ATUMA SPEAKS: REP EMEKA ATUMA RECOUNTS HIS ACHIVEMENTS IN OFFICE, OUTLINES VISION FOR ABIA CENTRAL
By Chijioke Joshua I. and Prince Kelechi Prico (CNA)
The Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Abia Central Senatorial District, Rep. Emeka Atuma, has reaffirmed his resolve to people-oriented leadership, infrastructural development and human capital empowerment, declaring that the people of Abia Central deserve quantitative, qualitative and impactful representation in the red chamber.
Atuma made this public during a radio interactive programme titled “EMEKA ATUMA SPEAKS,” anchored by Family Love FM and simultaneously aired on Magic FM, Aba; Flo FM; Don FM, Umuahia; and Love FM, Umuahia.
During the programme, the former member of the House of Representatives reflected on his tenure representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency from 2003 to 2007, highlighting what he described as significant achievements in human capital development, road infrastructure, education, healthcare and environmental protection.
According to him, his decision to join partisan politics was driven by a desire to serve the people rather than to accumulate personal wealth, noting that he had established himself before venturing into politics.
Atuma further explained that one of his major priorities while in the House of Representatives was to create opportunities for young people through access to federal employment and other forms of empowerment.
He disclosed that several young people from his constituency benefited from federal employment opportunities during his tenure, adding that many of the beneficiaries have since risen through the ranks, with some attaining the position of deputy director.
He maintained that public office should be measured by its impact on the lives of ordinary citizens and the opportunities it creates for future generations.
On infrastructural development, Atuma recalled that he facilitated the construction of more than 45 kilometres of roads across the constituency, alongside other community-based projects aimed at improving transportation, economic activities and access to essential services.
Other projects he highlighted were Ekenobizi Road in Umuahia South, Isicourt Road linking communities in Olokoro, Ndoro internal roads, Ntalakwu Road and Ahaba Road. He also cited erosion-control interventions at Ekenobizi and Mbom in Umuahia North, as well as crossover bridges linking Olokoro in Umuahia South to Ikwuano.
In the education sector, he recalled the distribution of school desks and the renovation of dilapidated classroom blocks to provide conducive teaching and learning environment.
Atuma said his experience in public office had reinforced his belief that representation should translate into tangible development, particularly in communities where residents depend on government intervention to improve their living conditions.
Speaking on his legislative record, Atuma highlighted his involvement in environmental legislation, drawing on his background and interest in environmental matters.
He cited his sponsorship of bills relating to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
He explained that the legislation was intended to strengthen responses to oil spills and improve environmental regulation and enforcement in Nigeria.
Atuma stressed that environmental protection is particularly important to oil-producing communities, where pollution and environmental degradation can threaten livelihoods, public health and economic activities. He also linked the establishment of environmental regulatory institutions to employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Addressing the controversy surrounding his comments on the Ikot Ekpene Road, Atuma clarified that his remarks were not intended to discredit Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, but rather to acknowledge what he described as the wider fiscal implications of the Federal Government’s fuel subsidy removal policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the removal of the fuel subsidy increased allocations available to state governments, creating additional fiscal opportunities for them to meet their obligations- like payment of salaries and undertake infrastructure projects.
He applauded the Abia State government’s intervention on the Ikot Ekpene Road, describing the reconstruction effort as an important step towards alleviating the hardship experienced by road users and residents of affected communities.
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the approval that allowed the Abia State Government to undertake the reconstruction of the road.
To support his position, Atuma referred to a report published by Independent Newspaper on October 14, 2025, which quoted the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, as explaining the Federal Government’s position on the project.
According to the report as cited by Atuma, the President, during a state visit represented by the Minister of Works, had directed Abia State to commence immediate repairs on the strategically important road and submit the expenditure for onward reimbursement.
Atuma’s position, therefore, was that acknowledging the Federal Government’s role in the approval process should not be interpreted as a rejection of the state government’s intervention. Rather, he argued that both levels of government have roles to play in delivering infrastructure that improves the lives of citizens which must be appreciated by all. He also noted that we should not under report the gaint strides of Mr president in Abia State.
Reflecting on his recent needs-assessment tour of Isialangwa South, Atuma said he observed that farming remains a major economic activity for many residents of the area.
According to him, agricultural potential of the communities could be better harnessed through targeted government support, access to finance and the introduction of improved farming methods.
As part of his proposed interventions, he promised to support the formation of cooperative societies through which farmers could improve their access to funding and collective economic opportunities. He also pledged to encourage mechanised farming to enhance productivity, reduce labour constraints and strengthen agricultural output.
Atuma further promised to support the renovation and equipping of dilapidated schools, including the provision of desks and other essential learning materials.
His proposals, he explained, were informed by the concerns raised during his consultations with communities and his conviction that effective representation must begin with identifying the actual needs of the people.
The programme also featured contributions from callers who shared their views on Atuma’s record and expectations for his future public service.
One caller, who expressed appreciation for what he described as Atuma’s past achievements, appealed to him to intervene in the infrastructural challenges facing Umuwawa community in Umuahia South should if elected to the Senate.
The appeal underscored the expectations of residents who look to political representation as a means of attracting development projects, improving public facilities and addressing longstanding community needs.
Another caller thanked Chief Emeka Atuma for his clarification on Umuahia Ikot-ekpene road where he clearly stated the position of the federal government reimbursement status to state government on federal roads making it clear that Mr president should be appreciated for his benevolence to Abia state.
@ Emeka Atuma media.
