A fresh lawmaker has emerged as Speaker of the eight session of the Abia State House of Assembly following the proclamation of the House by the state governor, Mr. Alex Otti.
Hon Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, who represents Aba South state constituency on the platform of Labour Party(LP), was nominated and affirmed by majority of the lawmakers as the new Speaker.
In similar fashion, Hon. Austin Nmeregini, who represents Umuahia East state constituency and also of Labour Party, was nominated and affirmed as Deputy Speaker of the 8th Abia House.
The Abia Assembly, apparently for political exigencies, set aside its rules which bars non-ranking lawmakers from occupying the seat of House Speaker.
By this act, the ruling LP successfully upstaged the main opposition PDP which commands a slim majority in the 8th Abia House and was hoping to take control of the legislature having lost the executive to LP.
Emeruwa, who is a former executive chairman of Aba South Local Government, was nominated for the post of speaker by Hon. Stephen Ucheonye, who represents Aba Central state constituency.
The 24-member House is composed of 11 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 10 LP members, while two lawmakers belong to the Young Progressives Party(YPP) lwabing the All Progressives Congress(APC) with one legislator.
It was gathered that the issue of which party between PDP and LP should produce the Speaker had led to the failure of the planned inauguration of the 8th House on Tuesday.
However, some form of compromise was reached among the lawmakers following their meeting with Governor Otti, who is of LP, thereby paving the way for the eventual inauguration.
Addressing the lawmakers after their inauguration, Otti extended his hand of fellowship to them asking for collective efforts to provide dividends of democracy to Abia people.
He reiterated that his government would not tolerate excuses, adding that the legislators should bear in mind that that the expectations of Abia people are high hence the need to work hard for their interest.
Earlier In his acceptance speech, the new Speaker, Hon. Emeruwa pledged that he would lead the House without prejudice, adding he would serve with unwavering dedication and make people-oriented laws.
The Clerk of the Abia State House of Assembly, Mr. Johnpedro Irokansi had earlier administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance on both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker as well as other members- elect of the legislature.