Friday, the 13th December 2024 will remain indelible in Imo State House Of Assembly. It was the day Legislative Staff of the Assembly, under the auspices of Parliamentary Staff Association Of Nigeria (PASAN), Imo State Chapter, celebrated the Grand Finale of her 2024 parliamentary week.
Pasan is a trade union affiliated to the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC. It is an umbrella body that holds the Parliamentary Staff of Nigeria and the State Houses of Assembly.
The ceremony heralding the celebration can only be described in superlative terms, as the venue, the Imo State House Of Assembly complex was adorned with splendor, as it showcased the preparedness of PASAN to celebrate the parliamentary week.
For their selfless dispositions towards the welfare of the Staff of Imo State House Of Assembly, the following personalities were given Outstanding Excellent Awards :
- Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, Speaker, IMHA.
- Rt Honourable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, Deputy Speaker, IMHA.
- Rt Honourable Chief Sir Goodluck Nana Opia, Speaker Emeritus, IMHA.
- Rt Honourable Chief Ugonna Ozuruigbo, OZB, Deputy Speaker Emeritus, IMHA.
- Rt Honourable Paul Emeziem, Speaker Emeritus, IMHA.
- Hon Barrister Lugard Osuji, Majority Leader Emeritus IMHA.
- Hon Engr Ikenna Elezieanya, former Member who Represented Owerri-West State Constituency.
- Dr Sam Echefu, former Medical Officer of the Imo State House Of Assembly Clinic.
- Chinelo Adaora Emeghara Esq, Clerk/Head, Legislative Service, IMHA.
The parliamentary week kicked off with a Road Show in the state capital, Owerri, on Monday the 8th of December 2024, by members of PASAN, Imo State Chapter. A workshop was also organized, with a talk on Health, and a lecture, with the theme : “Sustaining Democracy Through Legislative Service”.
Presenting a paper at the workshop entitled “Management And Staff Relationship For Enhanced Productivity”, a known Authority in legislative matters, Mr Ben Uwakwe, harped on the role of Management in assisting Staff/workers to achieve organizational goals. He enumerated many positive actions of Management that have built impact on productivity, with extra provisions, which ultimately has led to Staff/workers demonstrating commitment and improved output, as presently being done at the Imo State House of Assembly. He also explained the provision of the Civil Service Rule which serves as a check on Staff/workers, vis-a-vis ; lateness to work, absenteeism and misconduct, and the need for Staff/workers to continue to show seriousness to work through improved productivity.
Also, in his paper on Health Talk, the Medical Director of IMHA Clinic, Dr Emeka Nwadilibe, discussed Hypertension, otherwise known as High Blood Pressure (Obara Ngbalielu). He defined Hypertension as a Blood Pressure of 140/90 in two or more occasions. According to Dr Emeka Nwadilibe, Systolic pressure is the top number in a blood pressure reading, and it measures the force of blood being pumped out of the heart, while Diastolic pressure is the minimum pressure in your arteries before your heart contracts again. It’s the second number in a blood pressure reading, written after a slash. For example, a Blood Pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg means your Systolic Pressure is 140 and your Diastolic Pressure is 90. Diastolic Pressure helps coronary vessels supply oxygen to the heart muscle. The Medical Authority listed two types of Hypertension :
- Primary (Essential Hypertension.
- Secondary Hypertension.
He went on to explain the causes, signs and symptoms of Hypertension, including its management, medications and complications.
While welcoming everyone at the Grand Finale of the occasion, the Imo State Chapter Chairman of PASAN, Comrade Chukwuma Anya (Nwokememe), in his opening address, noted that “Imo State House of Assembly is ranked first among the 36 State Houses of Assembly in terms of conducive working environment, made possible by our dear visionary Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, and we will not hesitate to thank him continuously whenever opportunity offers itself. I want to unequivocally disclose that in addition to our conducive working environment, we have the best Administrative Management Team, so far, in Imo State and beyond, led by Barrister (Mrs) Chinelo Adaora Emeghara. The synergy and cordial relationship existing between the House leadership, the Management and the Union (PASAN) is unprecedented and second to none since the existence of Imo State House Of Assembly, courtesy of the Clerk/Head, Legislative Service”.
In her welcome address, the Clerk/Head Legislative Service, Imo State House Of Assembly, Chinelo Adaora Emeghara Esq, commended the Staff and Management for their support and urged them to continue to sustain the tempo. She stated that the House would continue to work “dedicatedly as a team, as it is vital to the lawmaking process and to the continued success of the 3-R Shared Prosperity leadership in the state”.
The Speaker, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, while congratulating PASAN, appreciated them for their support and dedication, assuring them of better welfare packages under his leadership. He also appreciated Governor Uzodimma for making the IMHA complex the best in the country, and pledged that he and his Honourable Colleagues would continue to work in synergy with the Executive in giving the people of Imo State purposeful leadership.
The Chairman of the occasion was Rt Honourable Chief Ernest Ibejiakor (Nwandaaa), a one time State House Of Assembly Member (1999 – 2003), a one time Federal House Of Representative Member (2007 – 2011) and currently, the Honourable Commissioner for Industry, Mines And Solid Minerals, Imo State.
In his opening remark, Rt Hon Ibejiakor commended the leadership of the House, Management and Staff of the Imo State House Of Assembly for working as a united family. According to him, “this is the first time the Principal Officers, Presiding Officers, Honourable Members and Staff are working together in one accord, for the progress of democracy and development of the state”.
He commended the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for rebuilding, furnishing and equipping the Assembly complex, and went further to appreciate the Clerk of the House, Chinelo Adaora Emeghara Esq, for showing dexterity, patriotism and commitment in her job as the Administrative Head. In his words, Ibejiakor said, “the present Clerk of the House, Barrister (Mrs) Chinelo Adaora Emeghara is the best since 1999. I was here as Honourable Member Representing Owerri Municipal State Constituency, from 1999 to 2003, and I have followed events in the Assembly since then. She is the best. Also, I have not heard any person, be it staff, Honourable Members or even visitors castigate the Clerk. It has always been commendations. I see unity and synergy among Staff, Honourable Members and the leadership of the House. This has never happened before. This is unprecedented. I am equally commending PASAN for their dedication to work, and I say congratulations “.
The Assembly Choir entertained the crowd that graced the occasion with beautiful melodious Christian songs. Thereafter, the EZINWANNE CULTURAL DANCE GROUP of the Imo State House Of Assembly was inaugurated. The Dance group, made up of the hardworking Staff of the House, displayed their ingenuity and creativity with dancing steps, as they sang and danced to the lyrics of the cultural music played by the Assembly Music Band, and indeed, it was most thrilling and spectacular, as guests freely “poured out their hearts of appreciation to them”.
The highlight of the occasion was the Awards given to deserving personalities who positively touched the lives of Staff of Imo State House Of Assembly.
It should be noted that the Speaker, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, who had few days earlier received his Award in his office, promised improved welfare package for the staff. He described his fellow Awardee, and Clerk of the House, *”as a woman who is more than a woman”.
Receiving his Award, the Deputy Speaker and Member Representing Nwangele State Constituency, Rt Honourable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, thanked PASAN for recognizing his contributions and pledged to further ensure that the welfare of Staff would be taken to the next level. In his words, the Prolific lawmaker said, *”This is very thoughtful of you. You have recognized, approved and appreciated my role as the stabilizer. I must commend you in a special way for standing by the leadership of the House and my Distinguished House colleagues, and by extension, the Executive Arm of Government. You have refused to join others to go on strike, unlike what is obtainable in other States. You have shown commitment to all the Laws and Resolutions, and I say thank you. The welfare of the Staff will be top notch”.
Rt Honourable Chief Sir Goodluck Nanah Opia, former Speaker, former Federal House Of Representatives Member, former Special Adviser, former Commissioner, former Federal Minister etc received the Most Friendly Speaker Award.
Others personalities who received Awards of Outstanding Excellent Service included :
- Rt Honourable Chief Ugonna Ozuruigbo, OZB, Deputy Speaker Emeritus, IMHA (Represented).
- Rt Honourable Paul Emeziem, Speaker Emeritus, IMHA.
- Hon Barrister Lugard Osuji, Majority Leader Emeritus IMHA.
- Hon Engr Ikenna Elezieanya, former Member who Represented Owerri-West Constituency (Represented By Hon Cee).
- Dr Sam Echefu, former Medical Officer of the Imo State House Of Assembly.
- Chinelo Adaora Emeghara Esq, Clerk/Head, Legislative Service, IMHA.
It should be noted that one striking remark from each of the Awardees, after receiving the Awards, is the revelation that their fellow Awardee and Clerk of the House, Chinelo Adaora Emeghara Esq, Is the best.
In his vote of thanks, Emeritus Speaker, Rt Honourable Goodluck Nanah Opia, appreciated the leadership of the Imo State House Of Assembly for what they are doing as lawmakers. He appreciated his fellow Awardee and Clerk, and the entire workers of the House under the auspices of the Parliamentary Staff Association Of Nigeria, PASAN, describing them as those who work behind the scene and staying true to their calling as public servants.
Rt Honourable Goodluck Nanah Opia, while dedicating his Award to his Honourable Colleagues, commended the exemplary collaboration between the Assembly and the State Government, stating that the synergy has yielded remarkable progress in the State, which demonstrated the power of unity and collective purpose. The very experienced lawmaker per excellence further noted that in working hard to support the visionary leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, the House has passed People-oriented Bills and Resolutions, which has not only enhanced the legislative process but has also contributed to the socioeconomic development of the state.
The Emeritus Speaker further stated, “Legislative workers are the backbone of the Legislative Arm, therefore, your expertise, dedication and teamwork are vital to the lawmaking process. You are the bridge between policymakers and the public, and it is your duty to ensure that the voices of our constituents are heard. As legislative workers, your responsibilities extend beyond administrative tasks. You provide critical research, analysis and technical support, which enable lawmakers to make informed decisions. You facilitate public engagement, gather feedback and ensure that policies reflect the needs of our communities. I am pleased to tell you that you have not been found wanting in your duties. Therefore, I urge you to sustain the tempo by improving on it and staying updated on policy trends, best practices and emerging issues ; by fostering collaborative relationships with lawmakers, stakeholders and constituents ; by demonstrating professionalism, integrity and impartiality in your work always ; and by continuously improving your skills and knowledge to enhance your support”.
Honourable Members Of the Imo State House Of Assembly present included the following ;
- Hon Chief Kanayo Onyemaechi, Majority Leader.
- Hon Chigozie Nwaneri, Chief Whip.
- Hon Princewill Ugochukwu Amuchie, Minority Leader.
- Hon Sir Clinton Amadi, Deputy Minority Leader.
- Hon Kelechi Onumajuru Ofurum, Deputy Chief Whip.
- Hon Barrister Chisom Ojukwu (Nkwerre).
- Hon Okey Ernest Udeze (Ideato-North).
- Hon Engr Uche Francis Agabige (Orsu).
- Hon Barrister Ikenna Martins Ihezuo (Orlu).
- Hon Chief Ozioma Worship Ebonine (Njaba).
- Hon Dr Uzoma Francis Osuoha (Ohaji).
- Hon Engr Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie (Mbaitoli).
- Hon Barrister Emeka Kingsley Ozurumba (Isu).
Other Dignitaries that graced the occasion included :
- Rt Honourable Donatus Ozoemelam, Former Deputy Speaker, IMHA.
- Hon Raymond Emeana, former lawmaker.
- Hon Declan Mbadiwe Emelumba, former lawmaker and Commissioner for Information.
- Hon Emma, former lawmaker.
- Hon Alex Emeziem, former lawmaker.
- Hon Collins Ughalaa, Special Adviser On Public Orientation to His Excellency
- Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, Imo State Chairman Of NUJ.
- Hon Chief Paul Duru, Executive Chairman, Nwangele local government area.
- Hon Marcel Amadioha, former Chairman of Ohaji/Egbema local government area.
- Mr George Eze Emeghara, Husband of the Clerk.
- And many others, too numerous to be mentioned.
The ceremony ended on a very good note, as everyone present went home with informed knowledge of how the Legislative Arm of Government functions, and the crucial role Parliamentary workers play in the sustenance of democracy through legislative service.
Recall that IMHA also issued outstanding awards to deserving personalities, alongside the inauguration of EZINWANNE CULTURAL DANCE GROUP.
Congratulations to the Awardees, And Congratulations PASAN.
Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha reporting from IMHA Owerri.
