By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
3- OCT- 2025

Members of the Ikeduru Local Government Legislative Council embarked on a legislative capacity-building visitation to the Imo State House of Assembly, Owerri, where they observed plenary proceedings at the hallowed chambers. The visit, which took place yesterday, was not only historic but also symbolic, and spoke volumes of the growing commitment of local government legislators to align themselves with the standards of legislative practice at higher levels of government.

Beyond the technical lessons, the visitation also carried immense symbolic significance. By aligning with the hallowed chambers of the Imo State House of Assembly, the Ikeduru legislators symbolically declared their readiness to uphold the sanctity of democracy and reaffirmed their loyalty to the people they represent. It was a clear demonstration of the seriousness with which they regard their legislative responsibilities.

The councillors equally recognized that the experience would inspire them to aspire for greater leadership roles in the future.

Speaking after the visit, the Honourable Councillor representing Ngugo/Ikembara Electoral Ward, Hon. Engr. Kingsley Asamonye Chibuzor, described the exercise as a transformative experience that would leave an enduring impact on the capacity of councilors to legislate effectively. He emphasized that the visitation was deliberately designed to expose council members to the realities of lawmaking, debate, and representation in a professional legislative environment.

According to him, the exposure gained during the plenary observation deepened their understanding of parliamentary ethics, motions, debates, and resolutions, while also giving them a clearer appreciation of how legislation is developed and passed to shape public policy. “The importance of such an exercise cannot be overstated,” he said, stressing that the council members had taken away valuable lessons that would be translated into practical service delivery at the grassroots.

Hon. Asamonye further noted that the symbolic nature of the visit lies in the recognition that governance begins from the grassroots. By observing the State Assembly at work, council members have reaffirmed their role as the first point of democratic representation for the people and strengthened their determination to live up to the expectations of their constituents.

He explained that the visit also served as a bridge, linking the aspirations of the people at the community level with the broader legislative processes at the state level. In his words, “What we have witnessed today is an affirmation that governance is interconnected, and that the quality of our contribution at the grassroots directly influences the effectiveness of governance at higher levels.”

The Councillor highlighted that the exercise will foster stronger synergy among council members, as it has provided a common platform of exposure that unites them in vision and purpose. He pointed out that legislative efficiency is not achieved in isolation but through continuous training, shared experiences, and deliberate interactions with higher institutions of governance.

He expressed optimism that the visit would help redefine grassroots legislation in Ikeduru, stressing that the people should expect more impactful motions, debates, and decisions that will directly touch their lives. The councillors, he assured, are determined to translate the knowledge acquired into people-driven laws and resolutions that will stand the test of time.

Hon. Asamonye explained that the practical exposure has equipped them with the confidence to engage in more robust legislative activities, while also preparing them for greater responsibilities at higher levels of government.

The Honourable Councillor used the opportunity to commend the leadership of the Imo State House of Assembly for their hospitality and for allowing the Ikeduru team to participate in such an enriching exercise. He further urged his colleagues to remain committed to continuous self-development, noting that the best way to serve the people is to keep improving the quality of representation.

The delegation was led by Rt. Hon. Amb. Samuel Nwokeocha, Leader of the Council and Councillor representing Iho Ward. Others included: Rt. Hon. Udochukwu Emekalam, Deputy Leader, representing Amaimo Ward; Hon. Michael Urewuji, Majority Leader, representing Atta Ward 2; Hon. Stanley Ugo, Chief Whip, representing Amakohia Ward; Hon. Kingsley Asamonye, representing Ngugo/Ikembara Ward; Hon. Anslem Nzeocha, representing Atta Ward 1; Hon. Princess Amarachi Osondu, representing Avuvu Ward; Hon. Kingsley Opara, representing Amata Ward; Hon. Mrs. Chinwendu Opara, representing Eziama Ugirike Ward; Hon. Izuchukwu Egeonu, representing Inyishi/Umudim Ward; Hon. Kelechi Akauba, representing Uzoagba Ward; and Hon. Jehu Kelechi Uche, representing Akabo Ward.