Abiante, lawmaker with difference — Speaker Abbas
By Barth Ndubuwah and Ijeh Ekpowaji, Port Harcourt
The Speaker of the House of Representatives,Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas has described the lawmaker representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency,Hon Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante as a lawmaker with obvious difference.
Represented by the lawmaker representing Zankataf Federal Constituency at the Lower Chambers,Hon Amos Magaji, the Speaker said Abiante is one of the vibrant lawmakers who has delivered on his mandate through quality representation of his constituency thus earning him re-election by his people.
“So having succeeded in the last general elections,it is worthwhile to thank God,hence the thanksgiving at Ngo.” He said.
The Speaker congratulated him for coming back to his constituents to say thank you and most importantly thank God for his favour.
“I congratulate Hon Abiante for coming back to his constituents to say thank you after a keenly contested election. It is commendable that the lawmaker came back to say thank you. His re-election means he has delivered on his mandate to his people through quality representation.”
“Hon Abiante distinguished himself in the 9th Assembly through sponsoring of bills, quality contributions during debates and attracting constituency projects to his people.”
“His victory at the last general elections, simply shows that he performed well at the National Assembly,”the Speaker emphasized.
Hon Abbas thanked everyone that contributed to Abiante’s re-election, urging them to sustain their support for this rare political icon of our generation.
“I’m not flattering him,Abiante was one of the vibrant lawmakers in the 9th Assembly. It is not easy to produce such rare political icon to represent you at the National Assembly. So you didn’t make any mistake by re-electing him,” the Speaker posited.
In an exclusive chat with Nigerian NewsDirect Newspaper during the event at Ngo, the Headquarters of Andoni Local Governnment Area of Rivers State,the Chairman of Andoni Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Sir (Dr)Benson Ngbo-Awaji Engwenre the XVII,King of Ataba,said Abiante has done a lot for Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency and they are pleased with his performance at the National Assembly.
The Royal Father said he is not surprised that he was re-elected for the third term.
“He is going back to the House by the divine grace of God. I’m impressed with his performance at the House. When there was oil spill in Andoni,he intervened at the House and the issue was addressed. His achievements speak for themselves and that was why it was not difficult for him to go back,”the Royal Father said.
Earlier in his welcome address at the event,the Chief Host and Celebrant,Hon Abiante thanked the former Governor of Rivers State,Nyesom Wike for approving his re-election.
He equally thanked the present Governor,Sir Siminalayi Fubara for all his support towards his successful re-election and prayed that God will bless them.
He said above all, God Almighty should be glorified for granting him mercy to succeed at the polls.
“God also spoke to my people that I will have victory. So we remain grateful. God gave us assurance that despite all odds,I will win and I won.
I specially thank God for not pronouncing me expired, otherwise nobody would have done anything if God did not approve,”Abiante said.
Asked what his agenda will be as he returns to the House.
He said the only reward to good work is more work.
So the lawmaker said he will consolidate on his achievements.
“The only reward to good work is more work. So we shall consolidate on what we have done on education, infrastructure, health,skills acquisition,among others. We want to be that voice that will speak for the people. In all,we will be serving God,”Abiante said.
The chairman of Andoni Local Governnment Area,Barr Erastus Awortu also thanked God for life of the Federal Lawmaker and his exploits in politics.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion include,Hon Boniface Emerengwa, member representing Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency,Hon Felix Nweke, member representing Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency and Sen. Barinada Mpigi,Rivers South East Senatorial District Senator. Others are Dr I.B Cookey of Nigerian Institute of Marine and Oceanography,Prof Shariputu Garuba,among several others.
The event started with thanksgiving service at the Apostolic Church, Nigeria,Ngo,where special prayers were made for Hon Inombek Abiante and his family by ministers of God, led by Most Rev.(Dr) James Egbe and Apostle Ubokikwan Owen.
