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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
A chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State, Chief Ebin Kalu Ebin has criticised Chief David Ogba Onuoha, popularly known as Bourdex, over his allegation linking Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to ₦14.28 billion in constituency projects in Abia North Senatorial District.
Ebin’s criticism comes amid growing condemnation of Bourdex’s allegation, including recent remarks by the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL).
Bourdex, who is the Labour Party’s candidate for Abia North Senatorial District in the 2027 elections, was accused by Ebin of misunderstanding the responsibilities of lawmakers and the processes involved in the execution of constituency projects.
Ebin explained that the primary responsibilities of senators include lawmaking, appropriation, representation and oversight, while the implementation of government projects rests with the relevant executive agencies.
He described it as disappointing that someone aspiring to represent Abia North in the Senate in 2027 would allegedly be unfamiliar with the basic principles and procedures of parliamentary business.
According to him, constituency projects captured in the federal budget do not translate into funds personally handed over to senators, as the appropriate government institutions handle procurement, contract awards and project execution.
“Senator Orji Uzor Kalu does not have a procurement department in his office responsible for awarding federal contracts. He is not the accounting officer of the Ministry of Works or any other federal agency,” Ebin said.
“These projects are captured in the national budget and implemented by the relevant ministries, departments and agencies. If Bourdex has evidence of wrongdoing, he should identify the specific projects, the amounts released and the agencies responsible instead of throwing figures around,” he added. The LP chieftain maintained that public accountability should be based on verifiable records, including budgetary allocations, funds released, implementing agencies and the actual status of the projects in question.
Ebin also questioned Bourdex’s proposed ₦2 billion revolving enterprise financing programme for youths and entrepreneurs across Abia North, demanding clarity on its funding and management structure.
