Former member of the House of Representatives, Uzoma Nkem Abonta, has taken a swipe at the incumbent lawmaker representing Ukwa East and West Federal Constituency, Chris Nkwonta, describing him as an “inexperienced and neophyte legislator” while insisting that the 2027 seat should return to Ukwa West.
Speaking during a live appearance on Magic FM’s People and Politics programme on April 21, 2026, Abonta reacted strongly to comments allegedly made by Nkwonta’s aides during a previous broadcast. He dismissed claims that his long tenure in the National Assembly was a product of party supremacy or division among Asa stakeholders.
Abonta explained that the Ukwa Federal Constituency, comprising Ukwa East and Ukwa West, has historically maintained a power-sharing arrangement. According to him, the only disruption occurred in 2015 due to political developments at the national level during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He maintained that the extension of his tenure at the time was not a deliberate attempt to undermine the rotation principle.
“It is the turn of Ukwa West to produce the next House of Representatives member in 2027,” Abonta stated, urging Nkwonta to respect what he described as an existing agreement and promise made for a single term. He further criticised the incumbent lawmaker for what he called a lack of legislative experience and unwillingness to learn.
Responding to allegations of underperformance, Abonta defended his record, describing himself as a seasoned legislator with international recognition. He noted that his years in office were marked by competence, experience, and impactful representation across multiple sectors.
The former lawmaker highlighted a wide range of achievements during his tenure, including securing federal employment opportunities for constituents across agencies such as the Nigerian Television Authority, News Agency of Nigeria, INEC, the Police Force, and several ministries and commissions.
He also pointed to numerous infrastructure projects facilitated under his watch, including road constructions, electrification initiatives, installation of solar streetlights, provision of boreholes, school buildings, and community facilities across both Ukwa East and West.
In the education sector, Abonta said he sponsored examination registrations for over 150 students, provided scholarships and bursaries, donated learning materials and computers, and facilitated admissions into specialized institutions such as the Maritime Academy in Oron. He also supported teacher training programmes and the establishment of libraries within the constituency.
On health interventions, he cited free medical outreach programmes, surgical operations for hundreds of beneficiaries, eye care services for thousands, and the establishment of a five-bed hospital facility.
Abonta further noted that his influence attracted major federal projects through the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), including a ₦2.5 billion skill acquisition centre, a 40-unit housing scheme, and key road projects.
Legislatively, he said he sponsored over 58 bills, with at least seven signed into law, alongside several motions addressing national issues such as infrastructure, public finance accountability, malaria control, and NDDC oversight. He also served on multiple strategic committees in the House of Representatives, including Privatization, Justice, Maritime, and Public Petitions.
Abonta concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the development of Ukwa Federal Constituency, expressing confidence that his record remains unmatched and urging constituents to uphold the zoning arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections.
