Ohaji/Egbema Deserves A Better House Of Assembly Member : A Case Against Uzoma Osuoha’s Second Term 

Last week, I published an article highlighting what I described as the abysmal performance of the member representing Ohaji/Egbema in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Uzoma Osuoha, popularly known as Eze Buguma. I explained why, in my view, he should not return to the Assembly in 2027. In what can only be seen as an attempt to soothe bruised egos and project a false sense of achievement, one Samuelson Iwuoha from Nkwerre chose to respond, not by addressing the substance of my argument, but by launching a personal attack on my character and professional integrity. If his response had shown any depth or intellectual rigor, it might have warranted serious engagement. Instead, it was a poorly constructed rejoinder filled with name-calling and empty rhetoric. Such a response can only come from a misfit media person.

For the record, this same Samuelson has a habit of invoking my name in a bid to gain favor in certain circles, even going as far as claiming friendship where none exists. The truth is simple: we were never close, and I would hardly recognize him if we crossed paths today.

If you claim to be a media person and your response to criticism of your principal’s performance is to deflect by listing my alleged actions or inactions, then you have fundamentally misunderstood your role. That approach is not only unprofessional; it is intellectually lazy. A rejoinder is meant to address issues, not to distract from them. Dragging my name into the conversation does nothing to answer the real questions. It is the same worn-out tactic: “Kenneth Uwadi did this, Kenneth Uwadi did that.” Such arguments add no value and only expose a lack of training and a need to go back to school.

As for the focus on my person, that is nothing more than iberiberism. To borrow the words of Timaya: “If you talk bad about me, I concur. If you talk good about me, I concur.” Whether you claim to have done me favors or not, it will not deter me from speaking out when public officials fail in their duties. I am a social critic, that is my role, and it remains unchanged. I am not a politician, nor am I seeking public office. Attempts to drag me into political narratives are misplaced and irrelevant. Say whatever you wish about me; it does not alter my position. My commitment is to hold public office holders accountable. When they fall short, I will speak, regardless of distractions or attempts at intimidation.

Let us be clear: Hon. Uzoma Osuoha (Eze Buguma) is the worst House of Assembly member in the history of Ohaji Egbema. He has not demonstrated the kind of performance that would justify a second term. By many accounts, his tenure has fallen well below the expectations of the people of Ohaji/Egbema. His nearly four years in the Imo State House of Assembly have produced little evidence of impactful representation. His time in office appears to have been more symbolic than substantive, raising serious concerns about his understanding and execution of legislative responsibilities. Instead of strong advocacy for his constituents, what many have witnessed is a tenure that leaves more questions than answers.

While there have been claims of sponsored bills and motions these have not translated into tangible benefits for the people. There is also widespread concern about the absence of meaningful employment opportunities or political appointments for constituents. His public engagements, many believe, have leaned more toward social visibility than real legislative or developmental impact. The fundamental questions therefore remain: who has truly benefited from his representation? What measurable progress can be directly attributed to his time in office? For many, these questions remain unanswered.

Public office is not about attending ceremonies, funerals, or posing for photographs with market women.. Leadership is defined by results, by the ability to attract development, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for the people. Yet across Ohaji/Egbema we see no evidence of progress under his watch.

The state of infrastructure speaks volumes. Public schools remain in poor condition, and critical access roads have deteriorated significantly. The Avu–Obosima road is in a deplorable state, the Adapalm–Etekwuru axis is barely motorable, and the Ejemekwuru–Agwa route has become almost impassable. In some areas, these roads can hardly be described as functional. These are vital routes that support commerce, education, healthcare, and everyday life. Faced with these realities, one must ask: where is the advocacy of Buguma? Where is the impact of Eze Buguma in Ohaji Egbema? There is even no road to his community in Ohaji Egbema.

Also we must confess that the 10th Imo State House of Assembly is the worst House of Assembly in the history of Imo State. Public office is, at its core, about service, not self-preservation. In a functioning democracy, the legislature serves as a watchdog, holding the executive accountable and protecting the interests of the people. However, the 10th Imo State House of Assembly is widely perceived as having fallen short of this responsibility, operating more as an extension of the executive than as an independent arm of government. Rather than scrutinizing policies and actions, there is a growing perception that it simply endorses them.

This perceived failure has weakened democratic governance in Imo state. The legislature is meant to be the voice of the people, a platform where their concerns are articulated and addressed. It also carries the critical responsibility of ensuring that public funds are properly allocated and transparently utilized. Unfortunately this role has not been effectively carried out.

Oversight is not optional; it is a fundamental duty. It requires actively monitoring ministries, agencies, and public institutions to prevent abuse and ensure efficiency. Yet there is increasing concern that this responsibility has been neglected. The impact of legislative activities, bills, motions, and debates, remains unclear to many citizens, who continue to ask how these efforts have improved their daily lives.

At the same time, insecurity has worsened, infrastructure continues to decay, schools remain underfunded, and job opportunities for young people are scarce. These are urgent challenges that demand bold, proactive, and independent representation.

Critics argue that legislative work has too often been reduced to speeches, public appearances, and displays of loyalty, rather than meaningful engagement with the pressing issues facing the people. True leadership requires independence, accountability, and a firm grasp of constitutional responsibilities, qualities many believe are currently lacking.

As 2027 approaches, the people of Ohaji/Egbema deserve better representation at the Imo State House of Assembly not rhetoric, but results. Not visibility, but impact. We seek a representative with the capacity, clarity, and courage to deliver real change and to stand firmly in defense of the people’s interest, not Eze Buguma. We say No to Hon Uzoma Osuoha’s second tenure. Ozo emena !

-Kenneth Uwadi is the Coordinator of Youths for Human Rights Protection and Transparency Initiative

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