The 8th Abia State House of Assembly at plenary, has passed a resolution supporting a motion seeking for a 21 working days paternity leave for male officers in the State Public / Civil Service.
The Abia Assembly passed this impactful resolution, following a debate lead on HAM 35, “Motion for the State to approve paternity leave for male officers in Abia State Public/ Civil Service” by Hon. Ume Matthias (Umunneochi) the sponsor of the Motion.
Leading a debate on the motion, Hon. Matthias, reminded his colleagues that the Federal Government had earlier, in a circular issued on the 25th, November 2022 through the office of Head of Service of the Federation approved 14 working days paternity leave in the public service of the federation.
He further said that some States in the federation has also approved paternity leave to male officers before now and further urged his colleagues to give their accelerated supports to the motion.
Hon. Matthias, concluded his debate with two prayers; (a) that the House should urge the State Government to approve 21 working days paternity leave for Male officers in Abia public/ Civil Service whose wives delivered new babies in order to enable them adequately cater for their wives and the new born babies. (b) That the House should urge the State Government to grant the paternity leave to the male officers not less than once every two years and for a maximum of four children. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa granted the two prayers and also urged the State Government to do modification on the second prayer.
Similarly, member representing Ikwuano State Constituency, Hon. Engr. Isienyi Boniface, in his personal explanation, urged his colleagues to join him in thanking the State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti for fulfilling his campaign promise to his people recently.
Hon. Boniface noted that the Governor few days ago, flagged off a construction of 16meters bridge project that lead to isialangwa North LGA from his Constituency according to him. The state legislator also said that the project will last for just three months according to the contractor handling the work, he said.
The House further resolved to House Committee of the Whole in consideration of HAB 6 and HAB 26 respectively.
Thereafter, the House revised back to plenary after some necessary corrections were made on two bills, before they adjourned plenary to reconvene on Tuesday 25th March, 2025 by 10am.
