9th November, 2021
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma has challenged members of the Imo State House of Assembly to work as a team at a meeting with new speaker Kennedy Ibe.
Uzodimma also reiterated that he will not interfere in their independence as an arm of government but rather partner with the members on how to serve Imo people better.
Ibe, representing Obowo Constituency replaced Paul Emeziem, on Monday following Emeziem’s removal by his colleagues.
Uzodinma urged the lawmakers to work as a team and eschew tendencies that cause division among them at the meeting held at the New Executive Chambers, Government House Owerri.
He congratulated the lawmakers for resolving to elect the Speaker of their choice peacefully without external interference.
”What happened that resulted into a peaceful and democratic election of the new Speaker is a victory for democracy,” he said.
“Imo State needs a united, functional, effective and efficient House of Assembly that will work towards giving the people the desired dividends of democracy,” he said.
The governor noted that as a democrat he submits to the doctrine of Separation of Powers, insisting that “when this is fully applied the three arms will surely deliver on their mandate.”
He called on the members to imbibe the spirit of teamwork, requesting that they “forgive each other and forge ahead.”
Uzodimma also reminded the lawmakers that God is the ultimate decider of what anyone will be in life and, or what position one will occupy as a human being.
The member representing Njaba State Constituency, Uju Onwudiwe presented the new speaker to Uzodimma.
He described Ibe as “a reliable, trusted and experienced member of the House” and that they “promised to work together to achieve a viable House of Assembly.”
Eddy Obinna representing Aboh Mbaise State Constituency described . Ibe as a “round peg in a round hole,” assuring that “there will be no more rumbles in the State House of Assembly.”
Speaker Ibe thanked the governor for finding time to receive them and prayed to God to help him leave up to the expectations of his colleagues and Imo State in general.
He promised that the House under his watch will be “productive, efficient and effective” and that he will not take his unanimous election by his colleagues for granted.
He apologized for the past distractions at the House of Assembly and promised a “viable and vibrant House that will support the 3R mantra and assist his Excellency move Imo State to the zenith level.”
Those present at the event were the Chairman of Imo State APC, MacDonald Ebere, his predecessor, Marcellinus Nlemigbo and the party secretary Greg Madu.
Secretary to State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, Chief of Staff Government House, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. C.O.C Akaolisa, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba also witnessed the reception.
The Speaker was accompanied by the Deputy Speaker, Chyna Amara Iwuanyanwu, the Majority Leader, Kanayo Onyemaechi, the Majority Whip, Arthur Egwim.
The two former Speakers, Chiji Collins and Paul Emeziem were also present.