Imo State House of Assembly Through Chief Onyemaechi’s Legislative Prowess Considers “Light Up Imo Project” Bill

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, at a plenary session of the Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA), Rt. Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi, the Majority Leader and representative of Owerri West State Constituency, presented a landmark bill titled “Light Up Imo Project.”

The bill, now in its second reading, aims to establish a framework for ensuring consistent electricity supply across Imo State, leveraging the new autonomy for states to independently generate power.

In his presentation, Chief Onyemaechi expressed his optimism about the bill’s potential to drive significant progress in Imo State.

“This initiative is designed to benefit all residents of Imo State, spanning across the 27 LGAs,” he stated. Onyemaechi highlighted that the project would not only foster rapid infrastructural development and economic growth but also create job opportunities, reduce crime rates, and stabilize electricity supply through independent energy sources.

The bill received widespread support from several legislators, including

Rt. Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu of Nwangele State,

Hon. Chigozie Nwaneri of Oru-East,

Hon. Ernest Okay Udeze of Ideato-North,

Hon. Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie of Mbaitoli State,

Hon. Johnson Duru of Ideato-South, Hon. Gilbert Nwosu of Oguta State,

Hon. Uche Francis Agabiga of Orsu State,

Hon. James Ubah Esile of Onuimo State,

Hon. Princewill Ugochukwu Amuchie of Aboh-Mbaise State,

Hon. Francise Osuoha of Ohaji-Egbema State,

Hon. Peter Ihezuo of Orlu State,

Hon. Ozioma Bennett Ebonine of Njaba State, and

Hon. Kingsley Ozurumba of Isu State.

These legislators commended Onyemaechi for his visionary leadership and expressed eagerness for the bill to become law.

They emphasized that the bill’s passage would catalyze infrastructural and economic advancements in Imo State, particularly by enhancing the transmission, distribution, and maintenance of electricity supply.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on the Whole for further deliberation, with the third reading scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

In addition to the “Light Up Imo Project” bill, the House also discussed other legislative proposals, including a Bill for a Law to establish the Orashi Special Energy Free Trade Zone and another to repeal the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) for the development of oil-producing areas in the state.