The true position of the symbol of authority of the State legislature, the Mace, has continued to raise concern, following suspected news that the State Assembly mace may have been taken to far away Edo State.
Governor Hope Uzodinma lately last week was accused in some quarters of taking the Mace to Edo the governor was accused to have made available for the impeachment of Edo Speaker and election of new officials.
Recall that Trumpeta Newspaper had also published on the whereabouts of the Mace, which was later discovered that Speaker Chiji may have taken full custody of it.
This development, as gathered has raised serious questions seeking for an answer.
In their reaction, members of the State legislature have come up to debunk the rumor.
Speaking through the House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Information and Judiciary, Hon. Dominic Ezerioha, the House denied of the Mace ever leaving the boundaries of the State to another State including Edo.
He said the Mace is completely intact and kept in a sacred place for legislative activities it was meant for.
Ezerioha said, “The story that the mace of Imo State House of Assembly is taken to Edo State is a false story, is a rumour, is a fabrication of evil discussants and from the evil persons who want to destroy the Imo State Government.
“For the sake of the good people of Imo and that of Nigerians at large, the Imo State House of Assembly mace which is the symbol of authority for the legislature is completely intact”.
He continued, “The mace is before the Imo State House of Assembly and the mace is kept in a sacred place for legislature. The speaker is in possession of a legal meaning of the Mace belonging to the State House of Assembly; and until he cease to become the speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, then the mace shall move to who ever it gets to”.
AMARA IWUANYANWU FETES CONSTITUENTS
It was a bountiful season for the people of Nwangele State constituency last week, as their representative in the State Assembly, and Deputy Speaker of the 9th House, Rt. Hon. Amarachi Chyna Iwuanyanwu raised the bar of constituency representation.
For him, being a first timer in the business of legislation rather than slowing the pace of achievement, has increased his performance.
Apart from being a vocal member in the chambers, ‘Mr. Capacity’ as fondly called, no doubt has endeared himself to the people of Nwangele.
First, he gave some of his constituents with cars and cash donations.
Following that feat was distribution of his third batch of palliatives as a way of cushioning the negative effects of the coronavirus.
The latest standing to his credit was the successful training and graduation of over 120 youths of his LGA for the CBN/NIRSAL agric loan scheme.
The Deputy Speaker transformed it to a mini celebration as the trainees were drilled for two days.
Earlier in his address, Rt. Hon Iwuanyanwu congratulated the participants for being part of the program.
He enjoined them to take the opportunity seriously in becoming self reliant, adding that by the time the loan enters into their accounts, they would have had a better chance of utilizing it judiciously.
Also, he promised never to relent until every Tom and Jerry in Nwangele feels his impact.
ANOTHER MOMENT OF CELEBRATION FOR UGBOMA
Last Sunday, the member for Oguta constituency, Hon. Barr. Frank Ugboma was celebrated by the Catholic Women Organisation, C.W.O., of Sacred Heart Parish, Oguta.
He was awarded with an ‘Excellence award’ for his sterling qualities, service to God and humanity.
Presenting the award to him in his country home, the President and Secretary of the delegation, Mrs Nwobi, and Mrs Iwuorisha, respectively, thanked the lawmaker for being a worthy ambassador of Christ.
They disclosed that he was selected after thorough search, as propelled by his commitment towards the work of God and humanity.
They opined those were rare qualities among politicians.
Part of their speech read, “Chief, among the many factors we considered was your efforts towards promoting peace in our homes by leading with example.
“Your recent activities in the the State House of Assembly which has attracted a state wide accolade can not be over emphasized. We resolved that there is no one best suited at the moment than You.
“The group is fully persuaded that you have served and merited the award of excellence, 2020 mothers day celebration”.
Reacting, Hon Ugboma assured them of his commitment to God and humanity, stressing that nothing would deter him.
He told them to always keep doing good and living up to lives, worthy of emulation.
DEATH VISITS IMO LAWMAKERS
It is not the best of times for two Imo lawmakers, members representing Aboh Mbaise, Hon. Eddy Obinna; and his Oru West counterpart, Hon. Dominic Ezerioha as death has shortened their moments of celebration recently.
While Eddy Obinna is at grief over the exit of his brother, Ezerioha, too, just lost his father.
Although the House of Assembly is on recess, these two members are always seen in their offices, attending to duties from Monday to Friday, even on weekends.
The burial arrangements have also taken their time, to the extent that the jolly good fellows in the parliament have resigned to fate until the dead is bidded farewell.
WHERE IS AHIAZU MBAISE MEMBER?
The whereabout of the member representing Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area in the House of Assembly, Hon. Samuel Otuibe has remained unacertain since his altercation with his Njaba colleague, Hon. Mrs. Uju Onwudiwe.
Trumpeta Assembly Vibes had keenly looked out for him before the official recess of the House.
He neither came to the plenary session before recess, nor made public appearances at the Assembly complex.
His disappearance was a topic of discussion on Monday among Assembly workers who were apparently worried about his sudden disappearance.
To some quarters, his sudden hibernation may not be unconnected to the rift he had with Onwudiwe, after the female lawmaker petitioned him before the House.
Meanwhile, the end of the whole drama may not cease till the legislators reconvene on September 29, 2020.
