The Abia state House of Assembly on Tuesday screened and confirmed 16 out of 19 Commissioner nominees sent by the state governor, Dr. Alex Otti for appointment into the state executive council.
They are;
Dr. Chimezie Iseac Ukaegbu
Prof. Eme Uche Eme
Prof. Monica Urakwe
Prof. Joel Ogbonna
Mr. Chaka Chukwumereije
Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna
Mr. Chima Emmanuel Oriaku
Engr. Otunchere Uche
Mr Nwaobilor
Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo
Philomon Asonye Ogbonna
Kingsley Anosike
Mr Emmanuel Ananaba
UZOCHUKWU Nwachukwu
Prince Oke Kalu
Mathew Ekwuruibe
Their screening took place at the Assembly complex after which the Speaker, Rt Hon Emmanuel Emeruwa directed the Clerk/Head of Legislative Service, Dr Johnpedro Irokansi to transmit the outcome of the session to the Governor Dr. Alex Otti for necessary action.
Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Augustine Okezie Meregini in his remarks accused the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of attempts to hold the 8th Assembly to ransom, calling for legislative action to forestall serious disagreement.
He warned that the gentle approach of the leadership of the Assembly must not be taken for granted.
The Speaker in his reaction assured that the House henceforth shall conduct its business with utmost decorum.
Earlier in the plenary, Member, Ukwa East State Constituency observed that the publications in the “Order Paper” is not a true reflection of what transpired in the last legislative day.
He urged that it should be set aside till it is amicably resolved, noting that since the Labour Party does not constitute the majority, Hon Uchenna Okoro should step down as Majority Leader.
Solomon Akpulonu of Obingwa East State Constituency on his part frowned at what he described as the height of impunity, stating that the PDP is heading to court to seek interpretation of House Order 8, Rule 42 which posits that the majority leader shall be selected from amongst the members of the party that has the majority members in the House of Assembly.