Over fifteen months of being granted victory at the Election Petition Tribunal, Hon Aaron Uzodike, has been sworn in as a member representing Aba North State Constituency.
Recall that Aaron had approached the Election Petition Tribunal, for redress, expressing dissatisfaction over the outcome of the March 18th,2023 poll, where he lost to his rival, Destiny Akaraka of the Labour Party(LP) and declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).
Fifteen months after the Tribunal ruled in favour of Aaron Uzodike of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP),the Abia House of Assembly, Tuesday, sworn in Aaron Uzodike, as the Lawmaker for Aba North State Constituency.
Reacting to the development, the PDP in Abia State, has congratulated Uzodike, commending his tenacity and perseverance in the face of the unwarranted delay.
In a Press Statement, the Head,Abia PDP Media Team, Elder Abraham Amah, extended the Party’s heartfelt congratulations to Hon Aaron Uzodike on his successful inauguration as the member representing Aba North Constituency, at the 8th Abia Assembly.
The PDP disclosed that Uzodike’s inauguration after several months of delay, represented a significant milestone in Abia’s democratic journey to perfection. The Party, however, commended the Speaker of the Abia House, Rt Hon Emmanuel Emeruwa, for facilitating the important event.
The Press Statement added that Hon Uzodike’s tenacity and perseverance in the face of the unwarranted delay, is a testament to his dedication and commitment to serving the people of his constituency.
Abia PDP further called on the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, to urgently release all entitlements owed to Hon Uzodike for the past fifteen (15)months,as addressing the matter promptly would enable him to execute his duties effectively and fulfill the promises made to the people he represents.
“We also congratulate all members of the PDP caucus of the Abia State House of Assembly, led by Hon Solomon Akpulonu, for their unwavering commitment towards achieving this milestone. Your collective efforts have brought us to this day and they do not go unnoticed.
“Furthermore, we commend the Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly for waking up from slumber and demonstrating obedience and adherence to the rule of law. This action strengthens our democratic processes and reinforces the confidence of our constituents in the integrity of our institutions”.
The party, equally congratulated the members of the Abia PDP and the people of Aba North State Constituency on the eventful milestone. “Together, we will strive for progress, unity and the betterment of our communities”.
Our Reporter, however, gathered from some Abians,likely reasons that might have delayed the House of Assembly to swear in Uzodike as the rightful member elect of his constituency.
While some alleged that the delay was because Uzodike was a PDP member and the Labour Party who are currently the majority in the House, would want to retain that position, because an additional PDP member into the House, may likely threaten the majority position of the Labour Party in the nearest future, others were of the view that Destiny Akaraka of the Labour Party actually won the election, therefore Hon Uzodike should not be sworn in.
The Abia House of Assembly, recognizing the supremacy of the Election Petition Tribunal’s ruling, reluctantly complied with the court’s decision to uphold democracy and respect the rule of law, despite potential implications.
