Abia Assembly Tasks Deputy Gov Over Assault On Member

Abia State House of Assembly has ordered the deputy governor of the state, Ikechukwu Emetu to apologise to it over his alleged involvement in an assault on the member representing Ohafia South constituency, Kalu Mba Nwoke.

This followed a motion moved by the member representing Ukwa West 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 of the House Committee on Environment and Urban Renewal, but the sanctity of the House.

Supporting the motion, the member representing Obingwa East constituency, Solomon Akpulonu, expressed dismay over the report, 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 angry provocation.

In a chat with newsmen in Umuahia, the state capital, Nwoke narrated that the assault was during the November 2 council poll in the state at the headquarters of Ohafia local government.

“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 chairman

Reacting to the order, Nwoke noted that as the House had resolved, the issue is 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 the constituency and the people forward. This is why they elected me and I can’t afford to disappoint them.”