Tension in Imo Over Impeachment Moves Against Deputy Governor

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria, News From The State Wednesday, July 11th, 2018

Photo: Imo Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere

From Ignatius Okpara, Owerri

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Tension has enveloped parts of Imo state, South- East Nigeria, particularly Owerri, the state capital, as the State House of Assembly has begun impeachment proceedings against the embattled Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere.

The Imo number two man has been at loggerhead with his boss, Governor Rochas Okorocha over his gubernatorial ambition.

African Examiner reports that the impeachment motion was moved by the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Ugonna Ozuruigbo on Tuesday during their plenary .

While moving the motion, the lawmaker, stated that the process be served on the embattled Deputy Governor, whom the House accused among other things of allegedly abandoning his duties and office as the state’s number two citizen for a long period now

A lawmaker, representing Oru West state constituency Hon. Donatus Onuigwe, who opposed the impeachment process, was immediately suspended by the Speaker.

The plenary, which almost turned rowdy led to the mobilization of armed security men who barricaded the entry and exit points of the complex.

They equally accused the Deputy Governor of refusing to carry out his official duties assigned to him by governor Okorocha.

The Lawmakers stated that the Deputy Governor’s refusal to attend State Executive Council Meetings, refusal to hold meetings with the governor, commissioners and imprisonment for theft in the USA, calls for the impeachment process against the Deputy Governor.

Speaker of the House Hon. Acho Ihim, explained that the petition surpassed the required one-third as provided for in Section 188 (2) 11 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Our correspondent, however, reports that four members were last week suspended for what House referred to as “un-parliamentary conduct,” thereby paving way for the impeachment proceedings against Prince Madumere.

Meanwhile, a six-man committee headed by the member, representing Obowo constituency Hon. Kennedy Ibe, was set up to probe the allegations and report back to the House within seven days.