Three Years Of Impact: Abia Assembly Has Created Strong Legislative Foundation For Development — Abia Assembly Deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and member representing Umuahia East State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmeregini, has described his three years in office as “interesting, revealing and challenging,” noting that the journey has been marked by significant legislative achievements and institutional reforms.

Speaking with newsmen on his scorecard three years after the inauguration of the 8th Abia State House of Assembly, the Deputy Speaker said his emergence as the number two lawmaker in the state came as a surprise, as he initially prepared only to serve as a legislator.

According to him, the Assembly, which was inaugurated on June 14, 2023, experienced initial political tensions due to the different backgrounds and interests of lawmakers from various political parties.

“Initially, it was a bit challenging because everyone came from different platforms with different mindsets.

There were arguments and disagreements, but with time, we understood the bigger picture and came together as one House,” he said.

He noted that the Assembly has now achieved remarkable stability, adding that the House currently enjoys overwhelming unity.

“Today, the House has become more united because of the common vision we share. We have been able to focus on the development of Abia State rather than individual political interests,” he added.

On how the Assembly has managed to avoid the leadership crises and impeachment threats that often characterised previous administrations, the Deputy Speaker attributed the stability to mutual understanding, dialogue and effective leadership.

He explained that disagreements are normal in any legislative environment but stressed that the lawmakers have always resolved their differences internally.

“We argue, we debate and we disagree, but those issues are handled within the appropriate channels. The public may not always see the disagreements because we resolve them through executive sessions before coming to plenary,” he stated.

He added that the Assembly’s ability to work as a team has helped it overcome challenges that affected previous Houses.

Highlighting the achievements of the 8th Assembly, the Deputy Speaker disclosed that the House has passed several important laws aimed at strengthening development across Abia State.

He revealed that the Assembly has recorded about 136 resolutions, over 50 motions, and 75 bills, with about 40 bills already passed into law within three years.

Among the major legislations, he mentioned the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) Law, which he said provided the legal framework for massive infrastructure renewal around Aba and its environs.

He also cited the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA) Law, which he said was designed to accelerate development in Abia North.

Other key legislative interventions include the amendment of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) Law, aimed at improving efficiency, and the Abia State Electricity Law, which created the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA).

According to him, the electricity law has positioned Abia to generate, distribute and regulate electricity independently, thereby improving the investment climate in the state.

The Deputy Speaker also highlighted the strengthening of security through the Abia Homeland Security Agency Law.

He said the legislation has provided stronger legal backing for the agency and improved collaboration with conventional security agencies.

“In every sector, the Assembly has tried to create the enabling environment for development, while the executive has shown commitment through effective implementation,” he said.

Speaking on projects attracted to Umuahia East Constituency, the lawmaker highlighted his role in facilitating the rehabilitation of key roads, including the Opet–Umuafai–Ahiaeke Ndume Road and the Ihie–Okwuta–Bende Road.

He explained that he prioritised projects that would benefit the larger population rather than focusing only on areas closer to him.

“I had the option of pursuing a shorter road that would directly benefit my immediate community, but I chose the one that would serve a greater number of people and open up the constituency,” he said.

He disclosed that he maintained regular supervision of the road projects before, during and after construction to ensure quality delivery.

On education, the Deputy Speaker said his constituency has benefited from several interventions, including bursaries, school support and student assistance.

He revealed that over 250 students in tertiary institutions have received financial support, while many others benefited from WAEC and JAMB registration assistance.

He also mentioned interventions in primary and secondary schools, including provision of desks and rehabilitation of dilapidated classrooms.

“We are working gradually based on needs assessment because the challenges are many, but we are committed to improving educational standards,” he said.

The lawmaker also spoke about his intervention in addressing water challenges in parts of the constituency.

He explained that due to the difficult terrain in some communities, water projects required advanced solutions, including solar-powered pumping systems.

According to him, communities such as Umuezeagwu, Isieke Housing Estate and Umuajiji, Okwoyi, among others have benefited from water projects, while additional projects are ongoing.

“We are not just drilling boreholes; we are providing sustainable systems that will serve communities for a long time,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker maintained that the 8th Abia State House of Assembly has remained focused on delivering quality representation and creating a legislative foundation for sustainable development.

“We came prepared to serve, and despite the challenges, the experience has been rewarding. The goal remains to make Abia better,” he concluded.