Enugu assembly serves Gov. Chime impeachment notice, removes Speaker Eugene Odo

Gov Chime

A 15-member faction of the Enugu State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Mr Eugene Odo, has commenced the impeachment process against Gov. Sullivan Chime, allegeding financial misconduct.

The members, who sat in the early hours of Monday in the legislative chambers amidst tight security, alleged that the governor manipulated the 2014 Appropriation Bill, among other impeachable offences.

They directed the clerk, Mr Christopher Chukwurah, to communicate their resolution to the governor.The faction entered the premises through the small gate as they parked their vehicles by the roadside.

Meanwhile, the eight-man faction which elected a new speaker, Mr Chinedu Nwamba (PDP-Nsukka East) and a new leader, Mr Donatus Uzogbado (PDP-Oji-River), suspended Odo and seven others.

Those suspended include Chief John Anichukwu (PP-Nkanu East); the Chief Whip, Mrs Theresa Egbo (PDP-Enugu South Rural); the Leader, Mr Sunday Ude-Okoye (PDP-Awgu North); and Mr Okey Nwoke (PDP-Igboetiti West).

Others are Mr Paul Ogbe (PDP-Enugu Soth Urban), Mrs Chika Ene (PDP-Udi South) and Nze Micheal Onyeze.

During their session in the same chambers, the Nwamba- led group recalled the member representing Udi North consituency, Mr Johnbll Nwagu, who was unanimously suspended two weeks ago for making unguarded utterances.

The group reversed an earlier motion that froze the accounts of the state basic education board as well as the directive that the Universal Basic Education Commission should stop further transactions with its Chairman, Ms Nneka Onuorah.

The group described their initial motion as `legislative recklessness’ as they are lawmakers and not law breakers.

“The house do hereby move that the freezing of the accounts of ESUBEB was erroneously done and of no consequence. This motion supersedes the earlier motion by the entire house,’’ the lawmakers said.

Seconding the motion, Dr Emeka Ogbuabor (PDP-Isi Uzor) noted that he had warned against the initial decision of the assembly.

The group equally directed the clerk to communicate their decision accordingly and adjourned plenary indefinitely.

Addressing newsmen after the session, the new speaker, Nwamba, said that the change in guard was necessitated by what he termed `selfish interest of the other faction’.

“We will not allow few persons to ridicule this institution due to some personal interests. We are not a party to the impeachment of the governor.

“It will be unfair to allow a few people to ridicule the state due to interests. Gov. Sullivan Chime is the best governor in this country. We will work in cordial relationship with the incoming administration,’’ Nwamba said.

A detachment of policemen barricaded the entrance to the assembly as vehicles were not allowed into the premises. (NAN)