Deputy Majority Leader Relinquishes Position, House Advances Key Electricity Bill
The Abia State House of Assembly has passed a resolution giving the contractor handling the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene road project a seven-day ultimatum to return to the site and address the deplorable section between Umuana First Gate and Ehimiri Police Station.
The House further directed that, should the contractor fail to comply, the State Ministry of Works must immediately intervene and carry out remediation work on the affected sections to alleviate the suffering of road users.
Announcing the resolution, Speaker Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa commended the Deputy Speaker and the House Committee on Works for their proactive efforts. He expressed dismay over the contractor’s delay in addressing the deteriorating road conditions, especially with the festive season fast approaching.
The resolution followed a report presented to the House after a Matter of Urgent Public Importance was raised by the Deputy Speaker and member representing Umuahia East State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Augustine Okezie. He highlighted the dire state of certain sections of the road under reconstruction, which has caused significant hardship and financial losses to commuters and residents.
In another development, the House committed HAB 23: A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Establishment, Development, and Administration of the Abia State Electricity Market and the Establishment of the State Electricity Regulatory Authority and Electricity Fund to its Committee on Public Utilities and Water Resources. The Committee is tasked with conducting a public hearing and reporting back to the House.
Meanwhile, under a Personal Explanation, Hon. Anthony Chinasa, the member representing Umuahia Central State Constituency, announced his decision to step down as the Deputy Majority Leader of the House due to personal reasons. Hon. Chinasa expressed gratitude to the Speaker and his colleagues for their trust in him and pledged to continue contributing to the House’s legislative duties.
The House adjourned its plenary session and will reconvene on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
