The member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Leke Joseph Abejide, has promised to sue some “sponsored youth” in law court over alleged defamation.
He accused the youths, identified as Mr Gboyega, Mr Femi Adeleye and Ms Omolade Ejiwumi, of defamatory claims regarding developmental projects in the constituency.
In a statement addressed to the people of Yagba Federal Constituency on Thursday night, Abejide said his attention had been drawn to a series of online write-ups accusing him of failing to execute certain projects, particularly the construction of the Oja Egbe Road.
The lawmaker alleged that the criticisms were orchestrated by a few individuals whom he accused of making claims they could not substantiate in a court of law.
Abejide specifically mentioned the three individuals whom he claimed authored the controversial statements, accusing them of spreading misinformation about projects and budgetary provisions.
According to him, the claims that he received funds meant for the construction of Oja Egbe Road were false and misleading, insisting that the project had only recently been included in the 2026 federal budget.
He explained that the road is classified as a Trunk ‘A’ road, adding that constructing one kilometre of such a road with concrete drainage system would cost close to ₦1 billion if properly executed.
The lawmaker further noted that based on the federal government’s current funding cycle, actual construction work on the road may not commence until late 2027 if it were to rely solely on governmental funding.
Abejide, however, maintained that many of the developmental projects he has undertaken in the constituency were executed through personal commitment and proactive interventions rather than waiting for governmental funds.
He stated that his efforts across communities in Yagbaland should not be misconstrued as statutory obligations tied to specific governmental allocations.
The federal lawmaker also challenged critics to compare his legislative and constituency developmental records with those of other lawmakers within Kogi State and across the country.
He stressed that while constructive criticisms are part of democratic engagement, he would not tolerate what he described as orchestrated attacks and baseless allegations, misleading statements — possible of misleading the general public.
Abejide vowed that the individuals involved would face legal action, saying the matter would be pursued in court to determine the authenticity of the claims made against him.
He also urged residents of the constituency to disregard what he called attempts to discredit his contributions to continued community development —constituency interventions.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Yagba Federal Constituency, noting that he would continue to pursue projects aimed at improving infrastructures as well as the welfare of his constituents.
