The Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Paul Emeziem, has been impeached amid claims of gross misconduct and abuse of authority, and Kennedy Ibeh has been selected as his replacement.
Amara Iwuanyanwu, the impeached deputy speaker, was also recalled by the lawmakers.
Emeziem (Onuimo state constituency) was impeached after 19 of the 27 members signed a letter accusing him of serious misconduct and abuse of authority, which was read in the state Assembly House.
Chigozie Nwaneri, a member representing the Oru East state constituency, moved the motion for his removal.
The impeachment papers were supposedly signed by 19 of the 27 lawmakers during the procedure, which was conducted under strict security.
It was learned that Iwuanyanwu, the impeached deputy speaker, besieged the chambers with his followers and took control of the Assembly building, where he announced Emeziem’s impeachment.
According to sources, just eight legislators were granted admission to the speaker’s quarters, where they convened and announced Ibeh, while Emeziem was denied entry.
Ibeh who represents Obowo State constituency is a ranking member and had always been in the race for the speaker and twice he lost.
However, four of the recalled lawmakers denied being among the signatories to the impeachment of the deputy speaker (Iwuanyanwu), who is now the speaker.
One of the sources who pleaded anonymity said there had been love lost between Emeziem and Iwuanyanwu over the latter’s supposed closeness to Governor Hope Uzodimma which gave him an undue advantage.
Ada Peter
