Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha
The Imo State House of Assembly under the proactive and visionary leadership of Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Benjamin Chukwuemeka Uwajumogu (ODOKOROMEE) will on the 7th of June 2013 clock two years. As should be expected, the legislative responsibilities of the House to the people of the State will be assessed. But as an insider who has followed the genuine commitment and contributions of the Assembly towards the overwhelming success of His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha’s leadership in the state, I deem it absolutely expedient to open the minds of NDI Imo in particular and Nigerians in general on the achievements of the present Imo State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Benjamin Uwajumogu.
The achievement of any democratic government around the world revolves or lies with the legislature. This is because the legislature is the fulcrum through which democracy revolves. If you remove the legislature, then democracy crumbles. Therefore, Democracy is democracy because of the legislature.
Before I proceed further, let me explain also that the essence of effective and efficient leadership in a democratic setting is to provide selfless service to the people. This can only be possible if the Executive arm of Government is working harmoniously with the legislative arm. I therefore makebold to state that there is a perfect synergy between the Imo State House of Assembly and the Executive.
If absolute separation of powers had taken place, the achievements of the present government recorded within these two years would not have been possible. It is therefore symbolic to state that exactly two years after, Rt.
Hon (Dr.) Benjamin Uwajumogu has lived up to expectation by sincerely devoting his time, energy and vision towards the upliftment of the Assembly. This is because his equally vibrant and Honourable colleagues also devoted their time and energy towards achieving the same goal by enacting people oriented bills (laws) and motions through effective and
efficient legislative responsibilities which have truly put back confidence, trust and smiles on the faces of Imo citizens.
During the period under renew, the Imo State House of Assembly considered a total of 69 bills which were presented at the floor of the House. It is important to mention here that out of these 69 bills, 36 of them have been passed. The number of bills adjourned sine die is 8, while 5 were stepped down. Furthermore, 3 bills have been consolidated while
17 are pending. Similarly, out of the total number of 103 motions considered, 87 have been passed while 4 were adjourned sine die. Also 1 (one) motion was withdrawn while 7 is still pending. While 2 motions have been overtaken by events another 2 have been stood down.
At this point let me once again restate that the Imo State House of Assembly is working harmoniously with the executive arm of government in one spirit through synergistic understanding to ensure the already provided dividends of democracy. All these have been possible because there is an enabling environment where the vibrant lawmakers ventilate their minds through robust legislative dialogue, debate and discussion which has integrated, incorporated, inculcated and aggregated the interest of their respective constituencies. This is the true relevance of politics and should be applauded. Equally, it is instructive to note that currently the Imo State House of Assembly complex is undergoing massive reconstruction and renovation. New administrative and political offices have been put in place. New VIP lounge have also been put in place. In no distant time the whole Assembly complex will be wearing a new look.
Also, to ensure virile, responsible and responsive machinery that will drive development at the state, local and community levels, the Imo State House of Assembly within the period under review have screened and confirmed the appointments of several government appointees including the following (1) Commissioners (2) Special Advisers (3) Sole Administrators etc.
In order to ensure integrated development in the spirit of the rescue mission agenda, the Imo State House of Assembly granted approval to His Excellency the State Governor, to declare emergency on road rehabilitation, education, health, Housing, Security and other critical areas seeking urgent attention. The resultant effect today is the on-going construction of 27 brand New General Hospitals across the State, construction of several road networks across the state, construction of several brand new schools across the state. As a proven case; just visit the former Township primary school along Wetheral Road Owerri. Today in Imo State, our people can confirm that these various projects are going on simultaneously in the 3 geo-political zones of Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe.
Conversely, the Honourable members led by the ebullient and vibrant Speaker have performed their functions (namely, lawmaking, Appropriation and oversight) most creditably to the admiration of majority of [mo Citizens in particular and Nigerians in general.
It will be unethical for me to conclude without stating that on several occasions, the Imo State House of Assembly have intervened in communal crisis (clashes) in various communities in the state, Ezeship struggle, land disputes and other people oriented interventions. Surely, these interventions would not have been possible if Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Benjamin Uwajumogu and his colleagues do not have the interest of Imo people at heart.
It is therefore not surprising that is just two years, the activities of the House have impacted positively in the lives of the people of Imo State. On the relationship with members of the press, the Uwajumogu led House of Assembly Es proud to beat its chest to say that “WE ARE PARTNERS IN PROGRESS”. The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUT), Publishers, Editor and Correspondents alike, can proudly and confidently attest to this harmonious relationship between them and the Assembly. No wonder the activities of Imo State house of Assembly can be assessed on the internet, facebook, Blogs, National Newspapers, Regional Newspapers, Local Newspapers, Radio, television and on the Streets of the state.
Indeed, we have done far more than the above analysis!!!! TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
As the third stage of the 4 year legislative journey begins on the 7th of June 2013, we pray that Almighty God will guide and lead Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Benjamin Chukwuemeka Uwajumogu (ODOKOROMEE, OGBUHURUZO) and his colleagues to take Imo State to the next legislative level.
I rest my pen.
