Abia Rep Member, Sam Onuigbo bags Dean of Bills/Most Dedicated Lawmaker of the Year
The Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State at the House of Representatives, Hon Sam Ifeanyichukwu Onuigbo, has bagged an award as “Dean of Bills/Most Dedicated Lawmaker of the Year” by the National Assembly Press Corps.
Reacting shortly after being presented with the award at a ceremony attended by the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila in Abuja on Wednesday, Rep Sam Onuigbo, expressed profound gratitude for the honor which he said, has come from a very reputable body like the National Assembly Press Corps.
This was contained in a statement forwarded to journalists in Umuahia on Wednesday.
Hon. Onuigbo described the award bestowed on him by the National Assembly Press Corps as “Dean of Bills/Most Dedicated Lawmaker of the Year” as an eloquent testimony that he has made overwhelming marks as a representative of the people.
According to Hon Onuigbo in the statement which partly read, “For me, this is an eloquent testimony to the fact that I have done something laudable— the National Assembly Press Corps traditionally, is meant to constantly place a finger on the pulse of the National Assembly and thus their prognosis should matter. This award means a whole lot to me because it is an award earned, and not an award purchased.
“Dean of Bills/Most Dedicated Lawmaker of the Year. This has a certain ring to it, especially the title of “Dean of Bills”. I think that the Climate Change Act is so important that if those who constantly place their fingers on the pulse of our nation’s lawmaking think the sponsor of the Bill that gave birth to the Act deserves that title, then it must be apt. Thank you. I am humbled.
“The journey to Nigeria getting a Climate Change Act was a long and tortuous one. Today, the success we recorded with Mr. President assenting to the Bill passed by this incredible 9th Assembly, glosses over the pains. For this, we must be thankful to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, for exhibiting precocious leadership and matching his promise of May 29, 2015, with action.
Continuing, he said, “I am happy that today, we have a Climate Change Act which will guide Nigeria in her decarbonization efforts, ensure that we justly transit to net zero, bring requisite attention to the menace of climate change, provide funding for adaptation and mitigation measures including nature-based solutions, create employment for our teeming youth, help us on our journey towards green recovery, and ultimately ensure that we sustainably develop while preserving this earth for our children. The success recorded was possible because we collectively fought for this. It was not a one-man show.
“The exceptional leadership and commitment showed by the leadership of the National Assembly especially the Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who not only constituted (and also caused the Ministries of Justice and Environment to send in their representatives) a review committee to identify and address the areas of contention that made President Buhari and former Presidents deny assent to the Bill in the 8th, 7th and 6th Assemblies, but also followed up to ensure that expedited passage was effected at the House and the Senate. In Mr. Speaker’s absence, the Deputy Speaker took over and also pushed for the Bill to be given the urgent attention it deserves. Make no mistakes about it, climate change is an existential issue and must be treated as such. Our country Nigeria, must, therefore, take appropriate and coordinated actions in its transition to net-zero to avoid being left behind with a lot of stranded assets.
“Members of the National Assembly, from the Senate President, His Excellency Senator (Dr.) Ahmed Lawan GCON, through his Deputy, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the Majority Leader of the Senate, the leadership of the House, the National Assembly bureaucracy from the Clerk of the National Assembly, Clerk of the Senate, to the Clerk of the House of Representatives, members of the diplomatic community especially the British High Commission, U.S Embassy, my colleagues at GLOBE and Climate Parliament Nigeria, the technical team that helped review the Bill, members of the media who fought this through, the Civil Society Organizations and all who played important roles in this journey”.
Onuigbo concluded by saying, “I would like to end by specifically sending my commendation to the irrepressible Minister of State for Environment, Chief Sharon Ikeazor for her love for Nigeria and the future of the country. Nigeria needs more leaders like you. In the same vein, I commend the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Hon. Abubakar Malami SAN, for appreciating the importance of this legislation and therefore providing the necessary support.
“Assent to the Bill is an important starting point, but the journey ahead is still a long one. I am certain that we will achieve success if we all work together, especially by ensuring that the implementation phase is commenced as soon as possible.
“Again, I would like to thank the National Assembly Press Corps for putting this together. Thank you and God bless you all”.
