Afikpo Council Chairman, Nwachi Timothy, inaugurates legislative council
History was made at the Council Hall, Afikpo, on Monday as the Executive Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, Nwachi Timothy, formally inaugurated the legislative arm of the LGA in a ceremony marked by pomp and pageantry.
The inauguration drew a full house of dignitaries, including traditional rulers, coordinators of development centres, party faithful, political stakeholders, religious leaders, staff of the council and jubilant constituents who thronged the council hall to witness the dawn of a new legislative era.
The event began with a procession of the newly elected councillors, followed by the administration of oaths of office and allegiance. With the gavel struck, the 14th Legislative Council was officially constituted to serve the people of Afikpo for the next two years.
In his inaugural speech, Mr Nwachi congratulated the councillors on their successful swearing-in and reminded them that their mandate goes beyond politics, emphasising that they must prioritise people-centred legislation, transparency, and grassroots development in line with the People’s Charter of Needs mantra of the Governor Nwifuru-led administration.
He charged them to partner with the executive arm to bring development to the local government, promising to create the enabling environment for them to discharge their duties.
While tasking them with the best way to succeed, Nwachi enjoined them to adopt a legislative framework that would make their tenure the best through laws and motions that would accelerate development in the council area.
“Come up with any form of legislative framework that will improve the well-being of the local government; if you come up with such bill, be rest assured I’ll not hesitate to grant my assent,” the Chairman assured.
He maintained that any bills that would protect and be of benefit to the people, improve education, improve the agricultural sector and improve the economic value of the local government would be supported by him.
The Chairman thanked the immediate past councillors for the cordial working relationship and expressed confidence that the new ones would even do better.
Other speakers at the event including the Traditional Ruler of Afikpo Autonomous Community, HRH Ezeogo Patrick Oko Agha, the APC Chairman in the local government, Hon Nicodemus Egwu and the Coordinator Amasiri Development Centre, Hon Baron Ogbonnia tasked the legislators on loyalty and dedication to service.
The major highlight of the inaugural sitting was the election of the House leadership. Hon. Gabriel Origbo of Amogu Akpoha Ward emerged as Leader, while Hon Hassan Agha of Nkpoghoro Ward was elected Deputy Leader. Other principal officers elected are: Hon Catherine Ojii Oko of Itim Ward as Majority Leader; Hon Ogbonnia Inya Akaa of Unwana B Ward as Deputy Majority Leader; Hon Eric Owaka of Ezeke Ward as Chief Whip; and Hon. Nkechinyere Ologwu of Ohaisu B Ward as Deputy Chief Whip.
The Leader of Afikpo Legislative Council, Hon Gabriel Origbo, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, thanked the Governor Nwifuru, the Council Chairman, the electorate, and party leadership for the trust reposed in them. He assured that the 14th Legislative Council under his watch will be guided by the principles of accountability, inclusiveness and effective representation.
