Oko Chukwu's Speakership, A Collective Choice of House Members -Gov. Orji
Abia state governor, chief Theodore Orji has disclosed that the emergence of Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu as the speaker of the State House of Assembly was the collective choice of the lawmakers without any external influence as it used to be when some people will sit down some where to decide who becomes what in the state. According to him, “the era when imposition was the order of the day in Abia is Over”.
The Governor gave the hint while receiving members of the newly inaugurated Assembly who came on a courtesy visit to him at the Government House, Umuahia. He called on the lawmakers to support the new speaker and not indulge in the idea of plotting to unseat him, thereby upsetting the smooth running of the legislative arm of government.
“The new speaker needs your support and cooperation. The issue of impeachment or any of you having the thought to become the speaker should be deleted from the mind of such person. There will be no room for that now or in the future”. Gov. Orji said. The governor added that the visit of the lawmakers has assured him that he is not alone in the business of piloting the affairs of God's Own State; promising to work harmoniously with the House.
Meanwhile, the House has announced the names of Chairmen and members of 32 standing Committees. The speaker, Hon. Oko Chukwu said the House would pursue vigorously, its oversight functions and checks and balances, advising members to be thorough in carrying out their legislative duties with the sole aim of taking the state to great heights. The speaker added that the House would acquire the image of the people's House because it is the representative of All Abians .
The 32 Committee chairmen are;
Speaker – (Selection),Hon. Ashiforo Okere (Information and Media), Hon.Chidiebere Nwoke (Rules an Business),Hon. Princewill Onyegbu (Ethics and Privileges)' Ashiforo Okere (Boundary and Security Matters Hon. Chidiebere Nwoke (Inter-governmental Affairs) Hon. Princewill Onyegbu (Finance), Hon. Ikechukwu Nwabeke (Health); Hon.Humphrey Azubuike (MDG and Cooperatives /poverty Alleviation); Hon.John Ogelle (Civil Service); Hon. Ndukwu Ojukwe (Agriculture); Rt.Hon. Agwu U. Agwu (Sports), Hon. Blessing Nwagba (Commerce and Industries); Hon. Mba Ukaha (Local Govt and Chieftaincy Matters); Hon. Grace Uche (public Accounts) Hon. Blessing Nwagba (Women Affairs); Hon. Nwogu Iheasimuo ( Transport), Hon. Princewill Onuoha (Public Utilities); Hon.Tony Nwaubani (NDDC, ASOPADEC/ Petroleum Matters);Hon. Emeka ALozie (House Services); Hon. Princewill onuoha (Urban Renewal); Hon. Ikedi Ezekwesiri (Judiciary); Hon.Kate Maduako (Education); Hon. Emeka Alozie (Youth Development); Hon. Ikedi Ezekwesiri (Public Petitions); Hon. Emeka Ejiogu (Land and Survey); Hon. Chidi Nwosu (Housing) ; Hon. Darlington Nwokocha (Works);Hon. Uche Nwankpa (Environment); Hon. Chidi Nwosu (Anti-corruption); Hon. Emeka Osoagbaka (Science and Technology); and Martins Azubuike ( Appropriation).