The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has called on the Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, to release all entitlements owed to Aaron Uzodike, the newly inaugurated lawmaker.
Delayed opening
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Uzodike, a member of the PDP, was sworn in on Tuesday after several months during which Mr Emeruwa refused to inaugurate him.
This newspaper detailed how Mr Uzodike contested the 2023 general elections for the Abia North State Constituency but lost to Destiny Nwangwu of the Labour Party (LP).
Mt Uzodike subsequently challenged Nwangwu's victory before the Lagos State Court of Appeal, where the court annulled the election of the LP candidate and declared him (Uzodike) the winner.
But for several months, Mr Emeruwa, a member of the ruling LP in the state, refused to take over from Mr Uzodike despite a court ruling declaring him elected.
The PDP lawmaker was finally sworn in on Tuesday, following intense pressure from various quarters.
His inauguration takes place exactly 14 months after the inauguration of the Assembly on June 14, 2023.
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'Free him from all his rights'
In a statement issued on Tuesday, PDP spokesman in Abia State, Abraham Amah, described the inauguration of the lawmaker as “a significant milestone in our democracy’s journey towards perfection.”
Mr. Amah praised Mr. Emeruwa for “waking up from his slumber and demonstrating obedience and adherence to the rule of law.”
“This action strengthens our democratic processes and reinforces the confidence of our voters in the integrity of our institutions,” he said.
The PDP spokesperson, however, asked the assembly speaker to pay Uzodike all the allowances due to him for the months he was not sworn in.
“The Abia PDP calls on the Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly to urgently release all entitlements owed to Honourable Uzodike for the past 15 months,” he said.
“Addressing this matter promptly will enable him to perform his duties effectively and deliver on the promises he made to the people he represents.”
Mr Amah praised Mr Uzodike for his “tenacity and perseverance” in the face of delay, noting that his character was a testament to his dedication and commitment to serving the people of his constituency.
He also commended the PDP lawmakers in the assembly and the people of Abia North State constituency for their commitment to the inauguration of Mr. Uzodike.
“Your collective efforts have brought us to this day and they do not go unnoticed,” he told them.