ABSU Lecturer from the Abia South Senatorial District, Mr. Felix, Chidubem Ambition, fires Honourable member representing the people of Ukwa East and West Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Honourable Chris Nkwonta, for underperformance within two years in office.
The University Don recalled that the Ukwa East counterpart has assumed the Rep’s seat for eighteen years and is still counting leaving the Ukwa West LGA in political oblivion. “It is imperative to question Honourable Chris’s commitment to the House of Representatives seat once more.” He said
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UKWA FEDERAL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SEAT: HONOURABLE CHRIS NKWONTA IJE DI ITA DI ATA?
The Ukwa ethnic nationality comprises two inseparable groups, East and West, which are united by a shared heritage and identity. However, the political representation of Ukwa has not adequately reflected its significant contributions to the state and federal Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), given its location, rich culture, and abundant resources. The boundary adjustments made in 1976 by Mamman Nasir adversely impacted the population growth and political representation of the Ukwa people.
The Ukwa populace is endowed with extensive natural resources, including crude oil, agricultural products, and natural gas. They are renowned for their harmonious coexistence and equitable distribution of political offices and resources, avoiding any form of marginalisation.
Setting the records straight with the historical empirical review. In 1999, Honourable Chinonye Macebuh from the Ozza clan in Ukwa West Local Government Area (LGA) was elected to the Federal House of Representatives, serving from 1999 to 2007. Subsequently, Honourable Uzoma Nkem Abonta, who hails from Akwete Ndoki in Ukwa East LGA and is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), occupied the seat from 2007 to 2023—a continuous tenure of sixteen years.
Honourable Chris Nkwonta, who initially pursued the Senatorial seat for Abia South, opted to contest for the Ukwa Federal Constituency and was declared the winner of the 2023 election. In an equitable context, the presence of a candidate from Ndoki competing against the Asa people in the election was enough to raise questions about the dominance, competence and choice of the then-ruling political party to choose a Ndoki man over an Asa man, particularly in light of Honourable Abonta’s long-standing tenure in the National Assembly.
What principles motivate Honourable Chris Nkwonta to seek reelection for this same position in 2027, following two decades where Ndoki’s representation potentially overshadowed the interests of the Asa people? What credibility does he represent to the constituents of Ukwa? Will he convey that there are double standards in our political representations? What historical narrative is he attempting to alter? Honourable Lotuo Nu!
This scenario represents a significant oversight, a repeated disregard for the principles of equality, equity, justice, and fairness. It is critical to acknowledge that the political landscape has evolved. Today’s young individuals, born two decades ago, have grown to be graduates and capable members of society. We mustn’t perpetuate divisions that may lead to animosity and instability within Ukwa, we are one. No one can separate us, not even political ideologies.
Regarding equity and equality, Honourable Chris’s representation does not align with the values he espouses. It is important to clarify that equality ensures everyone receives the same benefits, while equity entails providing individuals with the resources they genuinely require. The evidence of prioritisation of Ukwa East over Ukwa West appears deliberate; otherwise, there would be more significant efforts to include the Asa people in his administration. The evidence of neglect is apparent and must be addressed. Honourable are you fair to Ndi Asa?
According to the African philosophy of Ubuntu, “I am because we are.” Honourable Chris is indeed an Honourable Member representing Ukwa East and West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives due to the support he received from the Asa people. His current oversight warrants a reevaluation of his sustained support.
Youth, often described as the leaders of tomorrow, experience marginalisation and underrepresentation, particularly concerning job opportunities within federal services. Constituents are increasingly aware of how constituency project funds are utilised, with insufficient projects being delivered for the development of Ukwa. This raises concerns about accountability and transparency in governance.
The political awareness among constituents has risen significantly; they deserve quality representation comparable to that observed in other regions. The Asa people are unequivocally deserving of this seat in 2027; the necessity for adherence to the zoning formula and the gentleman’s agreement is critical to mitigating animosity. A repeat of past patterns in Ukwa’s political framework is unsustainable. The time for the Ukwa people to juxtapose the swinging pendulum ball always to the east rather than the west. Enyetu ndi ebe a enyitu ndi eba (If you give to these people you as well give to these other people)
It is imperative to question Honourable Chris’s commitment to the House of Representatives seat once more.
Honourable Unu je di Ita ego ayi na Federal House of Representatives seat ayi ata?
Written by;
Felix, Chidubem Ambition.
Lecturer, ABSU, BSc/Ed, M.Ed. PhD (Inview), Current Affairs Analyst, Media Practitioner & Entrepreneur.
