FENRAD blasts Abia House of Assembly ineffective, urges voters take action in 2027

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has expressed deep concern over the alarming level of docility and ineffectiveness displayed by the current Abia State House of Assembly.

In its recent performance review, the Assembly has shown itself to be not a coequal arm of government, but a mere appendix of the executive, failing in its core constitutional responsibilities of oversight, accountability, and true representation.

According to the Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, from its inability to probe the utilization of over ₦54 billion purportedly spent on public schools, to its silence on key environmental and infrastructural issues affecting the state, the Assembly has become a rubber-stamp body, quick to approve and slow to question.

The behavior undermines the very principles of separation of powers and checks and balances, and creates a dangerous culture of impunity within the government.

FENRAD had earlier submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request on the N54 billion education fund without any meaningful legislative follow-up from the relevant House committees.

Rather than demand transparency, lawmakers looked away, reinforcing public perceptions of collusion or gross negligence.

It is troubling that several lawmakers, when confronted with their poor performance, hide behind the excuse of “not getting anything” from the Assembly.

If the legislature has truly been reduced to such irrelevance, the question must be asked: Why do these same lawmakers seek re-election in 2027?

FENRAD believes that representation should never be reduced to political entitlement. Public office is not a reward for loyalty to party leaders but a sacred mandate to serve the people.

As the 2027 general elections approach, FENRAD calls on the good people of Abia State to reject any lawmaker who has failed to perform, failed to speak for them, and failed to hold the executive accountable.

The state deserves a vibrant, independent, and people-centered legislature — not one that rubber-stamps executive decisions or sits idly in the face of public suffering.

We also call on political parties to prioritize capacity, integrity, and accountability in their nomination processes.

Recycling underperforming legislators will only entrench further stagnation in Abia’s democratic journey.

A functional democracy requires all arms of government to be active, responsive, and accountable.

The current performance of the Abia State House of Assembly falls far below acceptable standards. It is time for a reset.

FENRAD remains committed to promoting good governance, environmental justice, and civic engagement across Nigeria.