Why Onyejeocha Should Be New Speaker

Esther Uzoma Esq.

 

 

 

Honourable Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (APC, Abia) is a ranking member of the House of Representatives with the requisite experience to become the Speaker of the House of Representatives having served as chairperson of several committees as a four-time representative.

 

 

 

She has been re-elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to represent her constituency, Isiukwuato/ Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Abia State. She has been in the House of Representatives since 2007 till date. Her politics is not a politics of exclusion, that is why she has gotten this far. If she has enjoyed the mandate of her people this far, then there is something in her that Nigerians need to see; there is something the House of Representatives need to see in her.

 

 

 

She has sponsored several life-enhancing bills to the National Assembly such as: Anti-torture Act 2017; National Senior Citizens Centre Act, 2017; and Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshots Act 2017. She co-sponsored the South East Development Commission Bill; and the National Council of Traditional Rulers (Establishment) Bill, 2015.

 

 

 

She served as the Chairman, House Committee on Aviation for the Second consecutive term. In this position, she consistently supported the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government and significantly contributed in bringing sanity to the aviation sector that was becoming a source of nightmare to Nigerians and a reproach to the nation at the international community. These laudable efforts were commended by all stakeholders’ in the industry.

 

 

 

Hon. (Lady) Onyejeocha had her primary and secondary education in a rural setting, it was with so much proper preparation and impactful tutelage that have over the years, combined to build in her the determination and courage to excel in all areas of her life. After obtaining her First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) and West African School Certificate (WASC) from Isuochi Central School and Ovim Girls Secondary respectively, she applied for and secured admission into the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka from where she graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts (BA. Hons) 2nd Class Upper Division. Still burning in her desire for further education and acquisition of more knowledge, Chief (Mrs.) Onyejeocha enrolled in and successfully completed a postgraduate degree programme in Imo State University in 2006.

 

 

 

Thus, she holds a Masters Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Imo State University. She has completed her Law degree programme from Abia State University, Uturu and currently a Ph.D Degree candidate in Political Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and also attending the Nigerian Law School, Bwari for her BL degree.

 

 

 

Apart from university degrees, Chief (Lady) Onyejeocha is also a recipient of many professional and social awards. To mention a few, she is:

 

1. Member of National Council of Women Society (NCWS);

 

2. Associate of the Chattered Institute of Shipping (ACIS); and

 

3. Associate of Institute of Personal Management (AIPM).

 

 

 

During her university days, Hon. Onyejeocha actively participated in the

 

Students’ Union politics, holding important positions as Chairman to various

 

committees of the Union. It was while in the University, that Hon. Onyejeocha developed a passion for politics and established herself as a political leader with charisma and ambition. However, after her National Youth Service programme, the exciting and rich working experiences she gained while serving in the Protocol Department of the Osun State Governor’s Office motivated her to join Kingszol Nigeria Ltd (A General Merchandise Firm) as a Manager. While developing a rich experience in the private sector, Hon. Nkeiruka did not lose sight of her interest in and passion for politics and public office, which she had developed from her university days.

 

 

 

Thus, in July 2002, the opportunity presented itself for Hon. Onyejeocha to

 

serve her State in the capacity of a Commissioner; she accepted the opportunity with all humility and determination to give in her best. As Commissioner for Resource Management and Manpower Development in Abia State, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha among other landmark achievements, worked tirelessly to reactivate and institute many skill acquisition programmes in the State. This resulted in the economic empowerment of many Abia State indigenes and especially the women.

 

 

 

Following her outstanding performance as Commissioner, she was appointed the Executive Transition Chairman, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State by the State Government in July 2003. This further presented her with the opportunity to show her exceptional qualities in leadership, community mobilization and human resource development. As part of her effort in affecting positively on the lives of her people, Hon. Onyejeocha instituted a scholarship foundation for deserving students in tertiary institutions of learning in her Constituency. Nonetheless, the Foundation recently added over Fifty-two (52) beneficiaries in Primary and Secondary schools.

 

 

 

Over the years, Hon. Onyejeocha’s excellent performances in her home State endeared her to the heart of her people. In recognition and appreciation of her contributions to their well-being in particular and societal development in general, the people accorded her with high honours.

 

 

 

Amongst these honours are; prestigious Chieftaincy titles of:

 

1. ADA-EJI-AGA-MBA 1 of Umunneochi Local Government Area;

 

2. ONUNEKWURU OHA 1 of Uturu Ancient Kingdom; and

 

3. ADAUGO 1 of Isuikwuato L.G.A.

 

 

 

Also, Religious, Civil Society Organizations and Student bodies were not left out in recognizing and appreciating Nkeiruka’s magnanimity and benevolence in leadership. Thus, she was conferred with the:

 

4. Nneoma Nwere Ugwu title by the Methodist Church Nigeria, Nneochi

 

Diocese;

 

5. International Service Award of Rotary Club of Maryland, Enugu

 

Rotary International District 9140; and

 

6. Merit Award in Visionary leadership by National Association of

 

Nigeria Students (NANS), Umunneochi.

 

 

 

Believing in her capacity to do many more things that are significant for her

 

people, in 2007, the people of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency overwhelmingly elected Chief (Mrs.) Nkeiruka Onyejeocha to represent them at the Federal House of Representatives, Abuja. As a Federal Lawmaker, Hon. Onyejeocha has successfully put together and assisted in the passage of several pieces of legislation.

 

 

 

Combining law making activities with efficient representation of her people, Hon. Onyejeocha has since her election into the House of Representatives attracted over fifteen monumental projects to her Constituency. These include:

 

1. Yearly Free Medical Treatment for Isuikwuato and Umunneochi People;

 

2. Design of Mmam/Achi Bridge in Mbala Isuochi;

 

3. Design of Erosion Control Drainage/Environmental impact assessment

 

for:

 

1. Abia University – Afikpo – Uturu road; and

 

1. Isuikwuato – Uturu road.

 

4. Construction of Classroom Blocks and Supply of School Furniture @

 

1. Eluama Isuikwuato Secondary school,

 

1. Methodist College Obilagu Ngodo,

 

1. Nneato High School,

 

1. Ngodo Girls Secondary School,

 

1. Achara Uturu Secondary School,

 

1. Isuochi Secondary School,

 

1. Mbala Secondary School,

 

1. Comprehensive secondary school Umuchieze,

 

1. Hopeville Rehabilitation Centre Uturu,

 

1. Ngodo Town Primary School Obinulo.

 

5. Supply of Library Books to Mbala Primary School, Nneato Primary

 

School and Leru Primary School.

 

6. Constructed a Hand Pump Borehole at Umuaku Secondary School;

 

7. Drilled a borehole at the Umunneochi General Hospital, Nkwoagu

 

Isuochi

 

8. Purchase and Installation of 25 Nos. 300 KVA Transformer;

 

9. Built Community Library at Isuochi Secondary School;

 

10.Built a Health Centre at Umuchieze and Eziama Nneato,

 

11.Built over 4 houses for widows,

 

12.Built 480 Stands of Street Light Solar Energy across the constituency;

 

and

 

13.Construction of Rural Roads at Umuehihie Amuda and Ngodo Isuochi,

 

amongst others.

 

 

 

Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Nkeiruka Onyejeocha is a dynamic, vibrant and a well-

 

informed lady, whose records of accomplishments both in the public and private sectors have left no one in doubt about the height she is yet to attain.

 

 

 

Socially, she is a mixer, relating freely and humanely especially with the low

 

and down trodden in spite of her exotic position in the society. In politics, she has become an IROKO; (“First among Equals”) dealing with a

 

wide spectrum of issues of national, regional and local importance. This is

 

evidenced with the Constituency Empowerment Scheme in October 2014

 

for her constituents where several household items were distributed freely to

 

support the economic empowerment of the constituents. These items are as

 

follows:

 

 

150 Vehicles – (Transportation Use)

 

 

450 Motorcycles

 

 

300 Refrigerators

 

 

350 Power Generating Machines

 

 

1000 Grinding Machines

 

 

300 Television Sets

 

 

2000 Hair Dryers

 

To the Glory of God, Lady Nkeiruka erected a Chapel at the Bishop’s Court at Nkwoagu- Isuochi. She also erected an ultra-modern Church building for the Umurueliline, Methodist Church at Amuda Isuochi as well as another ultra-modern church building for St. Mathew’s Methodist Church Nigeria, Ezingodo Isuochi. In-addition, she has assisted many Abia State indigenes to gain employment in several Federal Ministries and Parastatals.

 

 

 

These attributes and many more led to recent distinguished awards:

 

1. WAF-MDG 2013 Award in South Africa because of her contributions

 

towards the socioeconomic advancement of women in rural communities

 

as well as giving them a voice; and

 

2. The Most Vibrant Female Legislator in Nigeria’s 7th

 

Assembly.

 

3. Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Public Diplomacy and

 

Management. (November 2014)

 

4. Pilot Newspaper, Outstanding Female Legislator 2016

 

5. Authority Newspaper, Outstanding Female Legislator, 2016

 

6. And many others too numerous to mention

 

Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha is happily married and blessed with Children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NB:

 

SOME BILLS AND MOTIONS SPONSORED BY HONOURABLE NKEIRUKA CHIDUBEM ONYEJEOCHA.

 

 

 

1. Anti-torture Act 2017 (Presidential assent given on 20th December 2017). Long title-A Bill for an Act Penalising the commission of Acts of Torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishments.

 

 

 

2. National Senior Citizens Centre Act, 2017. (Presidential assent given on 24th January 2018).

 

 

 

3. Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshots Act 2017. (Presidential assent given on 20th December 2017.)

 

 

 

4. Honourable Co-sponsored the South East Development Commission Bill (HB. 915) along with other Members from the South East Geo-political zone.

 

 

 

5. National Council of Traditional Rulers (Establishment) Bill, 2015. (HB. 113). (Bill has passed second reading.)

 

 

 

6. A Bill for an Act to amend the World Meteorological Organization (Protection) Act, 2015. (HB. 271) (Bill has passed second reading.)

 

 

 

7. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Council for the Regulation of Travel Agents in Nigeria and for related matters (HB. 1321). (Bill has passed second reading.)

 

 

 

8. Witness Protection Programme Bill, 2015. (HB. 132) Long title: A Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment and operation of a Programme to enable certain person’s to receive protection in relation to certain inquiries, investigations or prosecutions. (Bill has passed second reading).

 

 

 

9. Trade Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017. (Bill has passed first reading and awaiting second reading.)

 

[19/09/2018, 7:21 pm] roseline ishaya: SOME MOTIONS SPONSORED AND MOVED BY HON. (LADY) NKEIRUKA CHIDUBEM ONYEJEOCHA IN THE 8TH ASSEMBLY.)

 

 

 

1. Motion titled “ATTEMPTED RAPE AND BRUTAL ATTACK ON STUDENTS OF METHODIST SECONDARY SCHOOL, OVIM, ISUIKWUATO L. G. A, ABIA STATE AND THE NEED TO GUARANTEE THE SAFETY OF SCHOOLS “- Motion moved in June 2018.

 

 

 

2. “URGENT CALL FOR CONCERTED AND STERNER DIPLOMATIC ACTIONS TO STOP THE RECURRENT KILLINGS OF NIGERIANS IN SOUTH AFRICA”. (This motion followed the killings of Mr. Francis Ochuba from Umudimim, Ngodo Isuochi, Umunneochi L. G. A on 05/05/18 and Mr. Chidi Ibebuike from Uturu, Isuikwuato L. G. A both in South Africa.)- Motion moved in May 2018.

 

 

 

3. “CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY IN THE INVESTIGATIONS OF ILLEGALLY IMPORTED FIREARMS IN NIGERIA”- Motion moved in May 2017.

 

 

 

4. “URGENT NEED TO ADDRESS THE MENACE OF ALLEGED FULANI HERDSMEN WHO ARE ENGAGING IN WANTON KILLINGS AND DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY ACROSS THE COUNTRY.”

 

 

 

5. “NEED TO INVESTIGATE AND DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE CAUSES AND REASONS FOR THE DEMOTIONS, COMPULSORY RETIREMENTS AND DISMISSAL OF DSS STAFF”

 

 

 

6. “NEED TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS OF GULLY EROSION IN ISUIKWUATO AND UMUNNEOCHI L. G. A’S, ABIA STATE.”

 

 

 

7. “SPEEDY BOUNDARY DE-LIMITATION BETWEEN ISHIAGU IVO L. G. A, EBONYI STATE AND LOKPANTA, UMUNNEOCHI L. G. A, ABIA STATE.”

 

 

 

8. “NEED TO MARK THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DAY, PROMOTION OF GENDER PARITY IN THE WORK PLACE AND STAND AGAINST VIOLENCE AND ABUSE OF WOMEN AND THE GIRL CHILD”. February 2016.

 

 

 

9. “THE NEED TO ADDRESS THE MENACE OF CONTAINER CARRYING TRAILERS ON NIGERIAN ROADS.”- Motion moved in September 2015.

 

 

 

10. “CALL ON THE NATIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION TO DISCONTINUE THE N3,000 BIRTH REGISTRATION CHARGE UNDER A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP ARRANGEMENT.

 

 

 

*Uzoma is the national coordinator of Proactive Gender Initiative