Anambra
State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, on Friday, June 12, 2015, inaugurated the sixth Anambra State House of
Assembly.
He appealed
to the legislators to see themselves as representing their entire constituency
rather than the political party which brought them to power.
While
congratulating the 30-member-house for their individual victory at the polls,
Obiano reminded them that electioneering was over, stressing, “What is before
the state now is the task of development.”
This is a
most auspicious time when everybody will join hands to ensure that the state
progresses, he said.
Obiano
restated his four pillars of government and urged the electorate to also serve
as watchdog on the legislature and the executive to ensure that they fulfill
their expectations.
Also, Obiano
advised the legislators: “Rise to your full height and fulfill the expectation
of the people. Think of what you will do to keep the ideals of the state.”
He explained
the appointment of a former Hon. Pauly Onyeka as his liaison to the House.
Before the
inauguration, the House elected its Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively. In
a unanimous decision, the House elected a second timer and member representing
Nnewi South II, Hon. Rita Maduagwu, as Speaker.
She was
nominated by Hon. Ikem Uzoezie (APGA, Aguata I).
She
succeeded another female legislator, Hon. Chinwe Nwebili who on finishing her
term of office was appointed Commissioner for Environment.
Also, the
House elected Deputy Speaker. He is a second timer and former Majority Leader,
Harford Oseke (Awka South II). He was nominated by Hon. Victor Jideoofor Okoye
(APGA, Anambra West). His nomination was also unanimous.
In her
acceptance speech, Maduagwu said that
the occasion was a milestone. She praised former Speaker, Nwaebili, whom she
said ensured peace which the House and the state witnessed relative.
He also
praised Governor Obiano for providing security in the state and for providing
an office complex for the legislators but pleaded that work be expedited on the
project for early completion.