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The member representing Enugu North and Enugu South Federal Constituency, Hon Chimaobi Atu (LP), has sponsored no fewer than 22 people-centred bills within two years to uplift humanity.
The bills included 17 sole sponsored and five co-sponsored bills on issues affecting his immediate constituency and country at large, while all the bills have passed through their First Reading, some passed Second Reading and some at the Committee stage.
Atu disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday in Enugu while giving the breakdown of his mid-term score card on legislative functions to newsmen.
He noted that notwithstanding his massive people-oriented projects, programmes and empowerment grants evident among people within his constituency in Enugu, law making and legislatve oversight functions remained an aspect he performed exceptionally well.
He said that as politicians were probably in malls getting clothing/celebration items for inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on June 13, 2023; he remained in his library drafting a Motion on effects of ravaging gully erosion at Ugwuonyeama-9th Mile axis of Enugu-Onitsha Road.
“Expectedly, I became the first opposition lawmaker in the 10th National Assembly to move a motion on the first day (June 14) of seating concerning effects of the gully erosion at Ugwuonyeama-9th Mile axis which has troubled my constituents for years.
“Many lawmakers were surprised to see a first-term lawmaker move motion on the first seating and we thank God that the Federal Government has started serious work on the affected portions of the road,” he said.
The lawmaker said that after about a month, on July 26, 2023; he presented the second Motion/Petition on need to check multiple assassinations and senseless killings in his constituency and made history as the first opposition Lawmaker to move a petition on the floor.
“I brought a petition before the House of Representatives on cases of multiple assassinations and senseless killings that were going on in Amechi and Obeagu communities in Enugu South LGA; and the apprehension the development caused to my people.
“During the debate on the petition, I boldly called on the Federal Government to immediately intervene and the petition sent a clear signal to the perpetrators that there was a new sheriff in town,” he said.
Atu said that on Oct. 3, 2023 he led Enugu State caucus in the House to move his third Motion.
He said that the motion was on the need for urgent intervention by the Federal Government on the collapsed New Artisan Market Bridge, along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and later led lawmakers to inspect the collapsed bridge.
“Through the efforts of Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah; the Enugu State Caucus in the House of Representatives, and the Minister of Works, Chief Dave Umahi, the collapsed bridge had been rebuilt and inaugurated for use by Nigerians,” he said.
Atu noted that he had also moved the Motion on Constitutional Amendment (in 2025) in order to alter some provisions of the 1999 Constitution as it affects Local Government Area (LGA) matters.
He said that the bills he sponsored included: “Federal Medical Centre, Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, Enugu State; Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition establishment Bill; and Establishment of the Nigerian Military Academy Bill.
“A Bill for an Act to repeal the Nigerian Coal Corporation Act; A Bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment of the Erosion Control Prevention Commission, Enugu; and A Bill for an Act to established the National Football Academy, Enugu.
“A Bill for an Act to Amend the Mineral and Mining Act CAP M12 LFN; A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act. No.119 of 1995; National Emergency Management Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023; and National Directorate of Employment Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 among others.”
Atu said that within a week in the House, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen, appointed him as a Member of the House Adhoc Committee on Legislative Agenda.
The lawmaker explained that the Committee, which was saddled with the responsibility of developing legislative focus for the House, was among the first set of committees constituted in the 10th House of Representatives
He noted that the Speaker must had recognised “my passion to use public petitions, motions and bills to provide sustainable good governance and democratic dividends to Nigerians.”
Atu noted that he was subsequently appointed Chairman, House Parliamentary Friendship Group between Nigeria and the Republic of Greece.
“Other Statutory Committees, which I am a member included:
Appropriation, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Communications, Renewable Energy, Rural Development, Nutrition, Science Engineering, Local Content, Traditional Institutions, and Ports and Harbour among others,” he said.
The lawmaker said that recently he was part of the House delegation that visited the United States to make Nigeria stand against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Right known to the United States and other world bodies.
He said, “The delegation made it clear that Nigeria lawmakers will never support or be part of promotion of LGBTQ Right as it goes against African and Nigeria cultures.
“The delegation also met with the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr Amina Mohammed, and made it stands against LGBTQ known as well as requested her to assist the House on issues involving women and children in the country.”
