By Emmanuel Iheaka

OWERRI — Youths in Imo West Senatorial District have alleged that none of the lawmakers representing the zone in the National and State Assemblies operates a functional constituency office.

The claim was contained in a legislative performance assessment report presented on Sunday by the Orluzurumee Youth Assembly, the umbrella body for youths in the senatorial district.

Receiving the report, the National President of the Orluzurumee Youth Assembly, Prince Izunna Obiefule, said the assessment was conducted as part of the group’s civic efforts to promote democratic accountability and encourage effective public service.

He commended the assessment committee for what he described as a comprehensive, objective and thorough evaluation of the legislators representing the zone.

According to the report, only three of the 12 members representing the district in the Imo State House of Assembly scored a pass mark, while two of the four members representing the zone in the House of Representatives received creditable ratings.

The report also stated that Senator Osita Izunaso, who represents Imo West Senatorial District, recorded a marginal pass mark. It ranked the member representing Ideato Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, as the best-performing House of Representatives member from the zone, while Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chyna Iwuanyanwu, emerged as the highest-rated state lawmaker.

Presenting the report, Obiefule said the National Executive Council of the Orluzurumee Youth Assembly had unanimously adopted it as the organisation’s official position.

He stressed that the assessment was not intended to ridicule or target any elected official or political party but to encourage improved legislative representation and strengthen public trust.

According to him, legislative performance should not be measured solely by the number of bills sponsored or motions moved, but also by lawmakers’ accessibility, regular engagement with constituents, transparency, responsiveness to community needs, youth empowerment initiatives, oversight responsibilities and the overall impact of their service.

Obiefule said the report recognised notable achievements where applicable while identifying areas requiring improvement, adding that it reflected the views and expectations of thousands of residents across the senatorial district who participated in the assessment.

He urged elected representatives to receive the report in good faith and use it as a guide to improve their engagement with constituents ahead of the next electoral cycle.