Expressing frustration, the Abia State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns about the prolonged postponement of Hon Aaron Uzodike’s inauguration. Uzodike was re-elected as the representative for Aba North State Constituency in the 2023 elections.
Despite the Certificate of Return being issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on December 13, 2023, following a court order, the inauguration has been delayed for over six months, as stated by the party.
During an interview in Umuahia, Vice Chairman of the PDP in Abia, Abraham Amah, criticized the failure of Abia State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon Emmanuel Emereuwa, to swear in the re-elected lawmaker, while time was running out.
Amah denounced this delay as a violation of democratic standards, pointing out that members from other political parties who were declared winners by the Court of Appeal have already been inaugurated. He highlighted that Aaron Uzodike is likely the only candidate from the last election who has yet to be sworn in despite contesting and emerging victorious.
He further emphasized that the issuance of the Certificate of Return by INEC within a week, in compliance with the Court of Appeal’s directive after confirming Uzodike’s victory, should have facilitated his prompt inauguration.
In his words, “It is imperative for a government to uphold accountability and transparency. Do you realize that a state House of Assembly member representing Aba North State Constituency was involved in a case handled by the Appeal Court? It has been more than seven months since the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Aaron Uzodike.”
“Even after seven months, the government has failed to facilitate Aaron Uzodike’s inauguration in the House of Assembly. What kind of government operates in this manner?” he questioned.
Amah also pointed out the contrasting actions taken by the center, where non-All Progressives Congress members declared as winners by the Court of Appeal in both the lower and upper houses have been duly inaugurated, despite the decisions not aligning with the interests of the APC.
However, it was mentioned that the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emereuwa, has indicated intentions to swear in Uzodike as a legislator.
During a press briefing commemorating one year of the 8th Abia House of Assembly, Emeruwa revealed that the delays were primarily due to the legal maneuvers by both Uzodike and Destiny Nwagwu of the Labour Party vying for the same position.