It is Tuesday 24th September, 2019.
Welcome to a new Legislative Day at the Abia State House of Assembly.
The Sergeant-At-Arms ushered the Speaker Rt.Hon.Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Uchendu and other Principal Officers to the hallowed chamber of the Abia State House of Assembly.
The Member representing Isuikwuato State Constituency, Hon. Barr Emeka Okoroafor, prayed before the commencement of the House sitting at exactly 12:34pm.
Observations and Adoption of VOTES and PROCEEDINGS of Monday 23rd September, 2019.
The Speaker asked the House Members to check Votes and Proceedings of Monday 23rd September, 2019.
“Distinguished Colleagues, you are welcome to today’s Plenary Session this 24th Day of September, 2019. Before we proceed, may we go through the Votes and Proceedings of Monday 23rd of September, 2019.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Solomon Akpulonu moved the motion that the House adopt the Votes and Proceedings.
Correspondence from the Governor of Abia State.
“Rt. Hon. Speaker,
Abia State House of Assembly,
“I write to forward the names of Barr Bob Uko as a Commissioner in Abia State. He is to replace Hon Eziuche Ubani”.
Personal Explanation.
The Member representing Umuahia South State Constituency, Hon Barr Jerry Uzosike, brought a personal explanation over the demise of his mother who died few months ago.
“She will be buried, according to the decision of the Church, on the 30th of December. I want to use this Opportunity to invite us and ask the House to put the family in Prayers even as you mourn with us”
The Speaker Rt.Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, on behalf of the Abia State House of Assembly, condoled with Hon Barr Jerry Uzosike over the loss of his Mother.
MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE.
No Matter of Urgent Public Importance.
ORDER PAPER.
THE clerk, Sir John Pedro Irokansi, read the Order Paper for the day, Tuesday, 24th September, 2019, as follows:
(1) Continuation of Screening of Commissioner Nominees.
The Majority Leader, Hon Solomon Akpulonu, moved the motion that the House continued with the screening of Commissioner Nominees. The Minority Leader, Hon Abraham Oba, seconded the motion while the House responded in the affirmative when the Speaker put it into vote.
The Sergeant-At-Arms ushered in the first Commissioner Nominee, Dr Cosmos Ndukwe.
The Speaker asked the nominee to introduce himself to the Assembly and identify his immediate Representative which he did in the person of Hon.Chijioke Chukwu.
The Lawmaker representing Bende North State Constituency, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, asked the House to ask the commissioner nominee questions.
“Rt.Hon Cosmos Ndukwe since 1999 has traversed the state right from the time he was elected as a Councillor. It would also interest you that the man has served the state as a Chief of Staff.
“One thing I want you to know is that the man displayed an extra ordinary statesmanship during the last election.
“On that note Mr Speaker, my dear colleagues, I implore us to allow him take a bow and go.”
The Speaker therefore asked the nominee, Dr Cosmos Ndukwe, to take a bow and go.
The Sergeant-At-Arms ushered the next nominee, Barr. Suleiman Ukandu.
The nominee having introduced himself, the Speaker opened the questioning session with the following statement.
“I know Barr.Suleiman Ukandu as a gentleman, he is an intelligent man, an honest man, and most importantly, my campaign Director that worked so hard to see me through in the last election that brought me to this House.
“If it is the wish of this House, the floor is open for questions”, the Speaker said.
The Lawmaker representing Umuahia North State Constituency, Hon Kelechi Onuzuruike, said Barr Suleiman Ukandu is well known to him.
“Mr Speaker, my Honourable Colleagues, I hereby move that we extend the same privilege given to a commissioner nominee yesterday by virtue of our former Speaker’s intervention. I therefore move that we allow the nominee to take a bow and leave”, he said.
The Lawmaker Representing Isialangwa North State Constituency, Hon Ginger Onwusibe, supported the call to extend the same privilege in reference to Barr Suleiman Ukandu because, according to him, he has at various times delivered to the people of Abia State.
The Member representing Bende North Constituency asked the nominee what he could do about the crisis between farmers and Fulani herdsmen.
However, Hon. Jerry Uzosike Representing Umuahia South State Constituency called his colleague to order. Based on that, the Speaker overruled the question by The Hon Member for Bende North Hon Chijioke Chukwu.
The Speaker Subsequently asked the nominee to take a bow and exit the Chamber.
The Sergeant-At-Arms ushered in the next Commissioner Nominee, Mr Chimaobi Obisike.
The Speaker welcomed the nominee and asked him to introduce himself to the Members of the Assembly and identify all the three Members representing the whole of Aba in the Chamber.
The nominee therefore identified Hon.Aaron Uzodike, Hon.Abraham Oba and Hon.Obinna Ichita.
The Lawmakers for Aba North, Aba Central and Aba South State Constituencies all urged the House to support the screening of the nominee.
The Lawmaker representing Ohafia North State Constituency, Hon. Mandela Obasi, in his question to the nominee, asked the nominee if he was happy the way Aba, the commercial nerve Centre of Abia, is.
However, the Speaker overruled him while asking the nominee what new thing he would bring to Abia if confirmed as a Commissioner.
The nominee said he would consult widely before taking any decision as a Commissioner so that his decisions would positively affect Abians.
At that point, the Speaker asked the nominee to take a bow and exit the Chamber.
The Sergeant-At-Arms ushered in the next Commissioner Nominee, Mr John Okoro.
The Speaker asked the nominee to introduce himself and identify his Representative.
The nominee introduced himself and identified the Lawmaker representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon. Mike Ukoha as his Representative.
The Lawmaker representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon Mike Ukoha, in his commendation concerning the nominee, said Mr John Okoro is a man that can deliver on any assignment.
“Mr Speaker, the nominee has the mandate of Arochukwu people and also my full Support”, he said.
The Speaker then proceeded to ask the Honourable Members for Questions.
The Lawmaker representing Umunneochi State Constituency solicited that the house go easy on the nominee because “he is a good man”.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, commended the nominee over his rich Curriculum Vitae.
“My question is very simple, you have a Masters Degree in Business Adminstration and Marketing, in any ministry the Governor may see fit to deploy you to, how can you use your wealth of experience to market this State?”
The nominee, Mr John Okoro, said he would bring his wealth of experience to help in marketing the State.
The Member representing Osisioma Ngwa North State Constituency asked the nominee about his Unique Selling Point for the State.
The nominee said as a person, he would bring his wealth of experience to bear in the service of the State.
The Lawmaker representing Aba North State Constituency, Hon. Aaron Uzosike, asked the nominee what he would do if he was appointed Commissioner for Education.
The nominee said he would approach the assignment with every sense of seriousness.
The Speaker then said it was good to ask the nominee questions so that people would know more about him. He thereafter asked the nominee to take a bow and exit the chamber.
The Sergeant-At-Arms ushered in the next Commissioner Nominee, Mr Onyema Wachukwu.
The Speaker asked the nominee to introduce himself and identify his immediate Representative whom he named as Hon Ginger Onwusibe who asked the House to look the other way and allow him to take a “bow and go” moments after speaking briefly about the nominee’s profile.
However, the Speaker differed with the Honourable Lawmaker saying, “Member for Isialangwa, we would drill him here”.
The Lawmakers for Isiukwuato and Osisioma North State Constituencies asked the nominee his plans for Eradication of poverty and how to engage the youth if he is made the Commissioner for Youth.
The nominee, Mr Onyema Wachukwu, in his answers said he would apply every technology to engage the youth. “I believe that if we focus on that, honestly, I believe we would succeed”.
The Lawmaker representing Umuahia South State Constituency, Hon Barr Jerry Uzosike, also asked the nominee how he would carry the youths along in his office as a Commissioner.
Wachukwu assured the Lawmakers of his commitment to serve in any Ministry he is assigned saying, “My Honourable Member Ginger is a great example to me, I am not for Isialangwa people alone but for the entire State” even as he assured that he would never disappoint no matter what happens.
The Speaker in his remarks, urged the nominee to ensure that he carries the youth along in his new assignment after which he asked him to take a bow and leave the chamber.
The Sergeant-At-Arms ushered in the next Commissioner Nominee, Mr Emeka Ikwuagwu.
The Speaker asked the nominee to introduce himself and identify his immediate Representative whom he named as Hon. Barr Emeka Okoroafor.
Hon. Emeka Okoroafor said he has the mandate of the people of Isuikwuato to present the nominee for screening.
The Lawmaker representing Osisioma Ngwa South State Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Allen, in his question to the nominee asked how he would handle the issue of housing if he was made the Abia State Commissioner for Housing.
The nominee Chief Emeka Ikwuagwu in his response said he would bring his wealth of experience in estate manage to bear in his new role.
The Lawmaker Representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Hon Godwin Adiele, asked the nominee how he would ensure accommodation for the Honourable Members.
On his part, Rt.Hon.Kennedy Njoku asked the nominee his simplest policy and program for Abia State.
The Commissioner Nominee Chief Emeka Ikwuagwu in his response said he would advise the Governor that evey Government functionary should build a House in Abia State because most Abians erect gigantic buildings outside.
The Speaker asked the nominee to take a bow and exit the chamber after rounds of intense questioning.
The Sergeant-At-Arms ushered in the next Commissioner Nominee, Barr. Ekele Nwaohanmuo.
The Speaker, as usual, asked the nominee to introduce himself and identify his immediate representative whom he named as Hon Nnamdi Allen.
In his introductory remark, Hon. Nnamdi Allen said based on the qualities and past performances of the nominee, the House might need to ensure his smooth screening.
Speaking further, he solicited the support of the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kennedy Njoku, to ensure the nominee only takes a bow.
Responding to the call, Rt. Hon. Kennedy Njoku pleaded with the House to give the nominee soft landing.
The Member representing Ukwa East State Constituency, Hon. Paul Taribo, said the nominee is a well known party man who has done well for his people, he therefore pleaded that the nominee be allowed to bow and go.
However, the Lawmaker representing Isialangwa North State Constituency in his question to the nominee, asked how he intends to calm the political disagreements in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government.
Responding, Nwaohanmuo said he belongs to Osisioma Ngwa Political Group and assured that he would ensure sustained peace in his area.
The Speaker then asked him to take a bow and exit the Chambers.
The Sergeant at Arms ushered in the next Commissioner Nominee, Mrs Ukachi Amala.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon.Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, asked the nominee to introduce herself and identify her immediate representative whom she named as Rt.Hon.Kennedy Njoku.
Rt.Hon.Kennedy Njoku in his remarks about the nominee said the good people of Osisioma Ngwa North State Constituency have given him the mandate to present the Commissioner Nominee for screening.
“Mr Speaker, Chief Mrs Ukachi Amala is a very good woman; she played a very important role for me during the last election.
“Mr Speaker, as a former Presiding Officer of this House, I plead that we allow her to take a bow and go”.
The Speaker Rt Hon Chinedum Orji said although he had expected more women to be nominated, “I will oblige our former Presiding Officer here and ask the nominee to take her piece of paper, take a bow and leave” which she did.
The Sergeant-At-Arms ushered in the next Commissioner Nominee, Mr Ikpechukwu Onuoha.
The Speaker asked the nominee to introduce himself and identify his immediate Representative whom he named as Hon Godwin Adiele.
The Member representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Hon.Godwin Adiele, in his remarks said the nominee is an upright and sincere man, “I am not Surprised that he is here today as a Commissioner nominee” he said.
Thereafter, the Speaker called for questions from the Lawmakers.
The Lawmaker representing Ukwa East State Constituency, Hon. Paul Taribo, appreciated the Governor for nominating the Commissioner Nominee.
After answering questions from the Members, the Speaker asked the nominee to take a bow and exit the Chamber.
The Sergeant-At-Arms ushered in the next Commissioner Nominee, Prince Dan Okoli.
The Speaker asked the nominee to introduce himself, identify his immediate representative whom he named as Hon Okey Igwe of Umunneochi.
The Lawmaker representing Umunneochi State Constituency Hon Barr.Okey Igwe asked the House to support the screening of the Commissioner Nominee.
The Speaker said based on the awards from the House of Representatives attached to the CV of the nominee, the nominee should take a bow and exit the Chamber.
The Sergeant-At-Arms then ushered in the next Commissioner Nominee, Dr K.C. Nwangwa.
The Speaker asked the nominee to introduce himself and identify his immediate Representative whom he named as Hon Barr.Thomas Nkoro.
The Member representing Obingwa West State Constituency, Hon Barr.Thomas Nkoro, said the Commissioner nominee being a man of God has a very rich and forthright background, he therefore pleaded that he be allowed to take a bow and go.
The Speaker said based on what the nominee has as his Curriculum Vitae, “these are the kind of qualities needed in Abia”.
The Speaker therefore asked the nominee to take a bow and be kindly escorted out from the Chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Mrs Uwaoma Olewengwa was the next Commissioner Nominee ushered into the Chamber by the Sergeant-At-Arms.
The Speaker as usual asked the Commissioner Nominee to introduce herself and identify her immediate representative whom she named as Hon. Sir Abraham Oba.
The Minority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Sir Abraham Oba, in his remarks said his familiarity with the nominee dated back to 2002 when they began the “Otu Onu Movement”, he pleaded with his colleagues to confirm her.
The Speaker then turned to the House and when no Member asked the nominee any question, he asked her to take a bow and go.
The Nominee before her exit appreciated the Speaker, Rt Hon Chinedum Orji, and the entire Members of the Abia State House of Assembly over the renovation of the Chamber and Assembly complex describing it as a rare feat.
The Sergeant-At-Arms ushered in the next Commissioner Nominee, Dr Joe Osuji, into the Chamber.
The Speaker asked the nominee to introduce himself.
The Majority Leader, Hon.Solomon Akpulonu, in his remarks about the nominee, said he is an adopted son of Obingwa. He solicited the support of his colleagues to allow him take a bow and go.
The Member Representing Ugwunagbo in his support to the Majority Leader said the House Members should clear the nominee to prove to other states that despite artificial demarcations, we are all one.
For Hon Thomas Nkoro of Obingwa West, he supported that the nominee be allowed to take a bow and go.
Speaking about the nominee, the Speaker said it is the prerogative of the Governor to appoint whomsoever he wishes into his Government.
He warned the Nominee to be mindful of any external interference in the line of his duties. “Any directive outside your place of work will be resisted by this Assembly”, he warned.
The nominee was then told to take a bow and go.
After that, the Speaker beckoned on the Majority Leader to move his motion for the House to revert back to full Plenary.
The Majority Leader moved the motion while the Minority Leader seconded it and the House responded in the affirmative when the Speaker put it up for vote.
The House Subsequently reverted back to full Plenary.
The Speaker reported progress of the quasi-Plenary to the House.
NEXT ITEM ON THE ORDER PAPER
(2) ADJOURNMENT.
The Majority Leader, Hon Solomon Akpulonu, moved that the House adjourn Plenary to resume on Wednesday 25th September 2019, the Minority Seconded the Motion while the House responded in the Affirmative.
The Abia State House of Assembly adjourned Plenary till Wednesday 25th September 2019 at 110 am
Courtesy: Media Unit, Office of the Rt.Hon.Speaker, A bia State House of Assembly.
