ABIA ASSEMBLY RECEIVES STATE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR REVIEW, ADVANCES KEY LEGISLATIVE BILLS
The Abia State House of Assembly has received the state’s financial statements covering the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective legislative oversight in governance.
The financial report was formally presented to the Assembly by the Accountant General of Abia State during plenary and is expected to undergo an independent review process by lawmakers. The submission aligns with the provisions of the Abia State Audit Law No. 15 of 2021, the Public Finance (Control and Management) Act, and established mechanisms designed to promote fiscal responsibility and institutional checks and balances.
Presiding over the session, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, directed that the report be referred to the House Committee on Public Accounts, Budget, and Due Process for detailed examination and further legislative action.
Students Observe Legislative Proceedings
In a move aimed at promoting civic education and legislative awareness, the House also welcomed students from the Department of Public Administration of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba. The students, led by Achinike Franklin, were present to observe the plenary proceedings and gain practical insights into legislative processes and governance.
Motion on Road Rehabilitation Announced
During the session, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, Hon. Rowland Dennis Chinwendu, gave notice of a motion seeking the rehabilitation of the Omoba–Umuekegwu–Amaekpu–Umukoro Road in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The Speaker advised members to carefully study the proposed motion ahead of its formal presentation and debate at a future sitting.
Assembly Reviews Petition on Amibo Autonomous Community
The Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Chinasa Anthony, presented the committee’s report on a petition challenging the publication concerning the Amibo Autonomous Community in the Abia State Government Gazette.
The petition, submitted by solicitor Kalu Uwadineke D.C., was thoroughly reviewed by the committee. In its recommendations, the committee advised that the recognized name of the Amibo Autonomous Community should be accepted by all stakeholders in the interest of peace and stability within the Ubakala Clan.
The committee further noted that the position enjoys the backing of the fifteen communities that make up the clan, the Ubakala Constitution, and the state government. It urged aggrieved parties to await the outcome of the government’s panel of inquiry while maintaining peaceful coexistence with neighboring communities.
Following deliberations, the House adopted the report as a working document and referred it to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative consideration.
Abia State University Amendment Bill Passes Second Reading
One of the major highlights of the plenary was the second reading of the Abia State University (Amendment) Bill, 2026, sponsored by the Majority Leader, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu.
The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the Abia State University Law (Amendment No. 1) of 2009 and amend Section 3 of Law No. 5 of 1995, which established the institution.
According to the sponsor, the amendment will facilitate the operation of a unified single-campus system for Abia State University, thereby enhancing administrative efficiency, improving academic management, and strengthening service delivery for students and the wider university community.
The bill was subsequently referred to the Committee of the Whole for detailed consideration.
Restorative Justice Bill Advances
Also receiving significant attention was the Abia State Restorative Justice Bill, 2026, which successfully passed its second reading.
Speaking on the bill, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu explained that the legislation is designed to ensure victims of crime and violent attacks receive adequate compensation while promoting accountability for offenders.
He emphasized that the proposed law would strengthen access to justice, provide support for victims, and help restore confidence in the state’s justice system. Lawmakers unanimously supported the bill’s progression, and it was referred to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative scrutiny.
Consideration of Key Bills Deferred
The House later transitioned into a quasi-plenary session to consider reports and bills relating to public safety, real estate regulation, housing administration, poverty alleviation, and sports development.
Among the items scheduled for consideration were the Abia State Safety and Protection Bill, the Abia State Real Estate Regulatory Bill, the Landlord and Tenant Bill, the Trust Fund for Poverty Alleviation Bill, and the Abia State Sports Development Fund Bill.
However, deliberations on the reports and bills were postponed to a future legislative date due to the unavailability of certain materials required for comprehensive review.
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The plenary underscored the Assembly’s continued efforts to strengthen transparency, improve governance, enhance public accountability, and advance legislation aimed at supporting socio-economic development across Abia State.
