A socio-political group, the Owan Progressive Initiative (OPI), has criticized Julius Ihonvbere, the House of Representatives member for Owan Federal Constituency, following his recent appearance at a campaign rally in Eme-Ora, marking his first public engagement in the constituency after 15 months in office. The group voiced their dismay at Ihonvbere’s prolonged absence since his inauguration on May 29, 2023, accusing him of neglecting the people who elected him.
At the rally, Ihonvbere solicited votes for his party’s governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpevhbolo, and was seen distributing bundles of naira notes through one of his aides, Frank David. The OPI accused Ihonvbere of leveraging the event to boast about the APC’s federal influence, allegedly to intimidate and suppress votes from other political parties in the forthcoming election.
Mr. Ojo Udugbai, President General of the OPI, expressed disappointment in Ihonvbere’s lack of engagement with the 22 wards in Owan East and West constituencies. Udugbai demanded an explanation for Ihonvbere’s neglect and called for a clear plan to address the constituency’s pressing needs. He emphasized that Owan Federal Constituency deserves a representative who is accountable, transparent, and committed, criticizing Ihonvbere for only appearing when seeking votes.
