Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has charged members of the newly inuagurated 8th Assembly to ensure they offer qualify representation that would positively impact on their constituents and the state at large.
Gov Otti gave the charge at the State House of Assembly complex during the inuaguration of the 8th Assembly which produced two members of the ruling Labour Party (LP) Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, member representing Aba South state Constituency and Hon. Okezie Augustine Nmeregini,member representing Umuahia East state constituency as Speaker and deputy speaker respectively.
The Governor further charged the newly inuagurated lawmakers to establish and maintain constant touch with their constituents adding that they should not forget their duties and obligations to the people.
He said: “I’ve always had the view that elections will come and go, once elections go, governance sets in.
“I would like to call your attention to the enormous responsibility that you have and to also let you know that the expectation of the people who voted you and I on the 18th of March this year, are very high.
“I have taken a personal commitment that I will not disappoint them and I would like you to join me in ensuring that we do not disappoint Abia people.
“You can say that there are problems, there are challenges, there’s no money, infrastructural decay is the other of the day but those will soon pave into insignificance and become excuses. The reality is that if all these things were there, then you didn’t need to have been voted to come and do something. So people have called upon you too come and solve problems because they understand that problems are there.
“Our government would be a government of zero excuses and 100% action.
“Always have it at the back of your mind that you cannot make yourself even as a member of the house of assembly, you could not have brought yourself here. If God did not will it, it will not happen and if the people did not will it, you will not be voted.
“Because you cannot make yourself, you should always remember the people who made you and the good news is that the people who made you are your people. Even if you go to bed hungry without food, don’t let your people go to bed hungry”.
Otti, who used the occasion to renew his administration’s avowed commitment to serving the Abia people better, also extended his hands of fellowship to members of the opposition party and called on them to join hands with his government to deliver democracy dividends to the people of the state.
He prayed God to direct the newly inaugurated members of the 8th House to preside over the Affairs of the people and for the smooth running of government.
In his acceptance speech,the newly inaugurated speaker of the 8th Assembly,Hon Emmanuel Emeruwa while expressing gratitude to his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him,pledged to serve Abians with unwavering dedication and commitment.
He further added that the 8th House of Assembly will legislate good laws that would enhance the wellbeing of the people as well as support the executive arm of government.
