Abia Speaker, Rt Hon Chinedum Orji, Honoured by Nzuko Arochukwu |PHOTOS

The Group which came on a courtesy visit to the Speaker to present to him their recently elected Executive members also bestowed on him their highest honour of a George wrapper which was hung on one of the Speaker's shoulders.

Speaking during the visit, President of the Group, Mazi Obaa Nnamela O. (JP), said "the honour done the Speaker was in recognition of his exemplary leadership qualities which have contributed in no small measure to the peace which we are currently enjoying in Abia State.

"We appreciate his peaceful mien which has also given the Governor the needed tranquil atmosphere to launch his massive infrastructural projects for the benefit of all Abians".

Continuing, Nnamela said that the Speaker has so far performed beyond the expectations of many and has left his critics dumbfounded by his achievements.

"With the quality motions and people oriented Bills so far passed by the Abia State House of Assembly under your leadership, and your ability to keep the House together in harmony despite the existing divergent political interests therein, cooperating and supporting the Governor without compromising the independence of the legislature in the development of the State all point to the kind of rare breed of leader that you are.

"It is for these reasons and many more that we decided to come and honour you today", the President said.

Adding her voice to the commendation of the Speaker, the President-General of Nzuko Arochukwu Women's Wing (Worldwide), Lady Bright Elekwa said the Speaker is a man loved by not only the group but also by the generality of the people particularly for his sagacity.

"You're a man of great sagacity, the kind rarely seen in our clime. We love such leaders like you who keep to their promises to the people without wavering.

"You had done a lot already while you were Majority Leader before becoming the Speaker, and as women who always stand by what is good and noble, we stand by you and we celebrate you. Be assured that we will answer you swiftly whenever you need us to help in your mission of humanitarian services to Abians", she concluded.

Lady Cordelia Nwaokoro, President of the Group's Women Wing, Umuahia Branch, also spoke in the same vein.

Responding, the Speaker, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji thanked the Nzuko Arochukwu Men and Women's Wings for the honour bestowed him and for the kind words they generously volunteered in his favour saying he was humbled by such effusive outpour of love upon him.

"I will not disappoint you", he declared.

"Your visit is an encouragement in what we are doing at the Abia State House of Assembly. We will not rest on our laurels.

"Our people deserve the peace they are enjoying in the State which has also given room to the growth and development we are witnessing from the Governor. That is the least we can do for the people.

"When we came on board, I mentioned it that ours would be "an Assembly of the people, by the people and for the people. Gladly, we have lived up to that creed, at least, based on the judgement of the people.

"As I'm thanking you for your support, I must also thank all those you represent here: the people of Arochukwu, for their support in our collective journey towards building a greater Abia. They have been immensely involved and supportive.

"Be assured that you are our partners in progress and will not hesitate to call on you whenever the need arises because I know that Arochukwu people are highly progressive people", he concluded.

Present at the visitation were Hon Onyekwere Mike Ukoha, Minority Whip and Member representing Arochukwu State Constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Charles Obioha Ogbonnaya (Evuleogu Ibeku), Dr Nwakanma Chijioke, Secretary, Nzuko Arochukwu, Umuahia Branch, among others.