By Rt. Hon. Obi Anyaoha
“In The Footsteps Of Great Leaders, We Hear The Rolling Thunders Of History” – Richard Nixon
Our political paths first crossed in 1999 when we were elected and sworn in as Honourable councillors of Umunneochi legislative council. Nwachi was of the APP while I was elected under the canopy of PDP.
When I became the leader of the Umunneochi legislative council, our differing party affiliations notwithstanding, Nwachi was the deputy leader. Suffice it to say that all through our 3 years tenure in the council, I found him a very reliable ally, a resilient and trustworthy fellow.
When, in June 2002, after the expiration of our full tenure the legislative council was dissolved and we all went our separate ways, Honourable Mathias Ume (Nwachi) went back to the class room, teaching the subject of Chemistry and Mathematics at Peace Comprehensive Secondary School Amuda Isuochi.
While still in the teaching field, Nwachi contested for Abia House of Assembly during the 2003 election year, but did not win. And he proudly returned to his natural and passionate address – the class room.
Fast forward to 2023 election year, God crowned his efforts with a resounding victory in a keenly contested Abia House of Assembly election. And right from the day he was sworn in as the member representing Umunneochi state constituency in the Abia House of Assembly, Nwachi has not slacked in those core call of duty. Umunneochi voice and concerns have never ceased being on air through his meaningful contributions on the floor of the house.
Accomplishments In The Past 3 Years As A Lawmaker
1. BILLS:
Out of 20 private member bills, Nwachi sponsored 7, and these 7 bills have all been passed and signed into law by the Governor. Notable among the bills (which have become laws) include:
(a) The Abia state forest Guard/Corps Bill 2024
(b) The Abia state Homeland security Bill (consolidated)
(c) The Abia state senior citizens welfare bill
(d) The Abia state revenue collection bill
(f) Paternity leave for male civil servants in Abia state civil service
(f) Bill for the establishment of technical/vocational schools in Abia state
2. MOTIONS:
Prominent among the impactful Motions sponsored and moved on the floor of the house by Honourable Mathias Ume include the following:
A) Motion to stop kidnapping in Umunneochi and environs. Worthy of note is that it was this motion that gave rise to “Operation Crush” in Abia state.
B) Motion for rehabilitation of Umunneochi roads
C) Motion for relocation of Umunneochi High Court back to Nkwoagu Isuochi
D) Motion for rehabilitation of Abia state cashew site, and reconstruction of Nmam bridge, Mbala Isuochi
3. CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS
Barely one year in the Abia House of Assembly, Nwachi constituted a constituency projects committee (first of its kind in Abia state) to oversee and execute his constituency projects. The committee was inaugurated on 18/06/2024, and was handed over the only N10 million constituency projects allowance released to him by the Governor of Abia state. A rare demonstration of unprecedented transparency and accountability in history.
And, this N10 million was prudently used to reconstruct a 6-class room block at Nneato secondary school Nneato. To the glory of God, this project was commissioned on 09/01/2025 by the Executive Governor of Abia state, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by the Deputy Governor Engineer Ikechukwu Emetu.
4. HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT (Education)
As a way of giving back to society, Nwachi has awarded scholarships to over 300 students of Peace Comprehensive Secondary School, Amuda Isuochi, from JS1- SS3 from 2024 till date.
Added to this, 41 undergraduates in tertiary institutions across entire Umunneochi have benefited from Honourable Nwachi’s bursary award program since 2023 till date.
Furthermore, Nwachi paid WAEC & NECO registration fees for students in 9 secondary schools across Umunneochi, in the 2024 & 2025 academic years. They are:
- Nneato secondary school
- Umuaku secondary school
- Lokpanta secondary school
- Eziama model secondary school Nneato
- Ngodo comprehensive school
- Queen of Apostles secondary technical college Obulo Eziama Nneato
- Seat of Wisdom Nkwoagu Isuochi
- Leru secondary school.
5. WELFARE
Nwachi’s modest financial assistance to members of his constituency has brought tremendous relief and hope to many homes in Umunneochi.
As a compassionate leader, he has continued to support his constituents’ wellbeing by periodic interventions through payment of school fees, medical bills and “STOMACH INFRASTRUCTURE” assistance to vulnerable individuals and families.
A TEAM PLAYER
As a very good team player, Nwachi works in consultation and collaboration with Umunneochi stakeholders, especially the elected and appointed officials in government of Abia state, thereby leveraging maximal synergistic advantage.
ARGUMENTS FOR RE-ELECTION
An adage says that the rewards for good work/performance is more work. Nwachi has more than paid his dues in terms of quality representation of his constituency in the 8th Abia House of Assembly.
Honourable Ume Mathias has built a long political career representing Umunneochi state constituency. And our arguments for his re-election hinge on experience, capacity, influence, competence and character.
The political game in the 9th Abia House of Assembly is beyond neophytic experiment when we are blessed with a ranking member like Nwachi. Being a ranking lawmaker who currently doubles as Deputy Majority Leader and Chairman of Budget & Appropriation, Nwachi has wider opportunities to lobby, negotiate and secure a better socio-political-economic advantage for his constituency than a neophyte.
In essence, re-election of Nwachi into the 9th Abia State House of Assembly will place Umunneochi at a robust political vantage. More so,
One tenure for a performing lawmaker is not only aberrational, but a disservice to the good people of Umunneochi.
**Rt. Hon. Obi Anyaoha, former leader, Umunneochi Legislative Council, is a public affairs commentator
