Welcome to another Legislative Day in the 7th Abia State House of Assembly.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Engr Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji led Principal Officers into the hallowed chamber.
Hon Ginger Onwusibe, Member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency led the opening prayer.
The Abia State House of Assembly commenced plenary after the adoption of Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday, 7th June, 2022.
MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
Hon Obinna Ichita, Member representing Aba South brought up a matter of Urgent Public Importance wherein he bemoaned the worrisome security situation in the State which demands urgent attention.
He said the primary duties of a government especially in a democratic setting is to protect its citizens but that it is quite disappointing that the government is doing little or nothing about the situation in the country.
Finally, he said there was urgent need to tackle the problem of insecurity especially in Abia State so that criminals threatening and attacking the people will be fished out and prosecuted accordingly.
PRAYERS
Hon Obinna Ichita prayed the House to invite the following security chiefs in the State for interaction on the situation:
1. Commissioner of Police
2. Director of State Security Services
3. Commander, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ohafia.
CONTRIBUTIONS
Hon Kelechi Onuzuruike, Member representing Umuahia North State Constituency supported the matter raised saying he was aware that the government constituted a security committee to checkmate the activities of the criminals in Umunneochi.
He further said the government should not limit security checks to just Umunneochi but it should be extended to other areas in the State.
On his part, Rt Hon Chikwendu Kalu, Member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency said it is an established fact that there are security issue in both the State and the country.
He said in the course of further deliberating on the matter, the House should find out why the State’s Homeland Security outfit cannot go after the hoodlums terrorizing the State and bemoaned the constitution of the country which limited the powers of governors as chief security officers of their respective states.
Hon Okey Igwe, Member representing Umunneochi State Constituency said the security apparatus of the country has collapsed completely and that security agencies should collaborate with locals especially the vigilante groups to put a stop to the menace.
Hon Thomas A.C Nkoro, Member representing Obingwa West State Constituency said part of the resolutions of the House on the matter should include that the National Assembly amends the constitution to capture the creation of State Police.
Contributing, Hon Ginger Onwusibe, Member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency cited lack of funds as the sole cause of the already deteriorated security architecture in the State.
He said government should live up to its responsibility by funding the established security agency in the State.
RESOLUTION
The Speaker, Rt Hon Engr Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji thanked his colleagues for their contributions on the matter. He said the security situation in the country is quite worrisome and drastic measures need to be taken to address the issue.
He said the Commissioner for Homeland Security should liaise with the security chiefs in the state and appear before the House in plenary on Tuesday, 21st June, 2022.
ORDER OF THE DAY
H.A.B. 56: The Abia State Food Banks Bill, 2022.
A Bill for a Law to Establish Food Banks in the Senatorial Districts of Abia State sponsored by Member representing Umunneochi State Constituency, Hon Okey Igwe.
Accordingly, after going through legislative processes and in a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon Solomon Akpulonu and seconded by Member representing Aba South State Constituency, Hon Obinna Ichita, the Bill, H.A.B. 56 passed First Reading.
H.A.B. 55: The Abia State Tele-Health Care Agency Bill, 2022
A Bill for a Law to Establish the Abia State Tele-Health Care Agency sponsored by Member representing Ikwuano State Constituency, Hon Stanley Nwabuisi.
Accordingly, after going through legislative processes and in a motion moved by the Majority Leader and seconded by Member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon Mike Onyekwere Ukoha, the Bill H.A.B. 55 passed First Reading.
Other Items on the Order Paper were deferred to be considered on another Legislative Day.
ADJOURNMENT
Hon Solomon Akpulonu, Majority Leader of the House therefore moved that plenary be adjourned to another Legislative Day.
Hon Obinna Ichita, Member representing Aba South State Constituency seconded the motion.
Plenary was therefore adjourned to Wednesday, 15th June, 2022
Courtesy: Media Unit, Office of the Rt Hon Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly
