UGOCHUKWU EKE, UMUAHIA
The plot to impeach the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere
Is gathering momentum with the Imo House of Assembly under the leadership of Hon. Acho Ihim, has suspended four lawmakers suspected to be loyal to the Deputy Governor for frivolous reason.
The new dimension is coming on the heels of several plans to impeach the deputy governor which has failed, the new move is one they are sure that it will succeed as the reduction of those loyal to the deputy governor will fast track his removal.
The affected lawmakers in question are Hon. Uche Oguike representing Ikeduru State constituency, Ifeanyi Nnataraonye representing Imo Deputy Governor’s local government, Mbaitoli, Hon. Nzeruo John Nkenna of Oru East and Hon. Chiji Collins representing Isiala Mbano Constituency.
Sources close to the Imo state house of assembly indicates that the legislative hammer is set to fall on members not willing to do the speaker’s bidding of impeaching the deputy Governor on the alleged directive of the Governor Okorocha.
According to a motion raised on the floor of the Assembly, with the title: “Motion for Investigation of un-parliamentary Conduct of Four House members”, reads; “…Whereas a number of members of Imo State House of Assembly have continual unabated to conduct themselves in ways and manner capable of eroding the co-operate image and sanity of Imo parliament and the State”.
“Be it resolve by this House that Hon. Chiji Collins, Hon. Uche Oguwike, Hon. Ifeanyi Nnataronye and Hon. Nkenna Nzeruo by (sic) immediately subjected to the disciplinary and ethics Committee of this Honourable House”.
“Be it further resolved that 4 (four) Honourable members be forthwith suspended till the report of the said Committee is received and resolved by this house”, however the motion suspending the lawmakers did not state in clear terms their offences, thereby keeping the populace in confusion and amazement.
A source at the state assembly revealed that the suspension of the four lawmakers is in concert with the directive of Governor Okorocha with a view to paving way for impeachment proceeding against the Deputy Governor, Prince Madumere.
It is believed that with the suspension of the four house members loyal to the deputy governor that the stage is set for his removal as the suspended members are perceived to be stumbling block to the realization of the impeachment plot.
However in his reaction one of the affected lawmakers, Hon. Ifeanyi Nnataraonye, said, “I am yet to know what our offences are. The suspension motion is a mere camouflage to the real issue, which our presence may have been serving as a hindrance to the quest in concluding their plot against the Deputy Governor who is standing against foisting of Okorocha’s son-in-law, Mr. Uche Nwosu on Imo people”.
Our reporter gathered that what is happening in Imo State House of Assembly had long been hatched as the present situation is one of the numerous options lined up to oust Imo Deputy Governor.
Meanwhile, those fingered in the recent effort to impeach Imo Deputy Governor are Governor Okorocha and wife, Governor’s son-in-law, Mr. Uche Nwosu, Hon. Lugard Osuji, Obinna Mbata who is working in concert with Hon. Chike Okafor and the Speaker of Imo assembly who is ready to answer all Governor’s call with a view to winning himself the Deputy Governor’s slot.
