The member representing Isiala Ngwa North, Martins Azubuike, had been elected as the Abia State House of Assembly Speaker.
Azubuike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, had been in the House since 2007.
He was elected unopposed after his nomination by Tony Nwubani, seconded by Emeka Alozie.
Nwubani and Alozie are lawmakers from Ukwa West and Osisioma Ngwa South constituencies respectively.
Similarly, Cosmos Ndukwe was elected as Deputy Speaker of the 6th Assembly.
The Clerk of the House, DonPedro Irokansi, administered the oath of allegiance on all elected members.
In his inaugural speech, Azubuike promised to be just, equitable and fair in the discharge of his duties.
He said: “I shall work with commitment, kindness and always apply the best global practice in dealing with my colleagues, the executive arm and to everyone.
“We shall work together to build a legislature that will justify the trust and confidence reposed in us.
“Do not forget, we were elected at a time when the stakes were high.
“To this end, we shall enact and review laws that will bring progress to our people and we shall repeal any obsolete laws that encourage the present infrastructure deficit.
“We shall revive our dead public enterprises, give impetus to the private sector to drive our economy, provide meaningful and affordable health care to the people.
“We shall also employ the machinery of oversight and other legislative interventions to ensure that Abia people get value for public money spent.”
The speaker said the Abia State House of Assembly under his watch would play the role of a stabilising force by cooperating with other arms of government without compromising the rules of separation of power.
He, therefore, thanked the state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, “for not interfering in the election of the 6th Assembly’s leadership”.
The Abia State House of Assembly has 24 members, with 13 from PDP and 11 from the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
The House later adjourned proceedings until June 15.
NAN.