Group Calls for Aba North Assembly Seat to Be Declared Vacant, Threatens Protest

The Coalition of Aba North Ethnic Youth Groups is demanding the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emereuwa, to declare the Aba North seat vacant within seven days. This demand comes amidst a longstanding controversy surrounding the seat, which has remained unoccupied since November 27, 2023, following a court ruling.

The Court of Appeal, sitting in Lagos, had invalidated Destiny Nwagwu of the LP as the representative for Aba North and declared Aaron Uzodike of the PDP as the rightful elected member. Despite this ruling, Uzodike has not been inaugurated by the Speaker, leading to a prolonged vacancy in the seat.

In response to this ongoing stalemate, the Coalition of Aba North Ethnic Youth Groups issued a protest letter to the Speaker, signed by their leader, Uka Matthew, along with other members in Aba. They expressed frustration over the lack of representation in the Abia State House of Assembly for six months and demanded prompt action.

The coalition contends that the House of Assembly election held on March 18, 2024, was won by Destiny Nwagwu of the LP, not Aaron Uzodike of the PDP, as upheld by the Appeal court. They argue that the absence of their chosen representative has left them without a voice in the legislative process.

Uka Matthew warned that if the Speaker fails to honor their ultimatum and declare the Aba North seat vacant, members of the coalition will take to the streets of Aba in protest. They insist on a fresh election to ensure proper representation for the constituency.

This demand echoes previous calls made by a group of traditional rulers from the Aba North constituency, who also urged the Speaker to declare the seat vacant, citing concerns over Uzodike’s health. However, Uzodike refuted these claims, asserting that he is fit and prepared to serve if sworn in, while accusing the traditional rulers of being imposters.

The situation remains tense as stakeholders await the Speaker’s response to the coalition’s demand, with the possibility of further protests looming over the unresolved issue of representation in Aba North.