Deputy Governor of Abia State.,Ikechukwu Emetu
Executive-Legislative face-off looming in Abia
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Abia State House of Assembly has ordered the state Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, to apologise to the state lawmakers for his alleged mastermind of Police assault on the member representing Ohafia South State Constituency, Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke.
This followed a motion moved by the member representing Ukwa West State constituency, Godwin Adiele, as a Matter of Urgent Public Importance.
Adiele argued that the issue was not about the person of Nwoke, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Environment and Urban Renewal, but the sanctity of the House.
Supporting the motion, the member representing Obingwa East constituency, Hon. Solomon Akpulonu, expressed dismay over the incident, saying the three arms of government must respect each other.
Akpulonu, who is a ranking and oldest member of the House, noted the need for the members to continue to exhibit maturity even in the face of provocation.
In a chat with newsmen in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, Nwoke narrated that the assault took place on November 2, 2024, during the Local Government elections in the state at of Ohafia local government headquarters.
“The attack was sequel to my demand that the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission’s result sheets should be made available before the election,” said the assaulted lawmaker.
Nwoke was reportedly arrested by the Police at the gate of Ohafia Council headquarters, allegedly in the orders of the Deputy Governor and was said to have been detained for about 24 hours.
Reacting to the Legislative order, Nwoke noted that as the House has resolved, the issue was not about him, but the institution the members represent and the need to safeguard it from public ridicule.
“As a Christian and a representative of the people, I have put everything behind me, irrespective of the public humiliation and assault, to move forward,” he said.
“My attention and focus remain on how to move my constituency and the people forward. This is why they elected me and I can’t afford to disappoint them,” the lawmaker said.
