- Imo State has three senators representing the state’s three senatorial districts in the National Assembly
- The senators advocate for economic growth and social development of the state, ensuring constituents' concerns are heard at the national level
- TheRadar profiled the three senators representing the people of Imo state in the 10th National Assembly
As part of our ongoing ‘Know Your Lawmakers,’ series, we focus this edition on the senators representing Imo State in the National Assembly for the period between 2023 and 2027.
Imo, located in Nigeria’s southeast, is often referred to as the "Eastern Heartland," a region rich in both culture and natural resources.
The state was created in 1976 from the East-Central State, during the regime of the late military leader, Murtala Mohammed.
Imo state derived its name from the Imo River, and its capital is Owerri, a city known for its industrial and educational significance. It is also an important onshore petroleum-producing region, with other key mineral resources including coal and natural gas.
The senators representing Imo play a crucial role in advocating for the state’s needs, addressing the concerns of their constituents, and influencing policies that promote both economic growth and social development across the region.
These lawmakers are key players in shaping the state’s future within the broader national framework.
TheRadar compiled the three senators representing the state’s senatorial districts below:
1. Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi (Imo East)
Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi, who has represented Imo East in the Nigerian Senate since June 2019, succeeded Samuel Anyanwu.
Born on April 2, 1968, in Imo State, Onyewuchi graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and has a background in business in addition to his political career.
One of his legislative contributions was the introduction of the Older Persons (Rights and Privileges) Bill in 2019, which sought to protect the rights of the elderly and reduce age-based discrimination.
The bill highlighted concerns about the treatment of senior citizens, many of whom face neglect after retirement.
In light of the growing security crisis in Nigeria, particularly in the South East, Senator Onyewuchi also sponsored the Police Act Amendment Bill to enhance the operational effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.
His commitment to improving national security was further demonstrated with the introduction of the Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Bill in 2021, aimed at strengthening Nigeria's response to terrorism and criminal activity.
2. Osita Izunaso (Imo West)
Senator Osita Izunaso has been representing Imo West (Orlu) in the Nigerian Senate since June 2023, running on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His academic qualifications include a BA (Hons) in Journalism from the University of Jos, a post-graduate degree in journalism from the University of Abuja, and an MBA from the University of Calabar.
In his role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets and Institutions, Izunaso sponsored a motion to investigate the foreign exchange backlog and the developments in the foreign exchange market, as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria's development finance programs from 2015 to the present.
His efforts aimed to boost investor confidence and ensure greater stability in Nigeria's financial markets.
Senator Izunaso has also addressed pressing security and political issues, particularly in the South East. He sponsored a motion advocating for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, calling for a political solution to the crisis and an end to the region's disruptive "sit-at-home" protests.
In addition to his legislative work, Izunaso is the founder of the KpaKpando Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in society.
3. Chiwuba Patrick Ndubueze (Imo North)
Senator Chiwuba Patrick Ndubueze currently represents the Imo North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate. A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he is serving his first term in office.
In addition to his legislative duties, Senator Ndubueze serves as the Chairman of the Imo Power Improvement Task Force, where he has made efforts to address power challenges in his constituency.
One of his key promises has been the restoration of electricity to Okigwe, the headquarters of Imo North, which has been without power for the past 15 years.
During his address, Senator Ndubueze assured the residents of Okigwe and surrounding communities that they could soon bid farewell to prolonged power outages.
He announced plans for the local power regulator to restore electricity to the area, ending years of blackouts that have affected numerous local governments in Imo North.
He said in part, “With the efforts of the Governor, we’ve been granted a Mobile Substation of 1/60. We will now have 48 megawatts for distribution and we pray that these people don’t go further to sabotage our efforts again.”
Know Your Lawmakers Series: Senators representing Abia in 10th National Assembly
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Abia State has three senatorial districts, each represented by a senator in the National Assembly
TheRadar compiled the three Abia senators in the Nigerian Senate, responsible for lawmaking and regional advocacy.