I Didn’t Defame Nkwonta, I Only Demanded My Over 12 Months’ Unpaid Salaries — Ugwumba Adiele Cries Out

Comrade Ugwumba Adiele, a former Special Assistant on New Media to the Member representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency, Hon Chris Nkwonta, has raised concerns over what he described as unfair treatment following a lawsuit filed against him by the federal lawmaker.

Ugwumba, who also served as the Constituency Collation Agent For the Lawmaker during the last general election, disclosed that he was served a writ of summons by Hon Chris Nkwonta, who is demanding ₦5 billion in damages over alleged defamation.

Speaking with journalists in Umuahia, Adiele insisted that he did not defame anyone, maintaining that his only offence was requesting payment of his over 12 months’ outstanding salaries.

Recounting the incident, he explained that on January 15, 2025, the Abia State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Elder Abraham Amah, visited Ukwa East(his ward in particular) on a thank-you tour after his election. During the visit, he said Amah reportedly criticized some members of the party who won their elections under the PDP platform but had left the party, including Hon Nkwonta, describing them as ungrateful.

“After the meeting, Nkwonta severed relationship from that day up until today for not “insulting and challenging” the State PDP Chairman, during a gathering where he was criticized.From that moment, he cut ties with me and stopped paying my salary”, Adiele said.

He added that despite making several attempts to resolve the issue, including requesting either payment or formal termination of his appointment, no action was taken.

Adiele further stated that tensions escalated after he raised concerns about accountability regarding a constituency project facilitated by the lawmaker.

He noted that he was later shocked to receive a legal notice summoning him to appear in court on June 3, 2026, in Abuja.

Reflecting on his time in service, Adiele said he used his personal vehicle to carry out official duties, including transporting aides and that the vehicle eventually broke down with the promise of a replacement from the Lawmaker, which he said never happened.

“Instead of being compensated, I am now facing a lawsuit”, he lamented.

The suit, filed at the FCT High Court, Court 59, Asokoro, Abuja, accused Adiele of making false and damaging statements on social media concerning the handling of constituency projects. The lawmaker alleged that the claims, particularly that his biological children were used as incorporated trustees to manage a federal government project, have caused significant reputational damage.

As at the time of this report, efforts to reach the Lawmaker proved abortive, as he did not pick up his calls.