The Abia State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has notified the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, to release all entitlements owed to Aaron Uzodike, the newly inaugurated lawmaker representing Aba North State Constituency.
Uzodike who is a member of the PDP, was sworn in on Tuesday by the Speaker, Emmanuel Emeruwa after 9 months of back-and-forth litigations since the Abia State House of Assembly was inaugurated on the 14th June, 2023.
The lawmaker representing Aba North Constituency, Aaron Uzodike contested under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 General election for Abia North State Constituency, but lost to Destiny Nwangwu of the Labour Party (LP).
He went on to challenge the victory of Nwangwu at the Court of Appeal in Lagos State, where the court declared Uzodike the winner of the election and ordered INEC to withdraw Nwagwu’s certificate of return and hand over same to Uzodike. However the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, who is also a member of the ruling Labour Party (LP) in the state, blocked Uzodike’s inauguration in spite of the court judgment which declared him elected.
On Tuesday, the Speaker finally bowed to intense pressure from different individuals and groups which led to the official inauguration of Uzodike as lawmaker representing Aba North Constituency.
The Spokesperson of the PDP in Abia State, Abraham Amah expressed excitement while enunciating the inauguration of the lawmaker as “a significant milestone in democracy’s journey to perfection.”
‘This has demonstrated the strength of our democratic processes and also energized the confidence of our constituents in the integrity of our institutions”
Amah applauded Emeruwa for “waking up from slumber and demonstrating obedience and adherence to the rule of law”. The PDP spokesperson also informed the speaker of the assembly to pay all entitlements belonging to Uzodike for all the months he was not inaugurated since the court’s judgement.
“The Abia PDP calls on the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly to immediately release all entitlements owed to Hon. Uzodike for the past months,” he said.
“Addressing this matter promptly will enable him to execute his duties effectively and fulfil the promises made to the people he represents.”
Amah commended Uzodike for his “tenacity and perseverance” in spite of the delay, adding that his disposition was a testament to his dedication and commitment to serving the people of his constituency.
He also commended PDP lawmakers in the assembly for their collaborative endeavours to ensure justice was served while also promising them that their efforts will not go unnoticed. He also appreciated the people of Abia North State Constituency for their commitment and ensuring Uzodike was finally inaugurated
