Enugu Federal Lawmaker Atu Explains APC Defection, Showcases Scorecard

Chimaobi Atu, the federal legislator representing Enugu North/South Federal Constituency, recently justified his move from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He stated that his decision was primarily motivated by the desire to bring essential development and democratic benefits directly to his constituents. Speaking from his Enugu residence, Atu unveiled his three-year performance report, detailing a range of projects, legislative actions, and empowerment schemes implemented since he took office in June 2023.

Addressing inquiries about his departure from the Labour Party, the platform that brought him to power, the lawmaker emphasized that politics should serve as a means to deliver service, not an ultimate goal. He explained that his choice to align with President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah stemmed from their demonstrated dedication to critical areas like infrastructure advancement, security enhancement, and economic prosperity. Atu remarked, “I believe that it is God that gives power. We all worked together in 2023, but God determines how things happen. The Labour Party itself is facing challenges and litigations. The reason I joined politics is to bring democratic dividends to my people. Party is just a vehicle that takes you to where you are going.”

Atu specifically lauded President Tinubu for initiating the South-East Development Commission and for the ongoing federal road projects across the region. These projects include significant sections of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway currently undergoing reconstruction, alongside crucial interventions in the Ugwu Onyeama vicinity. Furthermore, he extended commendation to Governor Mbah for his administration's investments across education, infrastructure, agriculture, and security sectors. The federal lawmaker stressed that collaborative efforts, rather than political competition, would ultimately better benefit the populace.

Regarding security, the federal lawmaker highlighted his role in sponsoring motions advocating for the establishment of state police. He also championed increased local community involvement in combating insecurity. Atu firmly stated, “The only people who truly know their environment are the locals. State police and stronger community-based security structures are necessary to address insecurity, especially in rural areas.”

In terms of his legislative contributions, Atu disclosed that he has sponsored 17 bills and initiated numerous motions within the House of Representatives during his three-year tenure. Listing his constituency projects, he cited scholarship programs that have supported over 800 students in public secondary schools, provided financial aid to university undergraduates, overseen the renovation of science laboratories, facilitated the reconstruction of classroom blocks, and established new science laboratories in several primary schools. Additionally, his office organized vocational training for more than 350 youths and women in chemical production, alongside equipping over 200 young individuals with artificial intelligence and digital proficiencies.

Reflecting on his time in public office, Atu reiterated his belief that public service is fundamentally about making a positive impact on lives, rather than being a means for personal enrichment. He concluded by saying, “I am not yet satisfied with what we have achieved because there is still so much to do. If you cannot give when you do not have, even when you eventually have, you still will not give. Service is about having the heart to help people.”