The member representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu, has stated that Peter Obi has made politicians more accountable.
Hon. Atu made this known on Saturday during the Freedom Square radio program on Solid 100.9 FM, Enugu.
He noted that the political events of 2023, driven by Peter Obi and widely referred to as the “Obi effect,” transformed the country’s political atmosphere, compelling political leaders to take the electorate more seriously.
According to him, “Because of what happened in 2023, I have seen many politicians change the way they do things, such as how they treat people and approach their work. This applies to those in PDP, Labour Party, APC, and others. They now organize forums to interact with their people, and their attitude towards governance has shifted.”
Hon. Atu, represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Dr. Ekwe Okwudiri, highlighted some of his achievements at the National Assembly over the past 20 months, with a focus on infrastructural development, education, and human capital development.
“Hon. Atu, as a legislator, has so far sponsored 14 bills on the floor of the National Assembly. He was able to achieve this because he believes in teamwork and has gathered reports on the situation on the ground to ensure effective representation. As a member of the Appropriation Committee, he has been instrumental in ensuring that resources are properly utilized.
Two road construction projects covering over 1.3 kilometers with double drainage were completed at Ugwuaji, in addition to several street roads he graded.
In education, the procurement of WAEC forms and bursary support has remained a priority. Last year, we visited 28 public schools in Enugu North and South, purchasing WAEC forms for students. After reviewing their academic performance, we selected intelligent but financially challenged students and covered their WAEC fees, changing the lives of many.
In 2025, we decided to emphasize excellence in our selection process and called for applications. About 2,172 students enrolled, and we selected 238. During this process, we uncovered several challenges in the secondary school system. However, we made two additional selections for personal reasons—one was a sickle cell patient who almost collapsed during the exam but was included by Hon. Atu, and another was the first applicant from Government Secondary School (GSS), whom we included to encourage promptness.”
“We also renovated a primary school in Coal Camp that was built in 1924. The work began in September 2024 and required a complete overhaul because mere renovation was not enough. Before starting, we arranged alternative learning spaces for the students. Additionally, we facilitated the enrollment of students into federal unity schools.”
On human capital development, Hon. Atu trained over 130 people in solar energy, enabling them to obtain certifications that would have otherwise cost over ₦900,000. Palliative distribution has remained consistent during Christmas, New Year, and other festivities. In Easter alone, 5,370 bags of rice were shared, with the same amount distributed at Christmas. Furthermore, 5,000 bags of fertilizer were shared, even when others chose to sell theirs.
Dr. Ekwe addressed the perception that the lawmaker was a bus driver before his election while also acknowledging the personal impact Hon. Atu had on his life since 2008.
“When people refer to him as an ordinary bus driver, I laugh because he has been in the oil sector for years. On a personal level, I am a PhD holder today because of Hon. Atu. In 2008, he encouraged me to further my education, bought my MSc form, and even gave me ₦50,000 to support my business.”
Discussing the sacrifices made to improve his constituency, Dr. Ekwe revealed that the lawmaker sold his official car to fund human capital development projects, particularly to cover WAEC registration fees for secondary school students.
“Hon. Atu sold his official car to purchase WAEC forms for his constituents. He sees it as a crime to live in luxury while many are struggling to afford basic needs.”
“Beyond legislative work, Hon. Atu has consistently engaged with his constituents, ensuring that governance directly impacts their lives. His initiatives in education, infrastructure, and welfare have not only provided immediate relief but have also laid the foundation for long-term development. His leadership continues to foster a sense of inclusion, as he remains accessible and responsive to the needs of the people he represents.”