The member representing Ikwuano and Umuahia Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Obi Aguocha, has dismissed allegations that he sold truckloads of rice donated by President Bola Tinubu to constituents.

The allegations were raised by a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Abia State, Charles Ogbonna, during a public event. Ogbonna, an All Progressives Congress chieftain, claimed that trailers of federal palliative rice meant for the constituency were diverted and sold by the lawmaker.

"Hon. Obi Aguocha sold the trailers of rice President Tinubu donated to the people of Ikwuano and Umuahia to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal; let him take me to court if he says I lied against him," Ogbonna stated.

Responding through a signed statement, Aguocha strongly denied the claims, describing them as entirely false, malicious, and politically motivated fabrications.

"I state categorically, without equivocation, that these allegations are entirely false, malicious, and a calculated fabrication. At no point was any truckload of federal palliatives or constituency rice diverted, converted, or sold by me or anyone acting under my direction," Aguocha said.

The lawmaker explained that all food relief items budgeted under the Appropriation Act were distributed transparently through established community channels to residents across Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South.

According to Aguocha, the accusations stem from a political feud triggered after he advised Ogbonna to halt his public attacks on Abia State Governor Alex Otti.

The federal lawmaker added that his legal team is currently compiling digital evidence to institute a defamation lawsuit against the former commissioner for legal redress.

ID