By Prince Udensi

When the carefree Dangote truck loaded with full cement collapsed the Nmuri bridge which has been the subject of poor management spanning over thirty (30) years, it was the subject of reflection and analysis by Political pundits, developmental, and local observers on why the Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency which has produced notable leaders across all governance level could not find a lasting solution to a road that is crucial to the socio-economic livelihood of the federal constituency, Little did they know that a hunter does not go hunting unprepared, as a pro masses representative, Hon. Uko Nkole feels the pain of his constituents directly and articulates issues and solutions even before they arise.

Obviously, palliative works could no longer become feasible as the bridge has already lost shape as regards the reoccurring issues which are now being firmly resolved by repairs of the bailey and construction of a new concrete bridge, as facilitated by Hon. Uko Nkole.

Given the core constitutional mandate of a legislator, viz Bills and motions, oversight and representation, the Ozu-Abam born federal legislator has through his experience in federal civil service coupled with his exposure to world environmental organizations and bodies with determined efforts applied the principles of intense lobbying with the relevant MDAS in the executive branch defiling pecuniary permutations and odds to surpass expectations at the green chambers.

His Midas touch and unrelenting efforts have repositioned the federal constituency to a reconstruction site and project hub, with human capital development and empowerment not excluding.

From the constantly targeted reinstatement of the failed portions of the once deplorable Umuahia Bende Ozu-Abam Ohafia Road (Route F107) since 2016 till date to the Ndi Okereke Abam Water Scheme, the borehole at Umuzomgbo and Umunabuo at Ihechiowa respectively, to the rehabilitation of Anyim bridge that links Abia to Akwa-Ibom state in Atan Abam, to the completion of Afagala bridge in Idima Abam, to the construction of bedroom apartment for widows, both in Amuri Abam and Ebem Ohafia, and the furnishing and construction of administration block in Nkporo, the attraction of solar-based E-learning centre with over 40 Computer sets at Ozu-Abam high school, provision of school desk at Amaekpu, Abriba and construction and furnishing of an administrative block for Nkporo comprehensive secondary school, Nkporo Ohafia. Construction of five classroom blocks and a Laboratory for technical school, Ututu, provision of 33KVA transformer for Atan Abam after nine (9) years without electricity supply, donation of the complete musical instrument while funding its subsequent installation at the Presbyterian Church, Isiamah Parish, and the structural improvement of the following parishes;
Presbyterian Church Atan Abam,
Presbyterian Church Ndi Oji Abam,
Presbyterian Church Ameke Abam. Procurement of drugs and health equipment distributed to General hospitals and health centres in Arochukwu and Ohafia including,
Ututu Cottage Hospital,
Ndi Ememe Abam PHC,
Amuru Abam PHC,
Ndi Ebe Abam PHC,
Akanu Ohafia PHC,
Abia Ohafia PHC,
Ozu Abam PHC
The rehabilitation of Ishimini in Elu Ohafia, facilitation of Akaanu Ohafia divisional water scheme,
Among others too numerous to recount.

Among Hon. Nkole’s numerous legislative interventions, the teeming youths and Students’ are part of the biggest beneficiaries, having supported all students’ activities in Abia State, has also been the only federal lawmaker in the state to make palliatives available, specifically for students.

As it is in his nature, Hon. Uko Nkole remains resolute to do more, even outside his legislative functions.

This, not to gain the applause of the onlookers or pundits, but in solidification of a significant legacy that has made the Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency to be the subject of local and national discussion. While looking backward on the leading hemisphere of the Ohafia/Arochukwu federal constituency and in genuine comparison of our previous antecedents, the name Rt. Hon. Uko Ndukwe Nkole would have been written in gold on the right side of history. Courtesy of his foresight, leadership acumen, and magnanimous nature.