Enugu Impeachment:Onyebuchi Appears Before Panel, Says Justice, the State On Trial

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News, Politics Friday, August 8th, 2014

Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

Embattled Enugu State Deputy Governor, Sunday Onyebuchi, Thursday appeared before the 7- man probe panel investigating his alleged misconduct with declaration that he is not scared of being sacked.

Onyebuchi, who spoke to reporters, at the sitting however said before he is impeached, he would ensure the Enugu residents and Nigerians know the truth concerning his ordeal in the hands of his boss and the state of Governor, Sullivan Chime, adding that Nigeria’s democracy was under trial in the State.

The Deputy Governor while expressing confidence that justice would prevail said, it was true that I am the one standing trial but, I want to say also that our democracy was also standing trial, adding “I want to say also that justice is on trail; I want to say also that the integrity of all those involved, including that of the panel members is on trail”.

“I believe that no matter how we want to manipulate truth and try to embellish it, eventually, if not now, the truth will triumph over falsehood”.

“This is a situation where the person who is being marched did not complain, rather the person, who is marching on him is the one complaining.

“On the poultry in question, by January 27, all the birds were removed; I did not know what happened to them, whether they were sold or eaten; I never complained, rather the person who took my birds is the one complaining”, Onyebuchi revealed.

The troubled Deputy Governor, said he was confident that it was a stranger forward case, stressing “I believe that I have not committed any crime; I am here because I believe that it is better to defend myself and protect my hard earned reputation; it is more important to me than even the office of the Deputy Governor.

“I do not mind leaving the office but the public knows that I did not commit any offence, that I did not do anything that will justify my being removed”.

“Let the people of Enugu State, let Nigerians be the judge as to how honourable the members of the Enugu State House of Assembly are in this matter.

“I believe that eventually, I will triumph; there is a panel of man, there is a court of man, but more importantly, there is a court of God where nobody can manipulate the truth. He will also give His verdict at the appropriate time”, he added.

However, it took the arguments of the counsels to the Deputy Governor, led by Chris Aghanwa before the panel allowed the media to cover its proceedings.

The Chairman of the panel, Mr. Oraekeyi Franklin had earlier barred the media from covering its proceedings, a situation that was swiftly opposed by Onyebuchi’s lawyers.

The lawyer sighted the cases of Adamawa and Nasarawa States, where the panels carried out their investigations at the full glare of the public and wondered why the case of Enugu State should be different.

Meanwhile, at the panel sitting, three witnesses were led in evidence against Onyebuchi by the Director of Civil litigations from the Enugu State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Innocent Eze.

Eze, who appeared on behalf of the Enugu State House of Assembly, led the state’s Commissioner of Land Dr. Chukwuemeka Ujam, the clerk of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Chris Chukwura and the Medical Director of the Enugu Government House Clinic in evidence.

Also expected to testify against Onyebuchi is the state Commissioner for Enugu Capital Territory Development, Ikechukwu Ugwuegede.

The Deputy Governor,s wife, Nnena Onyecuchi, who was with him in the court, shall also appear as a defense witness in course of the panel’s proceedings.