Abia State House of Assembly
Abia Speaker averts impeachment of Deputy, Majority Leader, adjourns plenary indefinitely
[From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia]
Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, Tuesday, averted what may have translated to impeachment of his Deputy and Majority Leader of the House by adjourning plenary indefinitely after heated arguments by lawmakers had degenerated into a rowdy session.
After opening formalities, the Deputy Majority Leader and Member representing Ukwa East Constituency, Hon Paul Taribo, raised a Matter of Urgent Public Importance wherein he accused two principal officers of poor performance.
According to Taribo, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu (representing Ohafia South State Constituency) and Majority Leader, Hon. Solomon Akpulonu (Obingw EastConstotuency), were not leaving up to expectations, as he alleged that they have not performed very well and called for approval of the Speaker, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, for the House to vote for their removal.
The motion was seconded by Hon. Chukwu Chijioke, representing Bende South State Constituency. Members who spoke for and against the issue also include Hon. Obinna Ichita (Aba South) Hon. Thomas Nkoro (Obingwa) and Munachim Alozie
It was gathered that a former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chikwendu Kalu (Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency) and the member representing Umunneochi State Constituency, Hon. Barr. Okey Igwe, sued for the House to be adjourned and the matter be referred to the Executive Session.
Heated arguments for and against the motion, threw the plenary into a rowdy session.
In his intervention, the Speaker was quoted to have pointed out that Hon. Taribo who raised the Matter of Urgent Public Importance did not give specific reasons and the offences of the principal officers in question.
He, therefore, adjourned plenary indefinitely.
This would be the first time the House would erupt in chaos since it was inaugurated in June 2019.
