Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Goodluck Nana Opiah, has sworn in Hon. Benjamin Emereonye of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) as the member representing Ahiazu Mbaise state constituency to replace the ousted PDP member, Pius Nwoga, in the state legislature.
This followed a recent ruling of the Court of Appeal on the appeal filed by Emereonye, the APGA candidate for the House of Assembly elections held 14th April, 2007, challenging the earlier verdict of the lower tribunal that sat in Owerri headed by Hon. Justice Ibrahim Mairiga.
The Mairiga led tribunal had in its ruling on the petition filed by the APGA candidate challenging the return of Mr. Pius Nwoga as winner of the controversial April 14 general election in the state, adjudged Emereonye winner of the election, having polled the majority of lawful votes cast but ruled that his petition was incompetent as it did comply with paragraph 4(i)(c) of the first schedule of the Electoral Act 2006.
Performing the swearing-in of the new member, the speaker, Opiah, welcomed Emereonye to the hallowed chambers of the House, assuring him of the co-operation of the leadership and membership of the House. The speaker explained that the inauguration of the new member was in obedience to the Appeal Court ruling saying that the Assembly believes in the principle of the rule of law at all times.
He urged him to see his emergence as an opportunity to serve and contribute his quota towards the development of his constituency and the state in general, adding that he should see other members as partners in progress, irrespective of political party affiliation. Opiah, who informed the new member that the PDP members being the majority have continued to work harmoniously with a few of the opposition members, added that the legislature has been enjoying a harmonious relationship with the executive arm of government and urged him to ensure that his entrance would not breach the relationship.
Emereonye, in his response, thanked the speaker and members of the IMHA for the warm reception and assured them of his willingness to work in tandem with the goals and aspirations of the House. He stated that his final victory at the Appeal Court is a clear testimony that the judiciary remains the last hope of the ordinary citizen and commended all those who stood behind him for their support. The fresh lawmaker assured that he would not disappoint his party, the people of Ahiazu Mbaise and the state in general and called for continued cooperation and assistance to enable him deliver.
Speaking after the swearing in ceremony, Chief Simeon Udunka, APGA national vice chairman (South-East), expressed joy over the victory of the party pointing out that they knew that nobody can disrespect and undermine the order of the apex court. He said that APGA members live and work under the constitution of the country and stand together on true democratic practice and rule of law on democratic level playing ground, describing Emereonye as a worthy representative of both the party and his constituency.
kenneth uwadi