The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Abia State,has named the member representing Obingwa East State Constituency at the Abia House of Assembly, Hon Solomon Akpulonu,as the new Speaker of the PDP ‘Shadow Parliament’.
Making the announcement at the Party State Secretariat in Umuahia, the Abia PDP Chairman, Elder Abraham Amah,said, Akpulonu’s appointment came amid the decision of the party to carry out a shadow government in Abia.
He said the Shadow Parliament which would be led by the Obingwa East Lawmaker, would be to checkmate the activities of the Speaker of the House and as well, other members of the Labour Party.
According to him, the party would be writing officially to the House of Assembly to comply to their new government,adding that no democracy can thrive without an effective Parliament.
“In line with democratic principles, it is difficult to talk about democracy without the Parliament.There is no replacement for democratic Parliament.
“Our Speaker of the Abia State Shadow House of Assembly, is Rt Hon Solomon Akpulonu”,he said.
Recall that Elder Abraham Amah, during the inauguration of the new executive of the party that emerged at the November 3rd State Congress, had revealed plans to create a “Shadow Government”, to enhance accountability and governance in the state. He explained that the initiative would focus on collaboration and problem-solving, with the aim of contributing positively to the state’s leadership and ensuring more effective and responsible governance for the people of Abia.
Moreso, he had disclosed that the goal of the Shadow Government was not to oppose the current administration through criticism, but to foster constructive discussions and propose solutions aimed at better governance, adding that the PDP’s Shadow Government would be Africa’s largest of its kind, with counterparts to all state ministries, including Shadow commissioners, Parliament and other key positions.
Amah, however, highlighted, “We recognize the challenges ahead. Soon, we will launch a groundbreaking Shadow Government, the most dynamic and innovative of its kind in Africa, designed to drive positive change and enhance governance in the region. This initiative will play a key role in shaping the future of our state.
“This team will replicate all current ministries, appointing officials to engage with the state government. Their role will be to ensure accountability and demand that the government provides the people of Abia State with effective and transparent leadership.”
Against this backdrop, the party, yesterday, announced Solomon Akpulonu as the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly Shadow Parliament,adding that in the coming days, other appointments would be made public.
The PDP chairman, further hinted that the State Executive Committee has considered the proposals submitted to it by the State Working Committee for the constitution of various sub committees of the Party. He announced the constitution of the ‘Thanksgiving and Dedication committee’, that would organize the thanksgiving and dedication of the 4500 officers elected across the various wards,Local Government Areas and State levels.
He equally unveiled the Media Committee, that would be headed by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr Eric Ikwuagwu, with the Abia South Vice chairman, Enyinnaya Appolos, deputizing,while the Contact and Mobilization committee that would be headed by the PDP chairmen of the 17 LGAs.
Also, Elder Amah, announced the formation of the Legal sub committee, which would be made up of the best legal minds of the party.
The chairman equally announced the Virtual Lecture Committee that would be handled by the party. He said the committee would be organizing virtual lectures, whereby best minds across the world, who want to run for elective positions, such as governorship,State House of Assembly, Senate or the House of Representatives, under the party’s platform,would be given a topic to lecture on, with the aim of showcasing their capabilities, adding that only best minds would be allowed to fly the party’s tickets.
“With this idea, in the next election,we will be going for nothing but the best”. In contrast, the chairman stated that the State Working Committee would be appealing for the consideration of all PDP serving members of the State House of Assembly and the only PDP Senate member, to run unopposed in the 2027 election, describing them as the existing pillars of the party that should not be removed but maintained, urging them to do better engagements in their various constituencies and avoid being involved in any kind of pulling down syndrome.
