Key Take-aways From Hon Sam Osuji’s Third Constituency Briefing

BY: DR. UGOCHUKWU IWUJI

Before his foray into politics at the turn of the century, Hon. Sam Osuji, member representing Isiala Mbano State Constituency and Deputy Majority Leader at the Imo State House of Assembly, had been an astute community leader, business mogul and social mobiliser. Politics may have been his natural destination, having been a passionate lover of his people.

His inclination to community development had compelled all the traditional rulers in Mbano (comprising Isiala and Ehime) to coronate him Ohazurumee Mbano (crowned by his people), a title symbolic of the depth of love people have for Hon. Osuji. That love seems to be a steadfast one because he commands great respect from his people, urbane and local. Hon. Osuji is your archetypal grassroot politician who believes in the dictum of anaesi n’ulo marama puo n’ama (charity begins at home).

It is a vital lesson of leadership that Hon Osuji does not abstain from events in his local government in particular and Okigwe Zone in general. He has also characteristically maintained an open door policy with his people ever since he became an illustrious son of the land.

It is impressive that political power and position has not changed his people-oriented policy and predilection. Perhaps this could have been the major reason underlying Osuji’s decision to study Law at the prestigious University of Lagos. Having a legal mind, he reasoned, would better equip him in rising for his people when the occasion calls for it.

Driven by faith and fate, Hon. Osuji is, today, the law-maker representing the good people of Isiala Mbano in the State Assembly, where he has demonstrated in no small measure what it means to stand for his people. This informs the sheer magnitude of the people-oriented motions and bills the gentleman lawmaker has so far moved at the Imo State House of Assembly.

Markedly, most of these bills touch on the living condition of Isiala Mbano people in particular and Imolites in general, a fact that amplifies his trans-communal humanity and sagacity. It is noteworthy that Hon Osuji has kept faith with his campaign promise of accountability to his people in all ramifications.

First, he has maintained a policy of leaving his phone lines open to every of his constituent to reach him at will. This is a precedent that will outlive him, a legacy worthy of emulation.

Second, he has several aides across the twelve wards of Isiala Mbano who brief him regularly on the state of affairs in his constituency. Third, he utilizes several fora to register presence with his people, building their confidence in government and reassuring them of his determination to render service through lawmaking, motions, bills and oversights.

Four, Hon. Osuji has remained consistent in organizing a periodic constituency briefing where he interfaces with his people. He also uses the occasion to fete his people and share great moments with them. Through this, he has redefined leadership and proved that power does not really change people who genuinely love their people. Hon Osuji greatly loves his people hence they are at home with him any day, any time.

January 1, 2025 was another great outing with his people. The occasion marked the third constituency briefing with his people. Stakeholders from all nook and cranny of the local government trooped into his Amaraku mansion to hear directly from the man they sent to Owerri to represent their people. Traditional rulers, presidents-general of the LGA, youth groups, women groups, leaders of thought, et cetra, were there to witness the event.

Introductions over, the master of ceremonies ushered in the man of the moment, the prodigious lawmaker to the podium to address his people. Did he disappoint? Not at all. Reputed as a steadfast lawmaker, Hon Osuji has never missed a sitting since inauguration in the Assembly.

Any moment to address his people is always cherished by Hon. Osuji. Confidently clutching the microphone in one hand, the lawmaker with the gift of the gab began to fire from all cylinders. One after the other, he enumerated the thirty-eight (38) bills and motions he sponsored or co-sponsored in the House of Assembly, amidst resounding ovations.

The confidence and candour radiated by the lawmaker throughout the presentation showed him as a rare breed in a class of his own – a lawmaker determined to set a precedent of excellence.

The ease with which he made interpolations and extrapolations in the course of the briefing illustrated the seriousness Hon. Osuji attached to the occasion. Fundamentally, everyone was elated and fulfilled. Their lawmaker had kept faith with his promise of accountability at all times. They were full of praise for him.

Speakers at the occasion acknowledged that Hon. Sam Osuji was the first lawmaker representing Isiala Mbano State Constituency to institutionalize constituency briefing. They expressed optimism for a more successful legislative outing at the State House of Assembly.

In the end, the lawmaker displayed his characteristic goodwill to his people through warm reception and gifts to the hundreds of constituents at the occasion.