As the 8th Abia State House of Assembly marks its two-year milestone, the spotlight fittingly shines on Hon. Mathias Ume (popularly known as Nwachi), the Deputy Majority Leader and Member representing Umunneochi State Constituency.
A first-term legislator who was inaugurated on June 14, 2023, by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti (OFR), Hon. Ume has swiftly emerged as one of the most effective lawmakers in the State Assembly. With a reputation for diligence, legislative innovation, and unrelenting service to his people, he has redefined what it means to represent with purpose.
Long before the 2023 general elections brought him into the limelight at the state level, Ume had already planted the seeds of public service, driven by a compelling mission for humanity and community development.
A Vision Born of Service and Sacrifice
Hon. Ume’s journey into politics is not recent; it is a continuation of a calling he embraced early in life. In an interview granted during his candidacy under the Labour Party ahead of the 2023 elections, he shared how his aspiration to represent Umunneochi at the House of Assembly was rooted in a long-standing desire to serve his people.
He recounted how he began this mission as a councillor representing the Ubahu/Akawa/Aroikpa Ward during the early years of Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation. Although he had hoped to continue that trajectory in 2003, the political environment at the time proved restrictive.
However, with the advent of the new electoral law, Hon. Ume saw renewed hope and seized the opportunity to return to public office, not for ambition’s sake, but to continue what he had begun: a mission of responsive representation.
According to him, Umunneochi had suffered gross under-representation since the return of democracy in 1999. He lamented that the true measure of legislative effectiveness, namely, the volume and quality of development attracted to a constituency, had been lacking. It was this realization that propelled him to promise a different kind of representation, one anchored on tangible results, strategic legislation, and grassroots-oriented governance.
During the campaign, Ume boldly declared: “I will sponsor people-oriented bills in the House. Bills that will cater for 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.”
Two years later, it is evident that this was not mere campaign rhetoric but a personal vow that has translated into verifiable action and results.
Dedication to Duty and Legislative Integrity
From the outset of his tenure, Hon. Mathias Ume has shown unwavering dedication to his duties. He boasts an unbroken 100% attendance record at plenary sessions—a rare feat that signals his commitment to promoting accountability, enhancing legislative decision-making, and respecting the trust of his constituents. This consistency reflects not only a sense of personal discipline but also a deep understanding of the sanctity of the democratic institution he serves.
Empowering the Next Generation through Education
Education remains a cornerstone of Hon. Ume’s legislative and constituency focus. Recognizing the foundational role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering youth, he has sponsored a range of initiatives.
Notably, he fully covered the WAEC/NECO registration fees for 120 students—drawn from both public and private schools—for the 2024/2025 academic year. In higher education, he has awarded ₦100,000 scholarships to 100 undergraduates and initiated a four-year scholarship scheme for Peace Comprehensive College students. Now in its second year, this program will run through the end of his first term, aligning with the graduation year of most beneficiaries.
Furthermore, his investment in infrastructure is tangible. A four-classroom block at Nneato Secondary School, renovated under his oversight and commissioned in early 2025, stands as a testament to his belief that a conducive learning environment is as important as financial support.
It is gratifying to note that through Nwachi’s doggedness, His Excellency Dr Alex Otti has graciously approved the renovation of Mbala Community Primary School and Mbala Community High School as earlier submitted in the 2025 budget by Hon. Ume. The process of awarding the job to the contractor is already ongoing at the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB).
Legislative Activism and Advocacy for Infrastructure
As a lawmaker, Hon. Ume has used his platform to spotlight critical infrastructure issues in Umunneochi. He sponsored a motion urging the Abia State Government to rehabilitate feeder roads in strategic areas like Akawa–Aroikpa, Mbala–Umuaku–Ngodo, and Eke Eziama to Nkwo Umunze. His advocacy emphasizes the significance of rural connectivity, which is key to unlocking economic opportunities and easing mobility for rural dwellers.
Security, Policy Impact, and Progressive Bills
One of Hon. Ume’s hallmark contributions has been in the area of security and policy legislation. He was instrumental in giving legislative backing to “Operation Crush,” the anti-banditry initiative that has contributed to improved security across the state. Equally commendable is his role in sponsoring and pushing for the passage of the law establishing the Office for Senior Citizens in Abia State—a bold move that shows his inclusive approach to governance.
Additionally, his pivotal support helped establish the legal framework for the Abia State Homeland Security, a strategic response to the state’s evolving security needs. Forward-thinking and sensitive to the changing dynamics of family life, he also sponsored a motion for paternity leave in the Abia State Civil Service, proposing 21 working days of leave for male officers. The motion, now passed, is hailed as a progressive step toward gender-inclusive policies and family support in governance.
Leadership in Budget and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Beyond floor debates, Hon. Ume plays a crucial role in shaping the state’s fiscal direction. As Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Planning—with additional oversight of SDGs and multilateral affairs—he has demonstrated fiscal prudence and strategic vision. His leadership in this area ensures that Umunneochi has a voice in resource distribution while aligning development priorities with the state’s long-term sustainability goals.
Delivering Constituency Projects with Transparency
Perhaps most impressively, Hon. Ume established a Constituency Project Committee to guide the transparent execution of local development initiatives. One of the committee’s major feats was the successful retrofitting of five blocks of classrooms at Nneato Secondary School in Ebelebe Nneato.
The Governor, through the Deputy Governor who commissioned the project, commended the effort, highlighting it as an example of education-centred development. This act reinforced Ume’s commitment to both project execution and safeguarding public infrastructure.
A Vision for the Next Two Years
As Hon. Ume steps into the second half of his tenure, he is not resting on his laurels. He has articulated a bold and people-focused vision aimed at consolidating past achievements and exploring new frontiers.
He plans to deepen investments in education and youth development by expanding scholarship schemes, incorporating postgraduate and vocational training support, and championing rural electrification and water supply projects that will enhance the quality of life in remote communities.
In healthcare, he intends to launch community sensitization programs on mental health and drug addiction, which has become a growing concern among the youth population.
On security and governance, Hon. Ume is expected to continue hosting town hall meetings across all wards to sustain community engagement, while sponsoring more constituency-specific bills. He also aims to intensify monitoring of government projects and policies within Umunneochi to ensure timely delivery and alignment with SDG targets.
In his drive for greater development, he seeks to forge alliances with federal legislators to attract federal road and utility projects and initiate collaborative frameworks with neighbouring LGAs for large-scale regional development.
Finally, he is committed to enhancing transparency and communication, ensuring that constituents are continually informed of progress, policies, and opportunities.
For Ndi Umunneochi, it has never been this good in terms of legislative activism and responsibility. And that is why majority of Ndi Umunneochi believe that for the purposes of continuity and sustenance of the high development rhythm being witnessed in Abia State under Governor Alex Chioma Otti, the performing and winning team of the Governor and Hon. Mathias Ume should continue for a second term come 2027.
A Promise Rooted in Performance
In just two years, Hon. Mathias Ume has built an enviable track record as a responsive, responsible, and resourceful legislator. As he looks ahead to the remaining years of his first term, the people of Umunneochi can be confident that their voice in the Abia State House of Assembly is not only being heard but is actively shaping the future of the constituency.
With continued commitment, strategic partnerships, and the grace of God, Hon. Ume is well on his way to cementing a legacy as one of the finest lawmakers in Umunneochi’s history.