From Maurice Okafor, Enugu.
At the post inauguration party in honour of Hon Hyginus Osita Okoh,who will represent Enugu East Constituency in the 8th assembly, the Enugu state governor,Dr Peter Mbah and Hon.Barr. Chijioke Edeoga,the Enugu state Labour Party governorship candidate in the February 25, saw reason to have good warmshake and exchange pleasantries amidst their political differences.
Barr. Edeoga and the Labour party are currently challenging the declaration of Dr Peter Mbah by INEC as the Enugu state governor by INEC in the February 25 elections, but felt at ease to welcome and embrace Governor Peter Mbah to the post inauguration party.
As a matter of fact, their meeting at Hon Okoh’s inauguration party was by coincidence. Edeoga visited the reception points of most of the 14 member state legislators who won their elections on the platform of the party,while Governor Mbah made it a point of duty to visit most of the 24 state legislators in their reception points,irrespective of party of affiliation.
It was gathered that an atmosphere of joy and jubilation rented the overcrowded Nike lake Protea hotel,the venue of the inauguration party as Governor Mbah and Barr.Edeoga reached for each others hand shake.Against expectation,none of them walked out on each other.
Checks revealed that even though Governor Mbah and Barr.Edeoga are currently enmeshed in deep political difference over who exactly scored the majority votes of the electorates in the governorship election, a matter presently before the Enugu state governordhip tribunal.
Amidst the development, the duo in their various statements and actions has advocated for political harmony capable of strenthening the democratic process in the state and even development.
For instance, at a retreat for the 14 state legislators elected on the platform of Lbour party, Barr Edeoga advised the legislators to be critical and objecting in making laws and supporting moves that will endear development of the state,but should avoid being rubber stamp of the executive.
Governor Peter Mbah,,reprdsented by his deputy,Dr Ifeanyi Ossai,during pre inaguration retreat held for the 24 members of the state assembly appraised the diverse composition of the 8th Enugu state house of assembly expressing hope it will nuture promote democratic concepts of the state to ginger socio economic development of the state.
Meanwhile Hon Ugwu represenfing Udi North constituency on tuesday,June 13,emerged as the Speaker of thd 8th Enugu state assembly. Hon Ugwu was re elected on the platform of PDP to represent Udi North constituency.
His emergence as Speaker of 8th Enujgu state assembly stems on standing rule of the house which provides for only members on second term or above to be Speaker of the house against new comers,irrespective of numerical strenght.
The Labour party with 14 against PDP 10 member of the state assembly is hoping to gafner many top positions or principal officers,when the house reconvenes on July 9.
End.
