deteriorate without appropriate legislative interventions.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Okechukwu lamented what he described as the government’s failure to provide solutions to poverty, unemployment, inequality and insecurity, as well as the absence of adequate welfare for the underprivileged despite decades of nationhood.

The US-based biotechnology expert stressed that the National Assembly has a pivotal role to play in restoring meaning to the country’s independence, pointing out that the 2027 general elections offer voters an opportunity to change the course of governance.

He said: “Sixty-six years after independence, our story is one of immense potential, but also one of unfinished work.

“Too many Nigerians still struggle with insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, weak institutions and a system that often fails to translate our resources into better lives for the people.

“A functioning democracy is not built by the executive alone. Legislation matters.

“The National Assembly has the responsibility to make laws that strengthen institutions, protect citizens, promote economic opportunities, ensure accountability and make government work for the people.

“I feel pain that the majority of Nigerians and our constituents have lost hope in our independence celebrations as a result of sustained misgovernance by the political elite.

“I agree that our independence and democracy have not produced happiness for the greatest number of people.

“It is even more worrisome that this situation has persisted and deteriorated so much without appropriate legislative interventions.

“Parliaments in advanced, industrialised economies serve the people and act as bridges for delivering public good. I have the privilege of living in such a society, and I can attest to what democracy and freedom can do for the people.

“Although I am quite comfortable and contribute gainfully to the development of the strongest economy in the world, I decided to be part of fixing the Nigerian system through the House of Representatives, where I aspire to represent the Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency of Imo State.

“I believe in the legislative instrument and its capacity to bring about transformation and turn freedom into tangible benefits.

“That is my primary focus if voted into office. Part of my responsibilities will be to make legislative contributions that constitutionally compel our government to be responsive.

“Government is meaningless without solutions to poverty, unemployment, inequality and insecurity, as well as adequate welfare for the underprivileged.

“Legislation can change the narrative and restore the gains of our independence going forward, and that is the opportunity the 2027 general elections offer.

“As we mark 66 years of nationhood, let us hold on to hope and continue to believe in the Nigeria we can build together. A better Nigeria is possible.

“A stronger constituency is possible. And with purposeful representation, our people can have a stronger voice in the National Assembly.”