Uzodimma meets new Imo speaker, asks lawmakers to ‘forgive the past and forge ahead’

Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, has called for a united and functional state house of assembly that will give the dividends of democracy to residents of the state.

Uzodimma spoke on Monday, when he received Kennedy Ibe, the newly elected speaker of the Imo state house of assembly, and other members of the assembly.

TheCable had reported that Ibe, a member representing Obowo constituency, was sworn in as speaker following the removal of Paul Emeziem.

Emeziem was impeached on Monday following a petition, signed by 19 lawmakers out of the 27 lawmakers in the state — the petition accused him of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

Speaking with the lawmakers on Monday, Uzodimma said his administration remains committed to ensuring the independence of the legislature.

The Imo governor asked the lawmakers to work as a team and eschew tendencies that could cause division among them.

He congratulated the lawmakers for resolving to elect the speaker of their choice peacefully without external interference, saying the election of the new speaker is a “victory for democracy”.

He urged the new leadership to “forgive the past and forge a new alliance that will make Imo state house of assembly the best in Nigeria”.

“Imo state needs a united, functional, effective and efficient house of assembly that will work towards giving the people the desired dividends of democracy,” the governor said.

In his remarks, the new speaker commended the governor for the warm reception, and promised that the assembly will be “productive, efficient and effective” under his watch.