FIC Report (Abia State) – The Abia State House of Assembly has strongly condemned incessant attacks on people of Ukwa West as reported in a Matter of Urgent Public Importance.
Following a Matter of Urgent Public Importance as presented by the Member representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Adiele who alleged the incessant killing of the people of his Constituency by Herdsmen.
Presenting the matter, Hon. Adiele reported to the House how a woman was kidnapped in his constituency three weeks ago and till date has not been found. The next week following, another was raped which led to her untimely death while on 19th of June, a tipper driver was shot sporadically which led to his death still, all happening along the river-rine area where their attackers usually operate from.
The Lawmaker reported that they are calling on the government to help the Executive Chairman of Ukwa West LGA by raising a special security fund to enable him set up a Vigilantee who can help fight the attack since the Police and Army have failed and that the government should set up a committee that will be steady around the affected areas to monitor movements and save lives.
Responding to the Matter, the Member representing Umuahia North, Hon. Kelechi Onuzuruike and the Member representing Bende North, Hon. Emmanuel Ndubuisi reminded the House that it is not only Ukwa West State Constituency that is facing insecurity and that the request to raise a Special Security Fund is really out of place while the Member representing Umuahia South, Hon. Jerry Uzosike and Member representing Isiala-Ngwa South, Rt. Hon. Chikwendu Kanu supported his request stating that the security situation in the state should be addressed with immediate effect to protect lives and properties.
After various deliberations from the Lawmakers, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji asked the Clerk of the House, Sir John Pedro Irokansi to make write letters to the relevant bodies in respect of the prayers made on the Matter.
The House further received the Management of Abia State University,Uturu and the Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, ABSUTH which they summoned to appear to explain to the House why the institution lost Accreditation in the Faculty of Medicine.
It is gathered however, that the University’s loss of Accreditation was as a result of the strike embarked by the ABSUTH Staff over unpaid 30 months salaries and allowances as alleged by the Vice Chancellor Professor Onyemaechi M. Ogbulu.
The Assembly which was not convinced with their claims asked them to return next week Tuesday 28th to come up with a better reason to know why they lost Accreditation and to come up with a better way forward as the House adjourned plenary.
Mabel Okugo
House Of Assembly Corresspondent.
