The Member representing Isialangwa North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Ginger Onwusibe, has opened up about the biggest challenge he faces as a public servant, which he linked to the persistent misinformation and spread of unfounded rumors.
In an interview with journalists, Hon Onwusibe emphasized how damaging and distracting rumors have been in his journey as a federal legislator and dealing with rumor peddlers has been his greatest challenge.
He said people form wrong assumptions and spread falsehoods, which creates unrealistic expectations among constituents.
The lawmaker debunked the widespread rumors suggesting that each member of the House receives ₦1 billion for constituency projects. He clarified that, under the current 2024 budget, each representative was allocated ₦200 million for capital projects and not ₦1 billion as falsely circulated.
“We are still operating under the 2024 budget. The 2025 budget, which we, the current set of lawmakers will participate in fully, begins on July 1st, 2925. For now, what I have is ₦200 million, and I’ve used it transparently”, he explained.
Onwusibe outlined his use of the ₦200 million allocation, stating that he prioritized the immediate welfare of his people by purchasing and distributing food items such as bags of rice. “I promised my constituents that every quarter, there must be food on their tables. So I bought 2,000 bags of rice and other food items”, he said.
However, he acknowledged the intangible nature of such interventions, adding that he also embarked on visible projects like street lighting, health centers, road construction, among others.
He said one of the key infrastructural developments embarked on is the Nsirimo road project, which he said would be completed and commissioned by December 2025.
Hon Onwusibe further stressed that his passion for public service stems from a deep love for his community and not personal ambition. “I’m not doing this for Ginger Onwusibe. I do it because I love my people. I love Isialangwa. It’s not by my might, it’s a calling to be people-oriented”, he declared.
In an emotional tone, he said he has also used his personal funds to execute several projects that lacked federal support, including the construction of primary healthcare centers in Ubaha and another community, as well as, an ongoing mini-stadium project in the federal constituency.
He revealed that he had warned his children against pursuing politics, noting that it robs one of a private life. “Politics is a heavy burden. It takes away your privacy, your peace, but I have embraced it because my heart is with the people”.
Responding to comparisons that he was more effective as a State House member than as a federal lawmaker, Onwusibe clarified the disparity in responsibilities, stating that at the state level, he was only focusing on a Local Government Area, but as a federal legislator, he has two Local Government Areas under him, which naturally comes with more complexities.
He urged his constituents to remain patient and vigilant, promising that when the 2025 budget is implemented, more development projects would materialize. According to him, his set of Lawmakers played an active role in shaping the 2025 budget and when implementation begins, people would witness the dividends of democracy more clearly.
Hon Onwusibe also advised community members to protect and maintain the infrastructure provided to them. “Since the projects are for the people. Let’s manage and preserve them well because you don’t know when your community would be chosen again for such gestures”, he urged.
While appreciating the overwhelming support from his constituents, Onwusibe expressed gratitude and reiterated that his true fulfillment comes from delivering on his campaign promises and seeing smiles on the faces of the people he serves
