The Abia State House of Assembly has lifted the suspension it slammed on its former Minority Leader, Hon. Abraham Orba, representing Aba Central state constituency.

Orba was suspended in June shortly after the proclamation of the Abia Fifth House of Assembly when he publicly dissociated the opposition lawmakers from All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) from the decision of the House to approve a N30 billion loan facility for Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Orba, had during a press briefing he addressed minutes after the House has given its nod to the governor's request, said they were deceived into granting the approval as details of what the money would be used for were not made to them.

However, a remorseful Orba yesterday authored a letter of unreserved apology to his colleagues, asking for forgiveness.

In the letter, read by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike, on the floor of the House during plenary, Orba said he took responsibility for the publication of his news briefing in national dailies and regretted the embarrassment it caused the House.

He assured that such an incident would not repeat itself and pleaded for forgiveness.

Giving vent to the apology, the APGA caucus in the House endorsed another letter where they also promised that such an ugly incident would not occur again.

The Speaker explained that the lawmakers had earlier agreed at an executive session that their colleague would be pardoned if he shows sufficient remorse and said that the apology letter has met their expectations.

“In the light of this,” the Speaker said: “I hereby announce the lifting of the suspension placed on Abraham Orba representing Aba Central state constituency.”

It was not immediately ascertained if he would be restored to his previous position as Minority Leader when he rejoins his colleagues as the position has been filled with another APGA lawmaker, Hon (Prince) Ikedi Ezekwesiri representing Umunneochi state constituency.

Photo shows Abia State House of Assembly.

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