Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi, the member representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency last Friday hosted all parliamentary staff of the National Assembly who are from Idemili.

Speaking at the reception which was held in one of the committee rooms, Ibezi said it was expedient and courteous that he should meet and know his constituents working at the National Assembly before settling down for the serious business of legislation. Recalling his days at the National Assembly as an NYSC member and later personal assistant, Ibezi said his journey to the Green Chamber has been long and tortuous but thanked God that he finally made it. “We have a lot of work to do for our people who are desperately in need of government presence in their lives. I cannot possibly do it alone. I plead with you to join hands with me to uplift our dear Idemili”, he said. He called on the parliamentary staff made of principal officers, assistant directors, deputy directors and directors who serve as clerks to various committees, to deploy their experiences and institutional memories to the service of Idemili. He further enjoined them to love one another as brothers and sisters. He encouraged them to form Idemili Parliamentary Forum as a platform through which they can take care of one another. To hasten it’s take off, Ibezi nominated Barrister Chinedu Akubueze, a director and the highest ranking Idemili parliamentary staff to head the body. His nomination was unanimously endorsed. He also made a donation of N200,000 take off support for the body. He promised to find time to meet and socialize with them often adding that his office is open for them as Umu Idemili.

Responding, Barrister Chinedu Akubueze described the reception as historic. “This is the first time since 1999 that a representative from Idemili will seek to meet with his constituents working at the National Assembly”, he said. Akubueze praised Ibezi’s foresight and wisdom in seeking to meet with them and promised that they will seek ways to support Ibezi to make his tenure more meaningful and impactful. Other speakers took turn in praising Ibezi’s humility and presence of mind to host and seek their support. They pledged to add value to his work at the National Assembly.

Raising a vote of thanks, Chief Tony Onyima, a former Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism said that Ibezi has come to National Assembly with a clear cut purpose and well documented manifesto. He called on the parliamentary staff to support their representative through prayers, advice, direction and action. “All hands should be on deck to implement his manifesto because Idemili deserves better”, he said. Exchange of gifts, group photos and entertainment formed highlights of the event.