Hon. Matthias Umeh, the member representing Umunneochi State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly has said that despite high expectations from his constituents, his greatest challenge was addressing the security issues plaguing Umunneochi following his first motion on this matter which led to Governor Alex Otti establishing ‘Operation Crush,’ that has significantly improved the Constituency’s peace and security.
Hon. Umeh who stated this while addressing journalists in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, in commemoration of his first anniversary in the State House of Assembly, further disclosed that he also presented a security bill which is still at the committee stage to establish “Abia Corps” which when passed would collaborate with all other Security outfits in the State to get rid of criminals and hoodlums out of the forests in the State.
The lawmaker said he has made efforts through his motions in the House, for the rehabilitation of roads in Umunneochi which he followed up on after the resolution of the House to the Ministry of Works to ensure that the project commenced exactly two weeks after the motion was made.
While disclosing further that he also presented a bill on the formation of vocational schools in Abia State which has undergone its first reading, the legislator decried the continued misunderstanding of the constitutional functions of the legislature by citizens.
According to him, the primary function of the legislator is to make laws, sponsor bills and motions that would bring democracy dividends to his constituents, and not usurp the functions of the executive which includes the provision of basic infrastructure.
“Unfortunately, Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the true constitutional functions of a legislator, which is primarily to make laws and move motions in favour of their constituents. Unfortunately, again, people would expect lawmakers to perform the functions of the executive even with their meagre salaries,” he said.
Hon. Umeh, however, revealed that beyond his legislative and oversight functions, he has engaged in many activities aimed at creating positive impacts for his constituents and the Umunneochi Constituency.
Such activities include the registration of both Junior and Senior School Certificate Examination for indigent families in his constituency; payment of four years of tuition fees for all students of Peace Comprehensive Secondary School, Isuochi; N100,000 Bursary Scheme award to 50 undergraduates across his constituency for 2024 to extend it to next year as well as increase the amount.
Hon. Matthias Umeh among others was inaugurated a member of the Abia State House of Assembly on June 14, 2023, following his victory at the general election on the platform of the Labour Party.
Popularly known as Nwachi, who represented Ubahu/Akawa/Aroikpa ward in the Umunneochi Legislative Council, Hon. Umeh had during the campaigns for the 2023 election, promised to sponsor people-oriented bills that will cater to the overall development of Umunneochi in particular and Abia State in general, should he be elected to the House.
“I will sponsor people-oriented bills in the house. Bills that will cater to the overall development of Umunneochi and Abia in general. Bills that will ensure infrastructural development, that will ensure quality education for our under-educated children. Bills that will protect the poor market woman at Orie Ngodo, Eke Isuochi, Eke Eziama, Aho Lokpa, Aho Umuaku, Nkwo Mbala, Eke Ubahu, Aho Akawa, Better Life market, etc,” he once to Daily Newslead in an interview.
