By Ojima-ojo Abubakar
The Ododo/Halims Progressive Movement (OHPM) has fired back at critics questioning the performance of the member representing Ankpa, Olamaboro and Omala Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims, insisting that claims of non-performance are misleading and politically motivated.
The response followed a Facebook post by a local content creator, Tony, who accused the lawmaker of failing to deliver basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, hospitals and healthcare staffing across the constituency.
In a statement issued on Friday by its media team, the group said the criticism ignored the constitutional limits of a House of Representatives member and the shared responsibilities between federal, state and local authorities.
It stressed that lawmakers are primarily mandated to make laws, carry out oversight functions, approve budgets and attract federal projects, not to directly employ medical personnel or run hospitals.
The group argued that issues such as employment of doctors, management of hospitals and road maintenance fall under state governments, local councils and relevant federal agencies, warning against what it described as “misplaced expectations” from constituents.
However, OHPM maintained that Hon. Halims has facilitated several projects since 2019, including township road rehabilitations across Ankpa such as Ejeh Road, Mission Street, Hospital Road and Enugu Road, alongside bridge and link road interventions in surrounding communities.
It also listed education projects, including classroom construction, digital economy centres, science kits distribution and erosion control works in parts of Ankpa, while adding that solar-powered boreholes, street lights and ICT centres have been installed across the constituency.
On empowerment, the group claimed over ₦5 billion worth of programmes had been implemented under his watch, including vocational training for youths and women, starter grants for technical skills, and facilitation of federal job placements.
The statement urged residents to engage through formal channels rather than social media criticism, insisting that constituency matters require structured petitions and administrative follow-up.
It added that the lawmaker’s endorsement as APC consensus candidate for the 2027 elections reflects what it called growing support from stakeholders across the three local government areas.
OHPM reaffirmed commitment to continued interventions, but the exchange highlights rising tension between political actors and citizens demanding visible impact in rural constituencies.
