The Abia House of Assembly officially inaugurated Aaron Uzodike of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the representative for Aba North State Constituency. Uzodike replaces Destiny Nwangwu of the Labour Party, LP, who was removed from office by a Court of Appeal decision.
Uzodike’s inauguration follows a ruling from the Court of Appeal in Lagos, which on November 27, 2023, annulled Nwangwu’s election.
The court declared Uzodike, a former member of the seventh legislature, as the winner of the March 25, 2023, state assembly election and ordered the withdrawal of Nwangwu’s Certificate of Return issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,.
In compliance with the court’s directive, INEC issued a new certificate of return to Uzodike. However, his inauguration was delayed due to controversies surrounding the court ruling.
During the plenary session, the Clerk of the House, JohnPedro Irokansi, administered the oath of office and allegiance to Uzodike.
Following the inauguration, Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa congratulated Uzodike on behalf of the assembly members for his return to the House.
In a subsequent interview, Uzodike vowed to offer effective representation for his constituents and expressed his gratitude to God, Governor Alex Otti, and the Speaker for his reinstatement.
“Delay is not denial, the end justifies the means and I want to say that every position you are occupying is from God,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Assembly has passed the Local Government Amendment Bill.
The Executive Bill, sponsored by the Majority Leader, Mr Uchenna Okoro, representing Arochukwu Constituency, is expected to pave the way for the smooth conduct of the upcoming Local Government elections.
The lawmakers, thereafter, adjourned for a recess to reconvene on September 24.
(allnews.ng)
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