By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
ABAKALIKI — Senator Kenneth Eze, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and representative of Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, has lauded the 10th National Assembly as the most productive in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Speaking during a media interaction in Abakaliki, Senator Eze praised the federal government’s ongoing efforts in road infrastructure, particularly the extensive works along the East-West Road corridor. He applauded the contractors—Julius Berger and RCC—for deploying advanced engineering techniques in challenging terrains.
“If you visit the East-West Road, you’ll be proud of the progress there,” Eze stated. “We’ve carried out oversight visits and seen firsthand the technology in use. Despite the difficult terrain, the roads—some with rigid pavements spanning 100 kilometers—are clearly built to endure.”
Dismissing criticisms of stagnation in federal infrastructure delivery, the senator noted that past administrations failed to complete projects to standard. “In the past, roads failed even before contractors left site. But this administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing things differently,” he said.
On Nigeria’s democratic journey, Eze acknowledged its imperfections but highlighted key reforms. He underscored the symbolic importance of June 12 and noted improvements in electoral processes through innovations like card readers and electronic accreditation.
“No democracy is perfect—not even America’s,” he remarked. “What matters is our progress. Today, ballot box snatching is nearly obsolete. If people aren’t electronically accredited, then ballot boxes are useless.”
Senator Eze highlighted the record-breaking legislative output of the 10th Senate. “No previous assembly has matched our performance within such a short time,” he declared, pointing to the volume of bills passed and signed into law. He described the Senate as the “third decorative Senate” committed to complementing the executive’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“Our job is not to fight the executive,” he noted. “It’s to legislate and conduct oversight. Where they’re doing well, we support them. Where improvement is needed, we advise—and they listen.”
On his personal mandate, Eze emphasized that he was chosen by his people, not appointed through lobbying. “I take my job seriously because it’s a responsibility given to me by the people,” he affirmed.
Among his legislative initiatives, the senator cited his bill for the establishment of a specialised vocational polytechnic, which he said has become a template for other constituencies. He also highlighted his effort to convert a general hospital in Onueke, Ezza South LGA, into a Federal Medical Centre.
Eze recalled his advocacy for regional fairness when the Southeast was omitted from a ₦380 billion presidential agricultural intervention fund. “I raised a motion in the Senate. Many would have ignored it, but I stood my ground,” he said. “Now a corrigendum is in the works to correct that oversight.”
He also spoke about his role on the global stage, representing Nigeria at international forums. “It’s a sign of the confidence placed in our leadership and a recognition of what we’ve achieved,” he said.
At the grassroots level, Eze pointed to his ongoing empowerment programs, which he described as unprecedented in Ebonyi Central. “Even the state governor has acknowledged that the zone has never had it this good,” he said.
Concluding, the senator reaffirmed his commitment to service. “It’s not about being the richest. It’s about the heart to serve your people—in legislation, politics, the economy, and society. We’re just getting started,” he pledged.