Our Legislation Is About People, Not Politics–Abia Assembly Speaker

The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, has assured the Christian community that the 8th Assembly is committed to enacting people-centred legislation aimed at protecting families, promoting human dignity and improving the quality of life of residents across the state.

Emeruwa gave the assurance during the biennial Music Service and Festival of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, School Road, Aba Central District, where he served as Special Guest of Honour. The event, tagged “PolyPhony 2026,” featured music ministrations, prayers and thanksgiving.

Addressing the congregation, the Speaker said legislation under his leadership would continue to be guided by the principles of human dignity, social justice and the welfare of families.

He cited the recently passed Abia Real Estate, Landlord and Tenant Bill as an example of the Assembly’s commitment to protecting residents from exploitation and abusive practices in the housing sector.

“Take, for instance, the Abia Real Estate Landlord and Tenant Bill that we passed into law about four days ago to eliminate exploitation and inhumanity of certain landlords and agents against tenants in Abia. It is already shaping narratives and restoring sanity in our system,” Emeruwa said.

According to him, the new law seeks to curb arbitrary rent increases and oppressive tenancy conditions, adding that such practices would become punishable offences upon the Governor’s assent to the legislation.

The Speaker, however, stressed that the law was not designed solely to protect tenants, but also to safeguard the legitimate interests and properties of landlords.

He warned tenants against defaulting on rent obligations or deliberately damaging landlords’ properties, noting that such actions would also attract legal consequences.

“The law also protects landlords and their properties. One cannot occupy another fellow’s property and default in prompt payment of rent as and when due or destroy their building. No, this is punishable, and the law will take its course,” he said.

Emeruwa also announced that the ongoing construction of classroom blocks at School Road Primary School, Aba, which he facilitated, would soon be completed and made available for use.

He urged Christians to continue praying for the state government while also discharging their civic responsibilities, particularly through the payment of taxes.

The Speaker described taxation as an essential contribution to the development of society, noting that government revenue was critical to the provision of infrastructure and social services.

“Paying your taxes is not a burden. It is your seed for good governance—building of schools, roads, hospitals and other essential infrastructure,” he said.

Earlier, the District Leader of the church, Pastor I.O. Nwaoguikpe, who delivered a sermon titled “Igniting Your Favour,” commended Speaker Emeruwa for identifying with the church and applauded the Abia State House of Assembly for its efforts to enact legislation focused on the welfare of the people.

Nwaoguikpe prayed for divine wisdom and strength for the Speaker and members of the Assembly.

He also commended the Abia State Government for maintaining a cordial relationship with the Christian community, praying for God’s continued protection and guidance for the administration as the state approaches another election season.

The event featured special musical performances, prayers for Abia State, thanksgiving and other spiritual activities.

The Speaker was accompanied by the Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Persons With Disabilities, Mr. David Anyaele, PhD; Special Assistant to the Speaker on Political Matters, Sir Paul Emeruwa; Liaison Officer to the Speaker, Mr. Macdonald Nwankwo; Mr. Prince Abaiyi, among others.