Okezie Meregini and Emmanuel Emeruwa, two Abia House of Assembly members-elect, have assured that the eighth Assembly would differ from the seventh in many respects.

They spoke on the prospects and challenges that await the incoming legislature in a joint interview in Umuahia.

The two Labour Party politicians promised a more vibrant, focused and proactive assembly, adding that they would always churn out “people-oriented” and “development-based” legislation.

Mr Meregini, elected to represent Umuahia East state constituency, said that the outgoing representative made no impact in his constituency, hence the desire by the constituents to replace him.

“I am aware that the expectations of the people are high because they did not feel the impact of the outgoing representative for the past eight years. Our people do not look at the quality of bills from the house but the material benefits they stand to get, so I cannot disappoint them,” stated Mr Meregini.

He added, “The eighth assembly will produce-people-oriented legislations to cater for the wellbeing of the generality of the people.”

Mr Emeruwa, elected to represent the Aba South state constituency, said the parliament would work to bring sanity to how the state operated in the past 24 years under PDP.

According to him, it will no longer be business as usual, stressing there must be legislation for an education sector reform to achieve a standardised school system.

“There must be effective legislation to guide the operations of private school proprietors to ensure they conform with standard requirements.

Emeruwa said, “We shall collaborate with the executive to address issues that would bring about positive change in the state,” Mr Emeruwa stated.

The two legislators-elect promised to work with Governor-elect Alex Otti, saying all the Labour Party lawmakers-elect shared Mr Otti’s philosophy.

They said that although the eighth house will comprise four political parties, including APC (one), YPP (two), PDP (11) and Labour (10), the legislature and executive would work harmoniously in the interest of the people.

(NAN)