The Abia State House of Assembly has officially sworn in Mr. Aaron Uzodike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the representative for the Aba North State Constituency.
This event took place on Tuesday, nearly nine months after the Court of Appeal in Lagos nullified the election of his predecessor, Mr. Destiny Nwangwu of the Labour Party (LP).
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The Court of Appeal’s ruling on November 27, 2023, declared Uzodike the rightful winner of the March 25, 2023, state Assembly election.
As a result, the court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return previously issued to Nwangwu and to issue a new one to Uzodike.
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Despite this clear directive, Uzodike’s inauguration faced delays, reportedly due to controversies surrounding the court’s judgment.
However, on Tuesday, the Clerk of the House, Mr. JohnPedro Irokansi, administered the oath of office and allegiance to Uzodike during the plenary session.
Following his swearing-in, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Emmanuel Emeruwa, extended congratulations to Uzodike on behalf of his fellow lawmakers.
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In his post-inauguration remarks to the press, Uzodike pledged to serve his constituents diligently and expressed his gratitude to God, Governor Alex Otti, and the Speaker for the opportunity to assume his role.
“Delay is not denial; the end justifies the means. I believe every position one occupies is ordained by God,” Uzodike stated.
In other developments, the Assembly passed the Local Government Amendment Bill, an Executive Bill proposed by the Majority Leader, Mr. Uchenna Okoro of the Arochukwu Constituency.
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This amendment is anticipated to facilitate the smooth conduct of the forthcoming Local Government elections.
The Assembly subsequently adjourned for recess and is scheduled to reconvene on September 24.
