By Chigozie Igbo
The member representing Nnewi North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Augustine Onyekachukwu Ike, has denied allegations that he collected money from Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, to defect from the Young Progressive Party (YPP) to the APC.
Addressing journalists in Nnewi on Monday, Hon. Ike described the allegation as “baseless and politically motivated,” urging the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-led government to present credible evidence if such ever happened.
“I challenge anyone, including the APGA government, to show proof that I collected money from Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu or anyone else to join APC. My decision was based purely on conviction and the need to attract greater democratic dividends to my constituency,” he stated.
The lawmaker emphasized that his political moves were guided by his commitment to credible governance and his desire to ensure Anambra State benefits from federal attention under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“If APC takes root in Anambra and President Tinubu channels his interest here, the state will thrive even more than Lagos. We need to think beyond local politics and embrace a broader developmental perspective,” he added.
On insecurity in the state, Hon. Ike dismissed claims that social media influencer Akwa Okuku Tiwara Aki was solely responsible for the security challenges in Anambra. He described such assertions as “unfair stereotypes and a narrow understanding of complex issues.”
“Reducing the insecurity situation to one individual or cultural stereotype is wrong. It’s a matter of governance, security strategy, and public perception — not about any single person,” he said.
The legislator further stressed that security remains a top priority, as peace would revive the state’s economy, which, according to him, has seen many businesses relocating to Asaba due to insecurity.
Speaking on his stewardship, Hon. Ike said his representation has focused on grassroots empowerment and community development across the four quarters of Nnewi — Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi.
He disclosed that his constituency office operates seven days a week, attending to various needs of his constituents, including school fees, hospital bills, small business support, women empowerment, and community projects.
“I don’t publicize my assistance or take pictures with beneficiaries. Let my work speak for me,” he said.
“I have facilitated several infrastructural projects, including converting a primary school into a functional public secondary school in Nnewi North, with two more schools set for upgrade soon.”
On his legislative duties, Hon. Ike, who chairs the House Committee on Sports, decried the bureaucratic bottlenecks hindering project funding in the state.
“The problem is not the absence of funds but the difficulty in accessing them. It’s a question of government priorities,” he noted.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and expressed confidence that the party’s candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, remains the most qualified to govern Anambra State.
“Prince Ukachukwu is accessible, humble, and understands the needs of the people. I’m confident APC will win the November 8 governorship election because Anambra deserves a new direction,” he concluded.