As a section of the Imo State Law No. 20 continued to generate row about its provision on the right of a woman to terminate pregnancy occasioned by incest or rape, the Imo state governor has resubmitted the said law to the House of Assembly, urging it to amend the controversial section to suit the wishes of the people.
Governor Okorocha made the appeal on the floor of the House while briefing the members on state of affairs of the Imo state in the past two years of his administration.
The Governor who apologized to all who found the section of the law No. 21 repugnant pointed out that it was never the intention of the Government to legalize abortion in the State. He explained that the law was made in an effort to protect women and children from trauma of violence and rape.
Governor Okorocha therefore stated that he is a proponent of the idea that the live of every child be saved and appealed to the House to look into the law with view of expunging the section that the church finds repugnant.
Commenting on the success of his administration, the Governor commended members of the House Assembly and Imo people for their supportive roles which according to him gave rise to the monumental successes achieved by his administration.
Governor Okorocha enumerated some of the achievements recorded within the two years of his administration to include the Community Government Council (C.G.C), which he said would propel agricultural development in the state; the Free Education Programme; the three hundred and five (305) school project; the Youth Must Work programme; The on-going 27 General Hospitals to improve health sector; the massive road rehabilitation and the over 350 km of tarred roads across the State.
Other laudable projects mentioned by the Governor include the on-going Imo-European University, Imo Marine University , the NYSC orientation camp ,the Akachi project, the five star Princess and Prince Hotels at Okigwe and Orlu respectively. He further noted that the effort to make Imo a one- city- state is on course as Okigwe and Orlu are being developed, while other new cities are equally receiving attention.
Governor Okorocha however observed that though some of the project had suffered set back in terms of speed, Assured that no project started by his administration will be abandoned.
He used the opportunity to call on the House to urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conclude the Oguta election to give the constituency a voice in the State Assembly.
Speaking, the Deputy Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Pharm. Donatus Ozoemena who chaired the House, observed that there was a public misconception of the law and explained that the House had no intention to promote abortion in the State. He therefore promised that the House will look into the law with the view to amending it.
