Kenechukwu Ofomah
Awka
The Abia State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt.
Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, has received applause from a rights group, the Centre
for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), for demonstrating a
balanced approach to governance through its recent deliberations on two
significant matters.
The two matters include the motion addressing road obstructions by generator traders along Port Harcourt Road, Aba, and the passage of the Abia State Startup Bill, 2025 (H.A.B. 32).
The House took the proactive legislative action towards
addressing the growing obstruction and safety challenges caused by traders
operating along the newly reconstructed Port Harcourt Road, Aba.
It resolved to grant a 14-day compliance window before
enforcement, which the CEHRAWS said, reflects a commendable regard for due
process and public interest.
In a statement made available to the News Chronicle
correspondent, the Executive Director of the CEHRAWS, Comrade Chuka Okoye,
while supporting efforts to restore urban order and ensure public safety,
called on the Abia State Task Force and other implementing agencies to carry
out enforcement actions within the bounds of human rights and fairness,
ensuring that traders are treated with dignity and respect.
He advised that enforcement must not involve excessive
force, arbitrary confiscation, or destruction of goods, as such would
contravene the right to property and livelihood protected under Article 15 of
the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement)
Act, Cap A9, LFN 2004.
The CEHRAWS boss called on the Abia State Ministry of Trade
and Investment and local government councils to engage affected traders in
dialogue and allocate designated market spaces to prevent economic displacement
and promote inclusive urban management.
The CEHRAWS also hailed the passage of the Abia State
Startup Bill, 2025, sponsored by Hon. Uchenna Okoro, describing it as a
forward-looking legislation that will empower Abia’s youth, foster innovation,
and stimulate economic growth.
The new law, once assented to by Dr. Alex C. Otti, Governor
of Abia State, will provide a framework for nurturing startups and digital
enterprises, in alignment with the National Startup Act, 2022.
“CEHRAWS believes this initiative will help unlock the
potential of young innovators, create sustainable jobs, attract investment, and
position Abia as a technology and enterprise hub in the South-East,” Okoye
said.
“The passage of the Bill also aligns with the UN Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
and Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), reinforcing Abia’s
commitment to inclusive development and modern governance.
“CEHRAWS acknowledges that such dual focus on immediate
social order and long-term economic innovation demonstrates responsible and
people-centered governance.
“We encourage the Assembly to continue promoting public
participation, transparency, and accountability in legislative processes to
deepen citizens’ trust in government institutions.”
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