The member representing Enugu North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chimaobi Atu, has defended his decision to defect from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress, saying the move was driven by the need to attract development and deliver democratic dividends to his constituents.
The lawmaker spoke at his residence in Enugu while presenting his three-year scorecard, outlining projects, legislative activities and empowerment programmes undertaken since assuming office in June 2023.
Responding to questions over his departure from the Labour Party platform under which he was elected, Mr Atu said politics should be seen as a means of service rather than an end in itself.
“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,” he said.
Defection linked to development agenda
Mr Atu said his decision to align politically with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah was influenced by what he described as their commitment to infrastructure, economic growth and security.
He praised the Federal Government for establishing the South-East Development Commission and highlighted ongoing road interventions across the region, including reconstruction works on sections of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway and rehabilitation efforts around Ugwu Onyeama.
Mr Atu also commended Governor Mbah’s administration for investments in education, agriculture, infrastructure and security.
According to him, collaboration across political lines would deliver greater benefits than rivalry.
Legislative interventions and security push
On insecurity, Mr Atu disclosed that he sponsored motions advocating for the creation of state police and stronger local security participation.
“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,” he said.
He added that he had sponsored 17 bills and moved several motions during his time in the House of Representatives.
Education and youth empowerment projects
Presenting his scorecard, Mr Atu listed educational interventions including scholarship support for more than 800 students in public secondary schools, financial support for university students, renovation of science laboratories and reconstruction of classroom blocks.
He also said science laboratories were established in selected primary schools across the constituency.
Beyond education, the lawmaker disclosed that over 350 youths and women benefited from vocational training programmes focused on chemical production, while more than 200 young people received training in artificial intelligence and digital skills.
‘Service is about touching lives’
Reflecting on his years in office, Mr Atu said he remains unsatisfied with the level of impact achieved so far and pledged continued service.
“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,” he stated.
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