For some weeks now, the media, particularly the social media have been awash with speculations and personal opinions on whom would emerge as the next Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly. Obviously, the pendulum is swinging towards one man of impeccable character, a political mobilizer and collosus of a sort. This man is Honourable Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, popularly known as IKUKUOMA ABIA, by his admirers. Hon. Orji is the current Majority Leader in the Abia State House of Assembly and member representing Umuahia Central State constituency.
Born on December 25th, 1970 to the amiable family of Chief T. A Orji, a seasoned technocrat, who later became the Governor of Abia State and now Senator representing Abia Central zone, from Amaokwe Ugba, Umuahia Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area. Little Chinedum started his academic pursuit in Ugba Community Primary School between 1976 and 1982, from where he proceeded to Government Secondary School Owerri, between 1982 and 1987 and in 1989, quest for higher education made him to enroll in the prestigious Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), where he earned a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering in 1996.
Highly intelligent and gifted, Chinedum became a rallying point among his peers as he exhibited a high level of coordination, a trait that distinguished him as a naturally endowed leader. No wonder, many people, including his constituents was very much happy, when in 2015, he indicated interest in representing them in the State House of Assembly, an opportunity he has used to redefine representation, not just for members of his constituents but everybody that comes his way.
Again on March this year, Hon. Chinedum Orji was re-elected to continue his good work in the State House of Assembly. This time around, a higher call is beckoning seriously; he is expected to emerge as the Speaker of the seventh House. Because of his political muscle, it may not be easy for anyone to challenge IKUKU in the speakership race. The truth remains that , Hon. Chinedum Orji, the IKUKUOMA ABIA is the man to beat in the speakership position of the State House of Assembly. His colleagues are all his friends and he can easily win their support.
Why Hon Chinedum Orji? one may ask. Hon Orji is not only educated, well-informed and outspoken but is mature and poseses a human face in administration. He has what it takes to galvanize the legislative house. Having been the Leader of the House in his first tenure, he has garnnerd experience and is one of the ranking members of the State House of Assembly. In terms of zoning, fairness and equity, Hon. Orji is from Abia Central of the State. Since the Abia South is occupying the governoship position, Abia North, the deputy governoship, then the speakership is naturally zoned to Abia Central. It is equally important to stress that, Abia Central has two political blocs; the Ikwuano/Umuahia and Umunnato-Ngwa extractions. In the current House, the three Local Government Areas in Ngwa extraction of Abia Central have occupied the speakership position. Equity, justice and fairness demand that a legislator from Ikwuano/Umuahia occupies the position this time around. Of course, IKUKUOMA ABIA is the only House member from Ikwuano/Umuahia bloc that is a principal officer of the House and could be termed most experienced and qualified for the job.
Apartfrom from that, this young man has a knack for excellence, truth and openness and flows with uncommon milk of human Kindness which has touched many people within and outside his constituency.
Hon. Chinedum Orji, the Majority Leader in the Abia State House of Assembly has shown explicit manners and gentility in his private and official duties and can handle the position. Anybody who knows him can attest to the fact that he is consistently polite but firm and modest in the way he discharges duties.
Recall that, against the thinking of some people that he would hijack the House of Assembly and impose himself Speaker of the House, Hon. Chinedum Orji disappointed people of such school of thought and took his time to learn the rudiments of legislative house and can now be said to be ready for the position.
He has introduced beautiful programmes for his people. Also, Abia youths have been engaged in the Ochendo Youth Foundation in which at least, over 20, 000 youths from the State were trained in different skills acquisition and were empowered afterwards. Hon. Orji has given out some empowerment materials under the youth empowerment programme, hence, people have received vehicles, tricycles, sewing machines, generating sets, sets of clippers, call-centre equipment, grinding machines, wrappers, cash among others. These have helped in job creation among youths in the state.
This dynamic young politician introduced a paradigm shift in the relationship between a representative and the electorate. It is called Direct- Touch. Through this, the good people of Umuahia-Central State Constituency enjoy direct dealings with their representive. The Direct Touch initiative has established many life-touching projects for his constituents. His scholarship programme for students from the constituency has directly affected in the most positive manner such students and the youths of Umuahia-Central State Constituency who desire to be trained and empowered in various skills have benefited from him. It has also affected churches, health and trade & investment.
In all, Engr Orji has never been found wanting in carrying out his primary duties of representation, law making and oversight functions and is poised to more the next four years.
Distinguished members of the 7th House of Assembly, whose business it is to select their principal officers are urged to do the needful and elect Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji. After all, the cap fits him!
Arc. Joseph Onuigbo wrote from Umuahia
