Prof. George Chima has been screened and confirmed by the Abia State House of Assembly as the Chairman of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC). This suggests that the local government elections are underway, fulfilling the promise made by the Abia State Government that the elections would be conducted soon.
Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti had announced that a draft bill to amend the state’s local government electoral law would soon be submitted to the House of Assembly. He explained that after making the necessary adjustments, the state would move forward with scheduling the council elections. The proposed amendments aim to ensure a smoother electoral process and timely execution of the elections.
Otti stated, “In the next few days, we plan to present proposals to the House of Assembly to implement some changes. Our goal is to ensure that the election process is as smooth and seamless as possible. We aim to address any issues proactively to facilitate a well-organized and efficient election.”
While Prof. Chima was confirmed Chairman of ABSIEC, others like Dr. Kelechi Okere, Joseph Uzoma Akara, Nkemdirim Kalu, and Bertha Ehumadu were confirmed as members of the Abia State electoral body.
According to the Abia State House of Assembly through the Deputy Speaker, Mr Augustine Okezie noted that Ekele Queen Ahuchogu and Onyemauche Elekwe, who were absent, would be screened on a later date when they appear before the House. Additionally, the House reviewed and confirmed Governor Otti’s nominee for Auditor General, Mrs. Eke Ngozi Ogbonnaya-Ugwo.
According to the Deputy Speaker, the other two nominees, Ekele Queen Ahuchogu and Onyemauche Elekwe who were not present, would be screened another day when they present themselves to the House.
The House also screened and confirmed Governor Otti’s nominee for the position of Auditor General of the state, Mrs Eke Ngozi Ogbonnaya-Ugwo.
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During the plenary session, the House also passed H.A.B.21: The Abia State 2024 Appropriation Virement Bill. This bill authorizes the transfer of One Hundred and Seventy-One Billion, Seventy-Four Million, Six Hundred and Sixty-Four Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Five Naira (N171,074,664,965.00) from the 2024 Abia State Budget for government services through December 31, 2024, and related purposes.
