Comrade Ezumaibe kelechiukwu, Abia State Chairman African Action Congress (AAC) has petitioned the Department of State Service (DSS), over what he termed “negligence of the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly in Swearing in Hon. Aaron Uzodike”.
Facts have shown that after INEC declared Destiny Nwagwu of the Labour Party as the winner of the Aba North State Assembly Election, the People’s Democratic Party’s candidate, Aaron Uzodike challenged the matter to Appeal Court level and won, but has not been sworn in by Emmanuel Emeruwa, Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly.
Fresh findings by the PDP and other opposition parties in Abia are showing that the state government and the Speaker together with the approval of most Aba North Traditional Rulers have concluded plans to declare Uzodike’s seat vacant and call for a fresh election.
In the letter to DSS dated, Monday, April 15, 2024, AAC said it wrote to bring to the attention of the country’s Secret Police, the negligence of Emeruwa in swearing in Uzodike despite the court verdict from the Court of Appeal, which is the highest court for the House of Assembly petition.
The party said that upholding the rule of law and respecting the decisions of the judiciary is very important, especially when it pertains to matters as crucial as the swearing-in of elected officials.
AAC said that the failure to adhere to the court’s decision not only undermines the integrity of the judicial system but also sets a dangerous precedent for the functioning of our democratic institutions.
“The actions of the Speaker in this matter are deeply concerning and have raised serious questions about the commitment to upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law within the state,” the party said
AAC added that it is essential that the DSS intervenes to ensure that the court’s decision is respected and that Uzodike is duly sworn in as per the court’s ruling.
“We urge the DSS to take immediate and decisive action to rectify this situation and uphold the sanctity of the judiciary’s decisions.
“The integrity of our democratic processes and institutions depends on the adherence to the rule of law, and it is crucial that all relevant authorities, including the DSS, play their part in ensuring that justice is upheld.
“We trust that the DSS will take the necessary steps to address this matter promptly and effectively. Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue.”
Meanwhile the AAC ahead of the petition to the DSS, equally wrote to Emeruwa formally, requesting the swearing-in of Hon. Aaron Uzodike as a member of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Aba North House Constituency.
The party said that its request is based on the recent Appeal Court verdict declaring Hon. Aaron Uzodike as the rightful winner of the election in that constituency.
Comrade Ezumaibe Kelechiukwu in the letter to Emeruwa said that as the State Chairman of the African Action Congress party in Abia State, “I urge you to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the will of the people is respected by facilitating the immediate swearing in of Hon. Aaron Uzodike Emmanuel.”
The party said that the democratic process is upheld and that the voice of the people is heard through their elected representative which the people of Aba North have not heard for several months now.
A part of the letter to Emeruwa reads, “I trust that you will act swiftly and in accordance with the law to ensure that justice is served and that the people of Aba North House Constituency are duly represented in the Abia State House of Assembly.”
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