Abuja, NIGERIA – In a scathing press statement, Prince Kingsley Chukwuebuka Uwanuakwa, a prominent business mogul and traditional chieftain of Ideato descent, has criticized the Member of the House of Representatives for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, for neglecting his constituents while focusing on issues outside his jurisdiction.
Uwanuakwa, who has long been an advocate for development in the region, accused Ugochinyere of failing to address the pressing issues facing the Ideato area, despite his position as the House Committee Chairman on Downstream Petroleum. According to Uwanuakwa, the lawmaker’s priorities are misplaced, particularly his involvement in matters concerning Rivers State, when the people of Ideato are grappling with severe challenges.
“He has a lot of work to do in Ideato, and he has not even scratched the surface,” Uwanuakwa said. “The people are suffering—there is no potable water, power supply is a major issue, and insecurity has reached alarming levels. Instead of facing the crisis in his own constituency, he’s focused on the troubles of Rivers State.”
The business mogul pointed out that Ideato, a predominantly rural area, urgently requires attention in areas such as infrastructure, security, and basic services. “Our people cannot move about freely without fear of kidnapping, robbery, or worse. We are nearing the Christmas season, and what we need is increased security, not a lawmaker preoccupied with matters of other states. Is that why we elected him?” Uwanuakwa asked.
He further expressed frustration over Ugochinyere’s lack of visible progress in addressing local needs. “People don’t even recognize him as their lawmaker; they only know him as a person who talks a lot but delivers little. It’s time to stop talking and start working,” Uwanuakwa emphasized.
The chieftain also highlighted the inadequacies in the region’s infrastructure, citing dilapidated roads and lack of basic amenities. “Bad roads need to be eliminated, and insecurity needs to be tackled head-on. Can’t we have a military base in Ideato to enhance security? These are not unrealistic demands—they are necessities.”
Uwanuakwa also called on Ugochinyere to collaborate with Senator Osita Bonaventure Izunaso, who represents Imo West Senatorial Zone, to bring national attention to the plight of the people in Ideato. “You have a responsibility to our people. Use your influence to lobby for real change and development here. Don’t waste your time on issues that do not concern you,” Uwanuakwa urged.
In a final plea, he urged the lawmaker to turn his attention back to the southeast and focus on delivering tangible results for his constituents. “It’s time to stop talking and start delivering. The people of Ideato deserve more,” he concluded.
As the next elections approach, Uwanuakwa warned Ugochinyere that the people of Ideato would remember his record when it comes time to cast their votes. “Four years will pass in the blink of an eye, and come election time, Ideato will decide if they want a lawmaker who speaks on national issues, or one who delivers for their own people.”
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