After series of negotiations and political horse trading, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has resolved the fierce contest for the Speakership of the 6th State House of Assembly to be inaugurated this afternoon in Umuahia.

Information in the possession of News Express has it that the ruling PDP, which has 13 lawmakers, as against 11 for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has settled for the Ukwa Ngwa zone to produce the Speaker. Hon. Martins Azubuike from Isiala Ngwa North and one of the few experienced lawmakers in the House, is favoured to clinch the position.

Engr. Chinedum Orji, lawmaker-elect and son of the immediate past governor, Senator TA Orji, who was earlier linked to the Speakership, is said to have been slated to become the Majority Leader.

A source close to Engr. Orji, a first-time lawmaker, told News Express that it is not true that he aspired to become the Speaker. “Most of the things you hear about him are not true,” the source said.

•Photo shows Engr. Chinedum Orji.