The Abia State House of Assembly has dismissed reports claiming it ordered Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Lekwachi Emetu to issue a public apology for allegedly assaulting Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke, the representative of Ohafia South State Constituency, during the local government election on November 2. Recent reports suggested that the Assembly had passed a resolution, based on a motion by Godwin Adiele of Ukwa West, demanding an unreserved apology from the Deputy Governor. These claims also alleged that Hon. Nwoke was detained for 24 hours at Emetu’s order after protesting the locked local government secretariat and the absence of election result sheets.

However, Deputy Governor Emetu denied these allegations, and the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Austin Okezie Merengini, clarified on Thursday that no such resolution had been passed. Merengini, who attended the Assembly’s Tuesday session, explained that no directive was issued for an apology, asserting that those spreading this information were doing so without basis. He emphasized that misunderstandings are natural and occur even among close relations, adding that this specific issue was a minor disagreement between colleagues that has since been resolved.

Merengini, who also chairs the House Committee on Media, stressed that the matter has not strained the relationship between the House and the Executive branch. He noted that both branches recently engaged in a productive discussion, underscoring the strong cooperation between the legislature and the Executive, which he believes will continue.

The Deputy Speaker further expressed satisfaction with the Executive’s implementation of the Assembly’s policies, stating that over 70% of the 2023 budget has been executed, according to the House’s assessments. Congratulating the newly elected mayors sworn in on November 2, Merengini urged them to focus on delivering democratic dividends to grassroots communities, in alignment with the Assembly’s legislative and oversight responsibilities over local government affairs.

Merengini concluded by affirming that the House will continue to fulfill its role in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution, ensuring that governance benefits the people of Abia State.