1 month ago
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By Leonard Okachie
The Abia House of Assembly has inaugurated Mr Aaron Uzodike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) almost nine months after the Court of Appeal, sitting in Lagos declared him the winner of Aba North State Constituency.
The Court had on November 27, 2023 sacked Mr Destiny Nwangwu of the Labour Party (LP) who was initially declared winner of the seat.
Consequently, the court declared Uzodike, who was a member of the seventh legislature, winner of the March 25, 2023 state Assembly election.
The court had ordered the immediate withdrawal of the Certificate of Return earlier issued to Nwangwu by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In compliance with the order, INEC issued a fresh certificate of return to the PDP candidate.
Uzodike’s inauguration was, however, delayed after it was alleged that the court judgment was surrounded by controversies.
The Clerk of the House, Mr JohnPedro Irokansi, administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance on him during the plenary session.
In a breif remark after the inauguration, the Speaker, Mr Emmanuel Emeruwa, congratulated Uzodike, on behalf of other lawmakers, for returning to the House.
Speaking with newsmen later, Uzodike promised to provide good representation to his constituents.
He expressed gratitude to God, Gov. Alex Otti and the Speaker for his inauguration.
“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.
NAN reports that the lawmakers, thereafter, adjourned for a recess to reconvene on September 24. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
LEO/BEKl/USO
Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Sam Oditah
