The people of Ukwa West and Ukwa East federal constituency of Abia State, have moved to recall the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta, over alleged non performance.
Briefing journalists at Obohia town hall, Ukwa East LGA, the constituents accused Abonta of arrogance and non performance since he was elected into the House of Representatives 15 years ago.
The constituents under the umbrella of Coalition For Ukwa Leadership Accountability, (COFULA) alleged that Abonta, who was an aide to former Senate President, Chief Adolphus Wabara has never attracted any project or held a town hall meeting since he became a lawmaker in 2007.
Co-convener of COFULA, Comrade Kingsley Nna, lamented that Ukwa is the only oil-producing federal consituency in Abia state but has nothing to show for it due to alleged non performance of the lawmaker.
Nna accused the lawmaker of only representing himself and family since his 15 years sojourn at the House of Representatives.
Nna further accused the lawmaker of making false claims to attracting the Obehie – Akwete- Azumini-Ukanafun road ,contrary to reports that the project was initiated by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs without Abonta’s input.
He said; “We challenge Hon.Abonta to publish his score card. His only achievement is his personal house in the village. We call for a review of all NDDC projects in Ukwa federal constituency to ascertaining who are contractors , the amount released to them and their various stages of abandonment.”
Co-convener of COFULA, Dr. Chidi Nwankpa, challenged the lawmaker to publish any identifiable project he attracted to the constituency since he became a lawmaker.
Emphasizing that the move to recall the lawmaker have the support of Ukwa people from various political affiliations,Nwankpa called on the lawmaker to honourably resign or be disgraced out of office.
The coalition also passed a vote of no confidence on Abonta and petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to commence the process of recalling him from the National Assembly.
“We hereby commence the immediate process of recall of Hon. Uzoma Abonta in line with the Electoral Act. The collection of signatures for his recall is already on. We highly regret the unproductive 15 years of Abonta at the National Assembly.
“The over 15 years of Hon. Abonta’s representation of the constituency is a colossal waste. He has failed to use his office to attract projects to the constituency. Ukwa federal consituency has the worst of roads in Nigeria; no electricity, hospital and water.
“We crave your indulgence and provision of a conducive environment for the process of Abonta’s recall.”
Contacted, Abonta, who is serving his fourth term at the House dismissed the allegation of non performance and describing the coalition campaigning for his recall as disgruntled opposition members.
He disclosed that he has attracted over 15 roads and health facilities including other projects to his constituents who recently passed a vote of confidence on him.
The lawmaker accused the APC led federal government of abandoning the Obehie- Azumini- Ukanafun federal highway because he is a member of the opposition in the National Assembly.
