The Abia State House of Assembly on Thursday passed two bills during a valedictory session for the sixth assembly.
The bills were the Abia State Education Support Levy and Abia State Trust Fund (2018) and Abia State Continuing Teacher Training (2018).
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the valedictory session was a moment for stock-taking by the members, who took turns to reel out their performances in the past four years.
At least 12 of the 24 lawmakers in the outgone assembly would return, having been re-elected for a second term, while 12 persons that emerged victorious at the poll would join the seventh assembly.
The sixth assembly was inaugurated on June 11, 2015, while the seventh assembly is scheduled for inauguration on June 11.
It was an exciting moment as almost all the speakers in their emotion-laden speeches sang gospel songs to either begin or end their speeches.
Cosmos Ndukwe, the Deputy Speaker, who represented Bende North Constituency, said he had garnered a lot of experience, having served in different positions in the house.
Ndukwe, who lost his bid to return to the house for a second term, likened his four-year sojourn in the house as a period of study in the university.
He said: “For me, the four years is like being in a Legislative University and, today, I see myself as one of the graduating students of this great institution.”
Dr. Blessing Nwagba, member representing Aba North and the only female legislator, expressed delight over the cordial relationship and support she enjoyed among her male colleagues.
Nwagba, who served two terms, said she had achieved her set goal in the house.
She said: “I’m the only female legislator in the Abia State House of Assembly.
“I didn’t allow my voice to be drowned.
“I encourage other women to come on board.
“Don’t get frightened by the men.
“They love us but be a responsible woman.”
NAN reports that Nwagba, who contested the governorship election on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, having defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, lost to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
While scoring themselves high in their legislative functions, the legislators, however, admitted to have performed poorly in their overnight.
Earlier, the Speaker, Chikwendu Kalu, thanked the members for their co-operation and commitment to legislative duties, saying the past four years had been worthwhile.
Kalu, who was re-elected to represent Isiala Ngwa South Constituency for a second term, wished the non-returning members well in their future endeavours.
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