The Anioma people of Delta State in South-South Nigeria have queried their nine representatives in the Delta State House of Assembly (DSTHA) over what they described as an “unnecessary and wasteful venture undertaken by the entire members of the DTHA in the name of Capacity building leadership course” in the United States of America.

The people’s displeasure was conveyed via a letter entitled “A MANDATE MISUSED” signed by Comrade Akamesike Emmanuel Okonne, Chief Messenger (UK), of Anioma Voice Worldwide, and Comrade Smart Ajaja, International Public Relations Messenger (USA).

The letter was addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei (Aniocha North LG); Hon. Evang. Amaechi Mrakpor (Aniocha South LG); Hon. Peter Onwusanya (Oshimili South LG); Hon. Pat Ajudua (Oshimili North LG); Hon. Sam Obi(Ika North East LG); Hon. Martin Okonta (Ika South LG);

Hon. Alphonsus Ojo (Ukwuani LG); Hon. Friday Osanebi (Ndokwa East LG); and Hon. Azuka Azaka (Ndokwa West LG).

Below is the text of the letter, a copy of which was made available to News Express:

ANIOMAS DEMAND ANSWERS.

The Board of Trustees and entire members of Anioma Voice Worldwide wish to express our utter disappointment in the conduct of our 9 elected representatives in the state assembly regarding the unnecessary and wasteful venture undertaken by the entire members of the DTHA in the name of “Capacity building leadership course” currently going on at the Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California, USA.

While we acknowledge the fact that some kind of capacity building, leadership training and/or refresher courses are sometimes necessary for lawmakers in the course of carrying on their official responsibilities. As representatives of the Anioma people in govt., it is assumed that the course was undertaken on our behalf even when such a venture was not communicated to the constituents.

Apart from the objective of the tour not being clear, we are shocked that all 9 representatives would leave their seats in the state assembly at the same time, thereby leaving their constituencies unrepresented only to indulge in such a wasteful venture with our limited resources.

As holders of the trust of the people of Delta North Senatorial Zone, we would wish to get some clarifications from you on the following subjects:

1...Of what use is the course to the average Anioma citizen who has been deprived of basic social amenities?

2...Why could such a course if actually necessary not held anywhere in the country?

3... How much of our resources are being expended on this course?

4....Why was the notice for this adventure of a course not published for public knowledge?

We see this off-shore training course as a needless jamboree and a waste of our fund that could have been better used to uplift the welfare of the people of our constituency.

As a responsible and concerned body whose primary objective is to promote and propagate accountable representation of our people, Anioma Voice Worldwide cannot close her eyes to this profligate expenditure which represents nothing but a mortgage against the future well-being of the youth of our constituencies. Coming at a time graduate unemployment in our constituencies is at an all-time high, we view this seminar as a waste of our limited resources. We therefore demand a clear-cut explanation on why you all choose to undergo on such an expedition which negates the Anioma spirit of “Being a brother’s keeper at all times.”

•Photo shows one of those queried, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei.