By Dorothy Nnaji
It was a bitter cum sweet display of emotions and sentimentality at the hallowed chambers as honourable members of the 9th Imo State House of Assembly and the Speaker, Rt Hon Barr. Anthony Emeka Nduka, held valedictory session to end the 9th session of the assembly. The 9th house witnessed four speakers namely: Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins (Isiala Mbano), Rt. Hon. Paul Emeziem (Onu Imo), Rt. Hon. Kennedy Ibeh (Obowo) and lastly, Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka (Ehime) who led it to the end and hit the gavel to adjourn the House sine die, to pave way for the 10th House of Imo Assembly.
The exaugural Session commenced with an 8-paged speech of the Rt.Hon. Speaker, which he presented to members as he winds down the House.
Rt. Hon Barr Emeka Nduka, who gave gratitude to God for bringing the 9th House to a successful end and for making it possible for him to address the honourable members as the last Speaker of the 9th House of Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA), regretted the demise of Rt. Hon. Arthur Egwim that represented Ideato North. He added that he wished that they all were to be alive to mark the end of the 9th house in health and vitality but death struck.
The Speaker Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka flanked by members and the Clerk Barr. Mrs. Chinelo Emeaghara
Rt. Hon. Nduka said, “to every beginning there must be an end. As we take the final bow on the 9th Assembly, I wish to congratulate all of us, Honourable Members, who by act of God’s grace and privilege are witnessing the end of the journey that was started in this hallow chamber about this same time in 2019”.
He maintained that “We have fulfilled legislative tasks entrusted to us and left Legislative legacies of the independence of the Assembly while maintaining cordial relationship with the executive. We did not allow pecuniary interests or partisanship to erode the cardinal point of checks and balances that marks a democratic state”.
Mr Speaker and Madam Clerk
Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka pointed out that the 9th House performed creditably well, not only by keeping to the rules of democratic principles but also by passing several live-changing Bills and Motions.
He continued, “We have largely operated by the rules. Hence, there is hardly any record of fistcuff, jaw breaking, table throwing, or Mace grabbing.Though as parliamentarians, we have had course to clash and disagree on matters of importance during debates. This we did with the best of intentions and inline with the true spirit of parliamentarians. “
He maintained, “During these four years, a total of 113 bills were presented, and 57 passed into laws. This is indeed remarkable. For these laws were basically people-oriented laws that impacted well on the state. “
The Speaker listed these people oriented Laws to include, Law No: 2 of 2020: Imo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2020, Law No: 4 of 2020: COVID-19 And Other Dangerous Infectious Disease Prevention and Eradication Law, 2020, Law No:8 of 2020: Imo State Governors Pension and Privileges (repeal) Law, 2020, Law No: 2 of 2021: Imo Security Organization (IMSO) Law, 2021, Law No:1 of 2022: Imo State Compulsory Treatment and Care For Victims of Gunshots Domesticated Law 22 and several others.
Hon Barr.Emeka Nduka stressed that “It is my pleasure to profoundly appreciate all our colleagues in the House (I wish I have the luxury of time to mention names one after the other), for the confidence reposed in me by electing me the last Speaker, as he urged the members of the 10th House to continue where the 9th House stopped and reminded them that they owe it to their constituencies and state to raise the bar, grow and deepen democracy.
The Speaker was quick to highlight that the 9th House succeeded because of the support of His Excellency, Gov. Hope Uzodimma, when he said,
“this speech will not be complete if we fail to mention that we probably couldn’t have succeeded this far if not for the support, cordial and complementary support of our dearly beloved Governor, His Excellency, Distg. Sen Hope Uzodimma (Onwa Oyoko), who himself was an outstanding national lawmaker.” and
“In working with Governor Hope Uzodimma, we realized how important it is to have a true democrat, a man of insight and patriotism who does not interfer in legislative process, but makes his point strongly and convincingly on issues of grave importance to the State and thanked the governor for the state-of the -art edifice which remains the best in Nigeria and Africa atlarge.
He wished the out-going members well in their future endeavour, and encouraged them them to forgive one another by saying
“Let me acknowledge that within this four years we have worked together as a family, it will not be out of place that we may have offended one another, in one way or the other, knowingly or unknowingly. It is expected, since we are all human beings. “I wish to plead that we forgive one another. To err is human, to forgive is divine. God in his mercy has brought us to a successful end of this journey, let us therefore leave here in love devoid of rancour, bitterness or resentment”, he said.
The valedictory session provided opportunity for honourable members to talk earnestly to themselves. Blames were apportioned while corrections were made. Some used the opportunity to thank their constituencies, staff and party for the privilege to serve.
Hon. Micheal Onyemaechi of Ihitte Uboma thanked his consistency while commending the governor for attending to the motions and bills passed in the house as he advised the 10th House members to do their job devoid of house politics so they don’t loose focus and be in touch with their constituencies. Hon. Okey Onyekama, member representing Mbailoli State Constituency, who was suspended for about 18 months, said he bears no grudge against anybody as he urged that the salaries and take home of legislative aides are reviewed upwards.
Twenty three members were present, and four were absent. They heaped praises on the outgoing Speaker, Rt. Hon. Barr Emeka Nduka, for his humility, manarism, fear of God, and all-inclusive leadership style.
The clerk of the House, Barr Mrs Chinelo Emeaghara and Her team, members of the Press, development partners and all those who have helped to move the House forward were given accolades.
Earlier, the exaugural Session started with a prayer session by the administrator of Assumpta cathedral Parish Owerri, Rev. Fr. Dr. Clement Odoemena, who took readings from Psalm 8 and Psalm 20, which dwells on God’s promises .
The climax of the session was goodwill messages to the out going members from Rt. Hon. Achor Ihim, former speaker, who recalled his experience as speaker, as he advocates that members should not begrudge any speaker for its bumpy ride . While Rt. Hon. Pharm. Donatus Ozoemena who was a former Deputy Speaker hammered on the need for members to maintain a healthy life style and to ensure that they go for prostrate screening regularly.
The event was attended by past Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Members -elect and other government officials and friends and well-wishers.
