Speaker of the Anambra House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze (APGA Ogbaru II), swore in Justice Azuka (LP Onitsha North Constituency I) as a member of parliament on Tuesday in Awka.

Mr Azuka replaced Douglas Egbuna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was sacked from the seat by court verdicts.

On November 25, the election petitions appeal court in Awka upheld the declaration of the parliamentary election petitions tribunal that sacked Mr Egbuna from the seat on September 29.

At its September 29 verdict, the tribunal directed INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Egbuna as it declared Mr Azuka as the rightful winner of the March 18 election held in Anambra.

Also, on Tuesday, the speaker read a letter from Governor Charles Soludo requesting approval to take a N2 billion loan to be disbursed as palliatives over fuel subsidy removal.

According to the letter dated December 18, the federal government will repay 52 per cent of the loan, while the state government will repay the balance of 48 per cent.

Also, at the plenary session, the parliament felicitated the longest-serving traditional ruler in the South-East, Igwe Kenneth Orizu of Nnewi, per his 98th birthday and 60th anniversary on the throne.

The motion to congratulate the traditional ruler was moved by Augustine Ike (YPP-Nnewi North).

(NAN)