Ebonyi House Of Assembly Crisis Escalates As Two Factional Speakers Emerge

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News From The State, Politics Tuesday, November 11th, 2014

IGNATIUS OKPARA, Abakaliki

The lingering political crisis rocking the Ebonyi State House of Assembly took a new twist on Monday as two factional speakers Emerged in the house

African Examiner’s correspondent learnt that the renewed political feud in the assembly may not be unconnected with who becomes the next governor of the State.

Majority of the House members had in a retaliatory move impeached Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku, and suspended four House members, including the Chief Whip and member representing Afikpo North West constituency, Hon Ogbonnaya Ikoro, the member representing Abakaliki North, Hon Oliver Nwachukwu, Hon. Odefa Obasi Odefa member representing Onicha East constituency and Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, member representing Izzi West state constituency of the state.

The suspension of the Chief Whip, Hon Ikoro, and Hon. Nwachukwu which was carried out by members loyal to the Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku led faction, was implemented by only 10 members during a plenary session.

However in a dramatic move another faction of the House again led by the new Speaker, elected by a majority of the House, Rt. Hon. Blaise Orji, impeached Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku, for alleged gross misconduct, incompetence and embezzlement of funds meant for members of the House.

Addressing newsmen immediately after their sitting, Spokesman for the house who represents Afikpo South West Constituency, Hon. Eni Uduma Chima, stated that the suspension carried out by members loyal to Hon. Nwazunku, was contrary to the House rule as it has been declared an exercise in futility.

According to him, two members, Hon. Odefa Obasi Odefa member representing Onicha East constituency and Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru member representing Izzi West constituency were suspended through a motion moved by Hon. Ikechukwu Ogbu and seconded by Hon. Princess Lilian Igwe.

Hon Eni, who insisted that Hon. Nwazunku remained impeached, insisted that the legislators followed laid down constitutionally provisions for the impeachment of Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku.

Meanwhile, the development has thrown the entire assembly into war theatre, as both faction are now battle ready.