Journalist Valentine Mbadugha has been elected Leader of the Fifth Legislative Council of Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Mbadugha emerged as the leader following the inauguration of the Congress of Councillors by the council’s Mayor, Hon. Oluchukwu Ilogbenu.
The newly elected leader represents Nnokwa Ward on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He was first elected into the legislative council in 2024 and secured re-election in 2026, making him a two-term member of the council.
Before his emergence as leader, Mbadugha served as Deputy Majority Leader in the Fourth Legislative Council.
Other principal officers elected to lead the legislative council include Esther Ayinofu, Deputy Leader, representing Oba Ward II; Chisom Okpala, Majority Leader, representing Nnobi Ward I; Onyeka Nwokafor, Deputy Majority Leader, representing Akwu-Ukwu Ward; Obi Ngige, Chief Whip, representing Alor Ward I; and Ikechukwu Ilechukwu, Deputy Whip, representing Ojoto Ward.
In his acceptance speech, Mbadugha called on his colleagues to protect the integrity and dignity of the legislative institution, maintain high standards of conduct and ensure effective representation of their constituents.
He expressed appreciation to Mayor Ilogbenu for his support and pledged that the legislative council would maintain a cordial working relationship with the executive arm.
The new leader also assured residents of the local government area that the council would remain committed to its legislative responsibilities and work towards meeting their expectations.
Earlier, Ilogbenu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots development and effective service delivery.
He urged the councillors to cooperate with the executive arm, promote unity and prioritise policies and projects that address the needs and aspirations of residents.
According to the mayor, the successful implementation of his administration’s Idemili South Rising vision would depend on responsible leadership, purposeful representation and cooperation among the various arms of government.
The inauguration ceremony attracted several political leaders and stakeholders from the council area.
Among those present were the APGA candidate for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikenna Iyiegbu; the member representing Idemili South Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Ebuka Igwe; the Head of Local Government Affairs, Comrade Victor Orji; the Clerk of the Legislative Council, Sir Clems Ezedinachi; and the immediate past Leader of the Council, Hon. Ernest Ezeunyim.
The Deputy Mayor, Hon. Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ejiofor, also attended the ceremony.
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