The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has called on the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, to swear in the member elect of the Aba North State Constituency, Aaron Uzodike, immediately.
The state chairman of the party, Alwell Asiforo Okere, in a statement by its acting Publicity Secretary cum Vice Chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, instructed the members of the PDP caucus in the Assembly, led by Solomon Akpulonu, to utilise all legitimate and legislative means at their disposal to ensure the immediate inauguration of Uzodike.
The Speaker has failed to inaugurate the member-elect, whose mandate was restored by the Appeal Court in Lagos, following the removal of Destiny Nwagwu of the Labour Party (LP).
The statement said the directive from the state Chairman of the PDP followed due consultations with members of the State Working Committee (SWC). “After reviewing the recent interview granted by the Speaker regarding the delay in Uzodike’s inauguration, Abia PDP is convinced that there are no legal obstacles preventing his inauguration, following the issuance of his Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on December 13, 2023, which is the only requirement for his inauguration.”
The party demanded that all emoluments and entitlements due to Uzodike from the date of his Certificate of Return issuance be promptly paid, as there were no legal grounds for further delay in his inauguration by the speaker, who represents the LP.
The statement directed the principal officers of the Assembly to ensure the restoration of legislative order by ensuring that the PDP, as the majority party, retains the office of Majority Leader, as is customary in democracies worldwide.
It added that the prolonged non-inauguration of Aaron Uzodike, has deprived the people of Aba North of representation in the State Legislature for over seven months.
This situation not only undermines the rule of law and shows disregard for the judiciary but also threatens our hard-won democracy.
“The Abia PDP condemns the undemocratic actions of the Speaker and his sponsors and considers it as irresponsible and a violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which they have sworn to uphold, and Abia PDP cannot tolerate such actions any longer.
“We urge Abia elders, concerned citizens of Abia State and conscientious members of the Labour Party, especially those dissatisfied with their leader’s autocratic tendencies, to intervene and ensure the immediate inauguration of Aaron Uzodike to avoid the bastardization of our democracy and prevent the constituents from resorting to self help.”
