A member of the House of Representatives representing Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani federal constituency, Dr. Martins Oke, has dismissed claims by four of his constituents, who recently petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for his recall.
The petitioners, Chizoba Ugwuagbo, Clinton Ogbonna, Amah Sabinus and Onyekachi Okenwa Stephen, accused Oke of poor performance, lack of constituency engagement, negligence and incompetence in addressing the needs of his constituents.
In response, Oke’s media representative, Solomon Gwiyi, refuted the allegations, describing the petition as a baseless and misleading attempt to deceive the public.
He dismissed the petition as an academic exercise, labelling the accusations as tissues of lies, unverified reports, inaccurate information and deliberate misinformation.
He highlighted the lawmaker’s active legislative role, citing his sponsorship of two key bills, including proposing the creation of Adada State in the South East geopolitical zone and pushing for federal attention to complete the Adada River Dam.
He pointed to the lawmaker’s recent intervention in addressing insecurity along Ukpata Road in Uzo-Uwani, as well as town hall meetings that have garnered strong attendance across the district.
Further defending Oke’s record, he denied claims that the lawmaker lacked a constituency office, stating that the office is fully equipped with modern facilities and located in Aku, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area.
Gwiyi also outlined Oke’s recent activities aimed at boosting agricultural productivity in the constituency, including the distribution of three trucks of fertilisers to over 500 farmers in August 2024.
He disclosed that the event was held at Ogbede in Igbo-Etiti LGA and attended by traditional rulers, farmers and representatives from various organisations, including PRODA, ICPC and the Ministry of Special Duties.
Oke also distributed over 3,000 bags of rice to his constituents in December 2024, ensuring a joyful Christmas and New Year for families across the 36 wards of the constituency. The distribution, which included 2,500 bags of 25kg rice and 50 bags of 50kg rice, was attended by councillors, presidents-general, clergy and traditional rulers from the area.
He further emphasised that Oke’s constituency office is open to verification by anyone who doubts its existence, and urged the petitioners to confirm the details for themselves.
He reaffirmed that the accusations against the lawmaker were unfounded, reiterating his commitment to the development and well-being of his constituents.