Member representing Okigwe state constituency, at the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Acho Ihim, Friday, emerged unopposed as the Speaker of the state Assembly, just as Hon. Ugonna Ozuruigbo representing Nwangele Constituency emerged as the Deputy Speaker of the House.
The election of these key officers of the House, followed the inauguration of the 8th House, 3rd Assembly by the state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, at the Assembly complex, Owerri.
Hon. Ihim’s emergence was sequel to his earlier nomination for the office of the Speaker by the member representing Ideato South constituency, Hon. Ikechukwu Amuka, and was seconded by Hon. Lawson Duruji, representing Ehime Mbano state constituency.
His nomination was unanimously backed by his colleagues who had declined to make further nominations into the office of the Speaker, when sought after by the Clerk of the Assembly, Barr. Chris Duru.
In the absence of further nominations for the office of the Speaker, Hon. Ihim was subsequently declared elected by the Clerk who in turn administered oath of office and allegiance on him to further enable him perform similar functions on his colleagues.
In his acceptance speech, the new Speaker who described his new role as a thing of absolute challenge and responsibility, also thanked God for making the day a reality. He expressed his deep felt appreciation to his colleagues for finding him worthy to lead them, while pledging never to let them down.
Hon. Acho Ihim, assured people of the state that the new state Assembly will hit the ground running and match words with action to enable them provide the needed democracy dividends to the people of the state.
He pledged that the House under his leadership would always abide by the laws of the country in the discharge of its duties with a sense of unity, irrespective of their political party sentiments or affiliations.
He further paid glowing tributes to the state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and the immediate past Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu, for their doggedness and resilience in providing the needed leadership for the positive course of development for the people, adding that the task of leading the House would further avail him the opportunity of contributing in the Rescue Mission’s administration’s commitment towards making Imo state better.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, congratulated the honourable members on their deserved victory during the polls and reminded them to work in unity to serve their people better, as the electioneering campaigns were over.
