Gov Willie Obiano yesterday inaugurated the sixth Anamnra State House of Assembly with Mrs Rita Maduagwuna(Nnewi South II)emerging as the Speaker and Hartford Oseke, Awka South II as the Deputy Speaker.
Addressing journalists shortly after inaugurating the Assembly, the governor described the day as “very important day in Anambra State. In all known democratic history, the inauguration of the Legislative Assembly is a symbolic tradition that reminds us of the significance of representation in purposeful governance. So, with the solemn ceremony we have gathered here to perform today, we are lending stronger roots to our democracy.”
He congratulated the new law makers on their election as the representatives of their people, stressing that, “running for any elective office in Nigeria is a very difficult and highly competitive undertaking as well as “a great rite of passage that every aspiring leader prays for but only a handful of people ever attain it.”
According to him, the inauguration of the new team is a “great beginning for our dear state, I wish to make it clear to you that from this moment on, the electioneering campaign and it’s divisive rhetoric is over and done with. What stares everyone of us straight in the face is the enormous challenge of governance. Interestingly, at this stage, our party affiliations do not count. The only thing that counts is the good of Anambra State. The only thing that matters is the interest of our respective constituencies, the imperatives of running a government whose impact is felt by the man on the street. That is the challenge of every progressive democracy. And that is the challenge you have been elected to handle.”
The governor remarked, “… when all the three arms of government must close ranks and work together for the greater good of our people. It is also a time when we must all let go of the bitter politics of the past and lay a foundation that will signpost the future greatness of our people. Our dear state has enjoyed the benefits of a robust rapprochement between the three arms of government in the past few years. This generation of lawmakers owes it to posterity to build on this tradition and give Ndi Anambra a chance at rapid development. “
He stated that he would on his part continue to play his role as the governor of Anambra State and a father to everyone, noting that, ‘once a government is formed; party affiliations must recede to the backstage so that the people’s interest can prevail.”
The State Chief Executive also urged the new legislators to see themselves “as part of this government and not as representatives of any political party in our government. We must pull together not drift apart. That is the spirit that will open new doors of hope for our people. And that is the spirit we are praying for in Anambra State.”
He disclosed that his administration had been single-minded in the pursuit of the agenda to move Anambra State to the front row of development in Nigeria, adding that, “ Our Vision is to be the first choice investment destination and the most preferred location to site new industries. Our Mission is to create a socially stable, business-friendly environment that will attract both indigenes and foreigners to seek wealth creating opportunities in Anambra State.
“…This is the fire that has driven our passion in the past one year. And if we all look back and look around us, I am sure that we shall see enough evidence of our commitment to these ideals. So, as you step into the full responsibilities and privileges of your office as a legislator today, I urge you to think of what you must do to give meaning to these ideals.”
Concluding, Obiano reminded the newly-inaugurated law-makers “…that one of the beauties of democracy is the all-round checks and balances that it guarantees. Beyond the usual balance of power between the three arms of government, there’s a third check, which lies with the electorate. In any democracy, the future of the leader rests in the hands of the voters. By electing you to represent them in the legislative assembly, our people have placed a huge expectation on your shoulders. There’s a saying that to whom much is given, much is expected. I urge you to rise to your full height and fulfill the high promise of your office. That way, you will be building a great political future for yourselves and expanding the frontiers of excellence for the greater good of Anambra State.”
In her Inaugural address, the New Speaker, Mrs. Rita Maduagwu commended governor Obiano for his visible efforts at making the state a reference point in terms of security and investment, and assured him that the House will live up to its constitutional responsibility of supporting him to realize his lofty vision for the State. She thanked her Colleagues for the confidence reposed in her in making her the Speaker and promised to carry them along. Of the total 30 Lawmakers in the House, 27 were elected on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) while 3 emerged on the platform of PDP.
The Motion to nominate the Speaker was moved by the Member representing Aguata II Constituency, Mr Ikem Uzoezie, and seconded by Mr Chugbo Enwezor from Onitsha North One while that of the Deputy Speaker was moved by the Member representing Anambra West, Mr Jideofor Okoye and seconded by his Anambra East Counterpart, Mt Obinna Emeneka. The Speaker who was sworn-in by the Clerk of the House, later swore-in other 29 members of the State House.
The event which commenced with the reading of Governor Willie Obiano’s Proclamation letter proceeded with the confirmation of Certificates of Return of the Members and Evidence of Declaration of Assets by the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Roll call of the 30 House Members.
