By Onyekachi Eze
The death has been announced of the passage of the two time Member that represented Ideato North State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Innocent Arthur Egwim.
He passed away on Monday March 27, 2023, after a brief illness, Trumpeta Assembly Vibes learnt.
It is no longer news that Egwim’s demise has left his immediate family, constituents, present Lawmakers of the 9th Imo Assembly, and all Staff of the Imo State House of Assembly in grief, especially when remembered his legislative sagacity and the circumstances surrounding his exit on earth.
The fallen legal luminary turned Lawmaker from Isiokpo community was first elected into the State Parliament in 2015 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
During his first outing, Rt. Hon. Arthur Egwim held some principal positions and Chairman of relevant House of Assembly Committees like the Local Government and Chieftaincy Committee. He belonged to the Membership of other standing Committees as well.
Among the most viable committees then was that headed by Egwim. He never relegated the oversight functions, which is one of the basic duties of a Lawmaker.
This kept the LGAs and the traditional institution in the State on their toes for fear of Assembly scrutiny and summons.
Rounding up his first tenure in 2019, he was reelected under the Action Alliance, AA, courtesy of the support base of the then former Governor of Imo State, currently the Senator representing Orlu Zone, Senator Rochas Okorocha.
Apart from Okorocha’s support in ensuring that his loyalists got reelected for a second tenure, Rt. Hon. Arthur Egwim’s sound representation manifested through the ballot.
His constituents were pleased with his first outing and gave him the nod for a second chance.
Still, he didn’t disappoint them as he further embarked on Constituency representation, quality Bills (although yet to be passed), and numerous Motions which got the prompt attention of the Executive Arm.
Amongst his laudable motions was one geared towards combating the selling and intake of ‘mkpuru-mmiri’, and other related hard drugs. The said motion was a celebrated one in the State and beyond.
Security operatives banked in the Legislative backing to prosecuting dealers of ‘mkpuru-mmiri’.
It is of note to state that ‘Akuabata’ was the Chief Petition Mover/presenter in the 9th Imo Assembly. On petition presentation, after Egwim, others follow.
The deceased Lawmaker, also known as “Akuabata” was loved by many, including the Assembly Correspondents.
He had a good working relationship with the Journalists attached to the House of Assembly.
Before the 2022 December holiday of IMHA, Egwim had a robust interactive, friendly session with the Correspondents. Little did they know that was the last session they would have with the Ideato North finest Legislator. May his soul rest in Peace.
It was learnt that he gave up the ghost barely 3 months to the expiration of his second tenure.
The Members-elect for the 10th House will be inaugurated in June this year, with Egwim as an outgoing House Member missing in action.
Although he had no opportunity of either clinching the Assembly or Reps ticket for 2023, his landmark projects in Ideato North, nay Imo State will be remembered.
Meanwhile, in a sorrowful mood, the Speaker of the Imo Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka has confirmed the demise of Egwim through a press statement.
The Lawmakers through the Speaker described their fallen colleague as a jolly fellow man, a passionate father and a great parliamentarian.
He confirmed that Egwim’s death will be greatly missed by the House.
Nduka prayed for his repose.
In the same spirit, the House of Assembly Correspondents are not left out in mourning the deceased House Member, considering the working relationship he shared with them while alive.
The obsequies will be announced by the bereaved family in due time.
